Basketball balls Wilson

Wilson, from Chicago to the NBA ball

Wilson was founded in 1913 in Chicago and became one of the big names in American sports balls. In basketball, the brand had already supplied the league's ball in its early days; it resumed this role from autumn 2021, becoming the official ball supplier for the NBA. Wilson also provides for American college basketball, and since 2021 for the three-on-three FIBA discipline, which was included in the Olympic program at the Tokyo Games. Their range includes match balls, indoor training balls, and street play balls.

Other brands

Basketballs are also available by brand:

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

All the balls are listed on the balls page.

A size five for the three-on-three game rules

The official ball for three-on-three has a unique feature: a size six circumference, easier to grip with one hand, and the weight of a size seven, which provides shooting sensations close to traditional basketball and withstands the wind on outdoor courts. The junior version adapts this principle to a size five ball, suitable for children's hands. It mirrors the look of the official ball, with its two-colour panels, and is distinguished by light green grooves. Its textured surface covers the entire area to increase grip points for dribbling and shooting.

Indoor or playground: the right ball material

The material is chosen based on the surface. A composite leather ball offers a soft feel and good grip on gym floors, but its coating wears quickly on asphalt. A rubber ball, firmer, handles the abrasion of the playground, rain, and rebounds on concrete. Between the two, indoor-outdoor balls are suitable for those who switch between a club and local courts. In all cases, check the pressure before playing: a ball that's too hard bounces high and tires the fingers, while a soft ball sticks to the ground and disrupts the rhythm of dribbling.

Good deals

Good finds can also be found in good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped within 24h are prepared and sent within 24 hours. The major events of the year follow a stable order: the Black Friday in late autumn, the end-of-year holidays, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, then summer sales and back to school.

Frequently asked questions

What size of Wilson ball is suitable for a child?

The size five is suitable for children aged around seven to eleven, while the size three is for little ones learning to dribble. The junior three-on-three ball, size five, is a good option for children playing on the playground.

Size six or size seven Wilson ball: which one to choose?

The size six is for players aged under thirteen and boys in that same category. The size seven is for boys from under fifteen and men: it's the format of the NBA ball.

Is three-on-three basketball also played in gyms?

Three-on-three is mainly played outdoors, on hard courts or modular surfaces, but nothing prevents playing in a gym. Its size seven weight makes it stable in the wind, an advantage on playgrounds.

How to inflate a Wilson basketball?

Moisten the needle before inserting it straight into the valve, then inflate to the pressure indicated on the ball. Check with a pressure gauge rather than by hand: a few tenths of a bar can change the bounce.

How to store a Wilson ball between matches?

Store it in a bag, away from sunlight and heat sources that can harden the coating. Wipe it after a game in the rain and slightly deflate it if it will be unused for a long time.