The NBA says it has learned its lesson when it comes to basketballs.
The league announced earlier this month it would switch ball providers, changing to a to-be-developed basketball created and manufactured by Wilson Sports Goods Co. starting in the 2021-22 season. That will end a relationship that began in 1983 with the current ball provider Spalding.
It was clear from the league’s announcement and subsequent statements that players will be involved in creation of the Wilson game ball, which is a departure from past practices.
The last significant change in NBA game balls came before the 2006-07 season when then-commissioner David Stern announced that the league would use a synthetic Spalding ball – a decision made without consulting players or their union.
Made with a cheaper material called Cross Traxxion microfiber instead of leather, the Spalding ball also reconfigured the eight-panel design into a single…
