On Wednesday evening, it was reported that the Wilson Sporting Goods Co. will become the official game ball of the NBA, WNBA, NBA 2K League and Basketball Africa League (BAL).
The partnership will begin with the NBA’s 75th anniversary season in 2021-22. It will also debut during the 2021 NBA 2K League and BAL seasons, 2021-22 NBA G League season and the 2022 WNBA season.
“This partnership with Wilson returns us to our roots as we plan for the future,” said Salvatore LaRocca, NBA President, Global Partnerships. “We were partners for 37 seasons dating back to when Wilson manufactured the first official NBA basketballs in 1946, and we look forward to growing the game of basketball together.”
According to Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes, the NBA and Spalding mutually agreed to part ways.
Spalding has been the official game ball of the NBA since 1983. Prior to Spalding, Wilson was the official game ball for the league’s first 37 seasons.
Wilson will use the same leather and product specifications to produce the new game ball with the assistance of the NBA and an NBPA player advisory board. The WNBA will continue to use a composite ball.
Wilson is currently the official game ball of the NCAA, being used during March Madness.
Spalding’s statement on today’s news pic.twitter.com/67OLr2eOwr
— Spalding (@Spalding) May 13, 2020