Wilson Sporting Goods has introduced what it claims to be the first-ever 3D airless prototype basketball. The prototype made its debut during the first round of the AT&T Slam Dunk Contest in the National Basketball Association (NBA) All-Star game on Feb. 18. The 3D-printed ball “nearly” fits the performance specifications of a regulation basketball, including in weight, size and bounce, the company has explained. Unlike a traditional basketball, however, the ball does not need to be inflated because it is comprised of a black, see-through lattice with eight panel-like “lobes.”
The ball was designed by the Wilson Labs team at the brand’s Innovation Center in Chicago and was then brought to life with key partners. General Lattice provided computational design services. DyeMansion provided color and finishing solutions. EOS provided additive manufacturing from its technical center. Wilson is the official basketball of the NBA. While showcasing this innovative prototype, the company said that there will be no changes made to the Wilson NBA official game ball, which will continue to feature the same leather materials and eight-panel configuration currently in use.
Wilson Sporting Goods is a subsidiary of Amer Sports.
