Last updated: by Thanassis Koukoutselos
Spalding made the first basketball in 1894 and the official NBA ball from 1983 to 2021, and it still supplies the EuroLeague. This guide covers the Spalding balls you can buy on Amazon US today, from a rubber driveway ball to a high-school game ball and a smart ball that tracks your shots.
How I picked them: I play recreationally and own a few Spalding balls, photographed on this page (a TF Gold, a Varsity TF-150 and a Marble). Of those, only the Marble is still sold and on this list; the other picks are based on Spalding’s published specs and the current Amazon listings. More on my How We Test page. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The best Spalding basketballs at a glance
| Ball | Best for | Cover | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spalding Precision TF-1000 | Best indoor game ball | Microfiber composite | Indoor |
| Spalding Zi/O Excel TF | Best indoor/outdoor | Composite | Indoor and outdoor |
| Spalding React TF-250 | Budget indoor/outdoor | Composite | Indoor and outdoor |
| Spalding Street | Best outdoor, kids sizes | Rubber | Outdoor |
| Spalding Street Phantom | Outdoor, high visibility | Rubber | Outdoor |
| Spalding Marble | Outdoor, best looking | Rubber | Outdoor |
| Spalding TF DNA Smart Ball | Shooting practice with stats | Smart ball | Training |
1. Spalding Precision TF-1000: best indoor
Spalding’s premium indoor game ball. According to the listing, it has a microfiber composite cushioned cover, Spalding’s “Shooter’s Seam” channel design, a butyl bladder for air retention and nylon windings. It is NFHS approved and named the official high school ball in Maryland and Idaho, and Spalding recommends 8 PSI.
Check the Spalding Precision TF-1000 on Amazon
2. Spalding Zi/O Excel TF: best indoor/outdoor
A size 7 indoor/outdoor ball with Spalding’s Zi/O Tournament composite cover and a foam-backed design for a softer feel. It is the one to pick if your ball moves between the gym and the driveway. The plain Zi/O TF is the cheaper version.
Check the Spalding Zi/O Excel TF on Amazon
3. Spalding React TF-250: budget indoor/outdoor
An all-surface composite cover over a butyl rubber bladder. It is the entry point to composite balls: better grip than rubber at a lower price than the Zi/O.
Check the Spalding React TF-250 on Amazon
4. Spalding Street: best outdoor
The classic Spalding rubber outdoor ball. It is sold in size 7 (29.5″), size 6 (28.5″) and size 5 (27.5″), which makes it an easy pick for kids too. See the size chart for ages.
Check the Spalding Street on Amazon
5. Spalding Street Phantom and Marble: outdoor with style
Same idea as the Street, a rubber outdoor ball, in louder looks. I own the Marble (photo below), so it is the one pick on this page that I own myself: the Street Phantom in neon green and black, easy to spot on the court, and the Marble with color infused through the rubber.
6. Spalding TF DNA Smart Ball: for shooting practice
A ball with a built-in sensor that works with Spalding’s app to track makes, misses, swishes and shot locations, with no extra hardware. It comes with a one-year app subscription. Spalding says its system has improved shooting accuracy by 10% or more with consistent use; that is the brand’s claim, not something I have measured. There is also a TF-1000 smart version.
Check the Spalding TF DNA on Amazon
Which Spalding ball should you buy?
- Indoor league or school team: Precision TF-1000.
- Gym and driveway: Zi/O Excel TF, or React TF-250 on a budget.
- Outdoors only: Street (Phantom or Marble if looks matter).
- Working on your shot: TF DNA.
Spalding facts worth knowing
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1894 | Makes the first basketball, at James Naismith’s request |
| 1983 | Becomes the official NBA ball |
| 1992 | Introduces the first composite leather basketball |
| 2006 | Launches the NEVERFLAT ball, designed to stay inflated for at least a year |
| 2021 | Wilson replaces Spalding as the NBA ball maker |
| 2027 | Current EuroLeague official ball deal runs through this season |
Sources: Spalding history, EuroLeague Basketball. More history in the first basketball; where the balls are made in where basketballs are made.
FAQ
Is Spalding still the NBA ball?
No. Wilson has made the NBA ball since the 2021-22 season. Spalding still makes the EuroLeague ball.
Is Spalding or Wilson better?
Neither across the board. Wilson has the NBA, WNBA and NCAA balls and the Evolution indoor ball; Spalding has strong outdoor and indoor/outdoor ranges. Compare models in our Wilson guide.
What is the best Spalding basketball for outdoors?
The Street, a rubber ball sold in sizes 7, 6 and 5.
What PSI should a Spalding basketball be?
Spalding recommends 8 PSI (0.55 bar) for its balls. See how much air should be in a basketball.
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Hello
I recently bought a Spalding ball (Gold, NBA, size7) and was surprised that it was “made in China”, while my others (TF-150, Marble) are “made in Vietnam”.
Is it possible that there are balls of this brand made in China?
Greetings from Switzerland