Basketball Balls Nike

Everyday Playground, the ball built for the pavement

The Everyday Playground is the outdoor ball from Nike. Its construction from rubber with eight panels absorbs repeated bounces on asphalt, concrete or rough surfaces, where a composite ball would peel after just a few sessions. Its deep grooves, also known as channels, guide the fingers for shooting and maintain a good grip on the ball even when hands are sweaty or the ground is dusty. The textured surface grips the palm during dribbling, and its bladder maintains pressure from one outing to the next. It's the everyday ball, the one you take to the local court or leave in the boot.

Other brands

Basketballs are also available by brand:

• Spalding.
• Molten.
• Wilson.
• Peak.
• adidas.
• Tremblay CT.
• Mikasa.

All the balls are gathered on the balls page.

Ja Morant and Jordan: the signature balls

The Ja Morant ball features the Playground construction with eight panels, adorned with a design dedicated to the guard who was chosen second overall in the 2019 draft by the Memphis Grizzlies and named the league's best rookie in his first year. Known for his acceleration and acrobatic dunks despite a lean build, he has had his own line of shoes with Nike since 2023. The Jordan Playground, marked with the Jumpman, comes from the Jordan brand, which has been part of the Nike group since 1997: it has the same outdoor purpose, the same durable rubber, with an emblem that basketball fans recognize at the first glance. Two balls meant to be played outdoors as much as they are gifted.

Next Nature, the ball delivered deflated

The Next Nature version of the Everyday Playground incorporates recycled materials into its manufacture, without changing the rubber construction with eight panels. It is delivered deflated, which reduces the volume of packaging and transport. Before the first game, moisten the inflation needle, insert it straight into the valve, and inflate in small bursts until reaching the pressure indicated near the valve, checking with a pressure gauge. After that, let the ball rest for a few hours so that the bladder takes its shape. An over-inflated ball bounces unpredictably and wears out the rubber; too soft, it won’t return to the hand during dribbling.

Good deals

Great bargains can also be found in the good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped in 24h are prepared and dispatched within 24 hours. The highlights of the year follow a steady order: the Black Friday at the end of autumn, the holiday season, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, followed by the summer sales and the back-to-school period.

Frequently asked questions

What size basketball Nike should I choose for different ages?

For children under about eleven years old, a size 5 is recommended, which is smaller and lighter for learning to dribble. Size 6 is suitable for girls and women as well as boys aged eleven to fourteen, while size 7 is for older boys and men.

Can a Nike rubber ball be used indoors?

Yes, it works on a wooden floor, but its harder feel and less refined grip make it less accurate than a composite ball. It remains practical for mixed use, indoors and outdoors, especially for kids.

How long does an outdoor basketball last?

It all depends on the surface: on very abrasive asphalt, the surface wears out more quickly. When the grooves become smooth or the ball loses pressure within a few days, the grip and bounce are no longer reliable.

How do you clean a rubber basketball?

Wipe it down with a damp sponge and a bit of mild soap, then dry it with a cloth. Avoid leaving it outside in the rain or in direct sunlight, as the rubber hardens and loses its grip over time.

What's the origin of the name Nike?

The company, founded in 1964 under the name of Blue Ribbon Sports, launched its own brand in 1971, named Nike after the Greek goddess of victory. The Swoosh, designed that same year by student Carolyn Davidson, represents a moving wing.