Last updated: by Thanassis Koukoutselos
The official NBA basketball is the Wilson NBA Official Game Ball: a size 7 ball, 29.5 inches around, with a genuine Horween leather cover. Wilson has made the NBA game ball since the 2021-22 season, taking over from Spalding, which had supplied it since 1983. Under the NBA rulebook the ball must be inflated to between 7.5 and 8.5 psi. Wilson sells the same ball for $179.95.
Official NBA ball specs
| Spec | Official NBA game ball |
|---|---|
| Maker | Wilson (model WTB7500ID07, “NBA Official Game Basketball”) |
| Size | Size 7 (men’s official) |
| Circumference | 29.5 inches (74.9 cm) |
| Diameter | About 9.4 inches (23.9 cm) |
| Weight | About 22 oz (624 g), the standard for a size 7 |
| Cover | Genuine Horween leather |
| Construction | NBA Pro Seams channels, game ball bladder, air retention lining |
| Surface | Indoor only |
| Inflation (NBA rule) | 7.5 to 8.5 psi |
| Price at Wilson | $179.95 (checked October 29, 2026) |
Diameter and weight are the standard size 7 figures from our basketball size chart; Wilson’s product page lists the size, cover and construction.
What makes the game ball different
The game ball is the only one in Wilson’s NBA range with a real leather cover. Leather feels slick when new and gets grippier as it is played with, which is why NBA teams break balls in before using them in games. It is made for indoor hardwood: asphalt and concrete scuff and dry out leather quickly, so it is the wrong ball for a driveway.
Official NBA ball vs the cheaper Wilson NBA balls
Wilson sells several balls with the NBA logo. Only the first is the actual game ball; the others use composite or rubber covers and cost a fraction of the price.
| Ball | Cover | Use | Sizes |
|---|---|---|---|
| NBA Official Game Ball | Genuine leather | Indoor | 7 |
| NBA Authentic Indoor/Outdoor | Composite | Indoor and outdoor | 3, 6 and 7 |
| NBA Forge Pro | Composite | Indoor and outdoor | 7 |
| NBA DRV Series | Rubber | Outdoor | Mini to 7 |
If you play mostly indoors and want the feel of the real thing, the game ball is worth it once broken in. For mixed indoor and outdoor use, a composite ball like the Authentic or Forge Pro lasts longer. For a driveway hoop, a rubber outdoor ball is the right choice.
NBA ball size vs WNBA and college
The NBA and NCAA men’s game use a size 7 (29.5-inch) ball. The WNBA and NCAA women’s game use a size 6 (28.5-inch) ball. So a 28.5-inch ball is not NBA size. All sizes, with diameters and the right size by age, are in our basketball size chart.
Related guides: the first basketball, best Wilson basketballs.
FAQ
What basketball does the NBA use?
The Wilson NBA Official Game Ball, a size 7 genuine leather ball. Wilson has supplied it since the 2021-22 season.
What did the NBA use before Wilson?
Spalding made the official NBA ball from 1983 until the end of the 2020-21 season.
How much air does an NBA basketball have?
Between 7.5 and 8.5 psi, as set in the NBA rulebook. See how much air should be in a basketball for other balls.
Can you buy the official NBA game ball?
Yes. It costs $179.95 at Wilson and is also sold on Amazon.
Can you use the official NBA ball outside?
It will work, but rough outdoor surfaces wear out a leather cover fast. Wilson lists it as an indoor ball.
Sources
- Wilson: NBA Official Game Basketball (WZ10025)
- NBA Official Rules, Rule No. 1: Court Dimensions and Equipment
- How to Pass a Basketball (5 effective tips) - August 25, 2022
- Learn How to Spin a Basketball on your Finger in less than 3 minutes - July 18, 2022
- Where Are Basketballs Made? Spalding, Wilson and Molten (2026) - June 10, 2022