Last updated: by Thanassis Koukoutselos
Short answer: the NBA, WNBA, G League and NCAA all play with Wilson balls. FIBA competitions, including the World Cup and the Olympics, use Molten. The EuroLeague uses Spalding. Men’s official balls are size 7 (29.5 inches); women’s are size 6 (28.5 inches).
Official basketballs by league (2026)
| Competition | Official ball | Maker | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| NBA | Wilson NBA Official Game Ball (leather) | Wilson | 7 |
| NBA G League | Wilson G League game ball | Wilson | 7 |
| WNBA | Wilson WNBA game ball (Evo NXT construction, composite) | Wilson | 6 |
| NCAA (men and women) | Wilson Evo NXT | Wilson | 7 men, 6 women |
| FIBA World Cup, Olympics, FIBA qualifiers | Molten BG5000 (FIBA game ball) | Molten | 7 men, 6 women |
| EuroLeague | Spalding EuroLeague game ball | Spalding | 7 |
NBA: Wilson since 2021
Wilson took over the NBA game ball from Spalding starting with the 2021-22 season, ending Spalding’s run that began in 1983. The game ball has a leather cover, like every NBA ball except the short-lived 2006 microfiber ball. Details, history and the retail versions are in our official NBA basketball guide. To shop: Wilson NBA Official Game Ball on Amazon or the cheaper composite Wilson NBA Authentic Series.
WNBA and G League
Both leagues also use Wilson. The WNBA ball was introduced for the league’s 25th season in 2021 and uses Wilson’s Evo NXT construction with a 100% composite leather cover (Wilson). It is a size 6, the women’s size.
NCAA: Wilson Evo NXT
The NCAA switched to the Wilson Evo NXT for men’s and women’s basketball in 2021 (NCAA.com). It is a composite ball, so it is also a popular choice for high school and club play. Shop the Wilson Evo NXT on Amazon.
FIBA, World Cup and Olympics: Molten
Molten’s leather ball has been the official ball of every Olympic Games and FIBA World Championship/World Cup since 1982 (FIBA), and the partnership runs through the 2027 and 2031 World Cups (SportCal). The current game ball is based on the 12-panel BG5000, used in FIBA competitions since August 2019. See our FIBA basketballs guide for the specs, or shop the Molten BG5000 and the cheaper Molten BG3800.
EuroLeague: Spalding
Spalding supplies the official game ball for EuroLeague Basketball, with the deal running through 2027 (EuroLeague Basketball). Shop the Spalding EuroLeague ball on Amazon.
What size is an official basketball?
Size 7 (about 29.5 inches around) for men’s play and size 6 (about 28.5 inches) for women’s play, in every league above. FIBA’s 2024 equipment rules set a size 7 at 580 to 620 g. Full tables by age are in our basketball size guide and basketball weight guide.
FAQ
What basketball does the NBA use?
The Wilson NBA Official Game Ball, a leather size 7, since the 2021-22 season.
What basketball is used in the Olympics?
Molten. The current FIBA game ball is based on the Molten BG5000.
Is the NBA ball the same as the FIBA ball?
No. The NBA ball is an 8-panel Wilson leather ball; the FIBA ball is a 12-panel Molten ball. Both are size 7.
Can I buy the exact official game ball?
Yes for the NBA and NCAA balls, which Wilson sells at retail. For FIBA, Molten has kept the premium leather version of tournament balls for competition (as with the 2019 World Cup ball) and sold composite and rubber versions with the same design to the public.
Related
- 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
IL LUV MOLTEN BASKETBALLS THEY ARE EXPENSIVE BUT SUCH A WWWWW