12 best spalding basketball balls

Spalding basketballs are iconic in the world of basketball and have been synonymous with the sport for decades. Spalding is a leading brand known for producing high-quality basketballs used in professional leagues, schools, and recreational play.

These basketballs are crafted with precision and attention to detail. They come in various models designed for different purposes, such as indoor games or outdoor play. The materials used in Spalding basketballs are selected to ensure durability, grip, and consistent performance on the court.

Spalding basketballs are the official game balls for the NBA, emphasizing their status as a top-tier choice for serious players. The brand has a rich history, dating back to the early 20th century, and has continuously evolved its designs and technologies to meet the changing needs of the basketball community.

Whether you're shooting hoops in your driveway or competing in a professional game, a Spalding basketball is designed to deliver the right balance of bounce, grip, and durability.It's not just a ball; it's a symbol of the love for the game, backed by a legacy of excellence in sports equipment.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best spalding basketball balls on the market
  

Spalding NBA Street Outdoor Basketball

Spalding

Based on 20 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Street Outdoor Basketball, Size 5, 27.5in

  • Intermediate size and weight: Size 7, 28.5"
  • Ultra-durable, performance rubber cover
  • Deep channel design for superior control
  • Shipped inflated and game-ready
  • Designed for outdoor play

User questions & answers

Question: Does the air come out really easy
Answer: I think she got it in early September and takes it to school everyday for recess and so far no problems with air ...
Question: does it have good grip
Answer: well, it's a basketball. these types of balls typically do not have hands attached, so, no, it does not have good grip.
Question: is it rubber or leather
Answer: Rubber
Question: does it come inflated
Answer: Purchased 03/12/19 and DID NOT come inflated. Didn't have any packaging. Just came in a plastic bag. Good thing I had a pump and needle, otherwise, I'd be annoyed.

Spalding NBA Official Game Ball

Spalding

Product description

Basketball never stays still. Every player puts their own spin on the game, so it moves, morphs and shifts with the legends who shape it. For a game that's forever in flux, few things stay as consistent as the Spalding NBA Official Game Ball. For over three decades, Spalding has joined forces with the league to create the gold standard basketball. This ball is designed to feel like second nature in the hands of the legends who wield it. Strictly made for the hardwood, it has a full grain leather construction that turns butter-soft once broken in. Designed for indoor play only.

  • Pro minded: For over 3 decades, Spalding has joined forces with the NBA to create the gold standard basketball
  • Horween leather: The full-grain leather construction turns butter-soft once broken in
  • Natural grip: Wide channels that provide a great grip that feels second nature
  • NBA Player’s choice: Official game ball of the NBA
  • Official size: Size 7, 29.5”
  • Inflation: Shipped inflated and we recommend 8 PSI
  • Indoor play only

User questions & answers

Question: is there a leather conditioner i can use to speed up breakin of my leather ball
Answer: I have found out that using a conditioner will make the ball greasy and it takes a while for it to come off. I have used a a very small amount of leather cleaner after time on the court, but mostly I'll just use a touch of warm water on a paper towel to clean and soften up the leather. It really just needs a lot of dribbling and use and to make sure you're wiping off dirt and dust after every couple of uses
Question: Does the official nba basketball have a "official d-league ball" stamp on it because the one i purchased for $140 does have it
Answer: This ball is the official NBA professional game ball.
Question: Is it legit? I bought it and it feels bad and it doesn't seem authentic, really bad quality control too
Answer: All the NBA game balls have to go through a period of time to get broken in. In the NBA equipment managers actually take then into the sauna and do other creative methods to help break then in. As they get used they will become more smooth and obtain the feel you are looking for. This is natural.
Question: I noticed that the gameball being used is different from the one in the picture. The ball is quite smooth and shiny and the grooves are deeper
Answer: The ball is the same ball. The grooves would be the same. The surface may become shinny with use. There is no other option. This is the NBA game basketball. It does not get any better than this!
Question: Is each pack different or are they all the same
Answer: Each pack was different but amongst them you will have duplicate cards.

Spalding NBA Replica Indoor/Outdoor Game Ball Sporting goods

Spalding

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The feel of the leather. The sound of the dribble. This replica basketball has the look and feel of the NBA Official Game Ball, but with a composite cover that stands up to the indoor or outdoor court. It's made for a consistent bounce and solid grip, so you can get your crossover just right.

  • Official NBA size and weight: Size 7, 29.5 inches
  • Performance composite cover
  • Shipped inflated and game ready
  • Designed for indoor and outdoor play

User questions & answers

Question: What does it mean - replica
Answer: Replica means that this is the not Official NBA Game Ball used by NBA players, but a ball that resembles the Official Ball.
Question: Does it last long for play outdoors
Answer: you need to buy a pump because it does deflate when used outdoors
Question: Has anyone compared the sp. indoor/outdoor replica game ball with the sp. neverflat indoor/outdoor replica game ball? what's the difference
Answer: I really don't like the never flat balls. They don't feel right to me. The replica is very soft and grippy. The N.F. feels rough, heavy and hard.
Question: Is the ball fully inflated when I receive it
Answer: The one I received was fully inflated.

Spalding NBA Zi/O Indoor-Outdoor 29.5" Basketball

Spalding

Based on 5 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Ready to splash through nets and trip up defenders. The Spalding NBA Zi/O Excel Indoor-Outdoor Basketball is foam-backed for a solid bounce, both at the gym and in the driveway. The Zi/O Tournament composite cover is soft and slightly tacky, making the ball easy to palm. Shipped Inflated and game ready.

  • Official NBA size and weight: Size 7, 29.5 inch
  • Zi/O Tournament composite cover
  • Foam backed design for excellent feel
  • Designed for indoor and outdoor play
  • Shipped inflated and game ready

Spalding NBA Street Phantom Official Outdoor Basketball

Spalding

Based on 6 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Take your love of the game outdoors with the Spalding NBA Street Phantom Basketball. Built for concrete courts and asphalt arenas, this outdoor ball has a durable sponge rubber construction equipped to handle weeks of Sundays at the park. The sponge rubber design gives it a softer feel than your average outdoor ball and provides a superior level of grip making it easier to palm. Its deep channels help you get your fingers aligned without a thought, so you can fully focus on your quick release over your defender and the ball ripping the net. Play like you mean it with the Spalding NBA Street Phantom Basketball.

  • Official NBA size and weight: Size 7, 29.5 inches
  • High performance rubber cover with Soft Grip Technology
  • Sponge rubber design
  • Shipped inflated and game ready
  • Designed for outdoor play

Spalding NBA Instinct Composite 29.5 Basketball (74-884)

Spalding

Based on 655 reviews Check latest price

Product description

  Sharpen up your skills with this NBA Instinct Basketball from Spalding. Featuring a premium composite cover and an exclusive symmetrical pattern, this basketball is perfect for both indoor and outdoor play. This basketball measures 29. 5" in diameter which is the official size of NBA basketballs. It ships inflated and is game ready right out of the box.

  • Official NBA size and weight: Size 7, 29.5inches
  • Premium composite cover
  • Shipped inflated and game-ready
  • Designed for indoor and outdoor play
  • Designed for indoor and outdoor play

User questions & answers

Question: Is it shipped deflatted or inflatted already
Answer: It comes inflated.
Question: What does it mean when it says two pack, three pack and four pack
Answer: I bought one
Question: does this mean 7in? what is size
Answer: Size 7 is a 29.5" basketball and considered full size.
Question: Does it comes with a needle inflator
Answer: No, this product listing is for the baseball only. If you need a pump and needle, w suggest you view our product listing for our Spalding NBA Dual Action Ball Pump. Please see link below. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HN10HSY

Spalding TF-Trainer Weighted Trainer Ball - 3lbs

Spalding

Based on 512 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Improve your arm, wrist and finger strength when dribbling, passing and shooting with the official-size Spalding(r) TF Trainer weighted basketball. It bounces like a regulation basketball and features a composite cover for an excellent grip and feel.

  • Official size with a 3-pound weight (Size 7, 29.5")
  • Weighted to help improve dribbling and passing strength
  • Performance composite cover
  • Designed for indoor play
  • Recommended inflation is 8 PSI, Ships Deflated

Spalding NBA Indoor/Outdoor Official Size Replica Game Ball (Official Size 7 (29.5") Bundle)

Spalding

Based on 342 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Spalding NBA Game Ball Series, Replica Indoor / Outdoor Basketball, Premium Composite Cover, Official Size and Weight. Spalding has been the Official Game Ball of the NBA since 1983. Adam Silver Commissioner.

  • 29.5" Game Ball with 6" pump
  • Replica of the official game ball of the NBA
  • For both indoor & outdoor play
  • Durable composite leather construction for better feel and durability
  • Needle located inside Built-in needle storage on handle

User questions & answers

Question: Do you ship this ball to the Philippines inflated
Answer: The ball arrived defleated so I don't think they will inflate it but you can easily do so yourself
Question: Tis will be a Gift! Does this Ball come already inflated and in a box
Answer: This comes deflated with a pump

Spalding NBA Zi/O Excel Basketball

Spalding

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Always be ready for the hustle on the hardwood or concrete with the Spalding NBA Zi/O Excel Basketball. Spalding’s exclusive Zi/O composite cover material is fully Pebbled for a solid grip and has a traditional channel design. The tacky feel and foam backing provide you with a good grip during behind the back passes or twisting lay-ups. This basketball has the same size and weight as the NBA official game ball and it ships inflated and game ready out of the box, so you can start hooping in no time. Lay it up, and lay it down, with the Spalding NBA Zi/O Excel Basketball.

The Spalding 64-497 Zi/O Excel is a pure example of everything an indoor/outdoor basketball should be. The official ball of the NBA, it meets all stringent official size and weight specifications. The composite leather construction features the addition of a foam backing under the full ball pebbling to make handling even more precise. The deep channel design is 30 percent deeper for even better grip and dribble control. The ball has an official size of 29.5 inches.

Brand Story

About Spalding

A Division of Russell Brands, LLC, Spalding is the largest basketball equipment supplier in the world, and America's first baseball company. Spalding is the official basketball of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), the official backboard of the NBA and NCAA, the official baseball of the Little League World Series, the official volleyball of the King of the Beach Volleyball Tour and of the "Pro Beach Series" and the official football of Pop Warner. In addition to being a leading producer and marketer of basketballs, footballs, volleyballs and soccer balls, Spalding produces softballs under the Dudley brand. The SPALDING and DUDLEY trademarks are owned by Russell Brands, LLC.

Buying Guide

spalding basketball size guide

Basketball Buying Guide





There are core sizes for basketballs: Size 5, Size 6 and Size 7.

The size you require depends on the age of the player concerned and also the sex of the player.

A size 5 basketball, is designed for players up to age 9. The ball has a circumference of 27.75" and weighs approximately 18oz.

A size 6 basketball, is designed for players between the ages of 9 to 12. This is also the ball specified for Women. The ball has a circumference of 28.5" and weighs approximately 20oz.

A size 7 basketball, is designed for all male players, 13 years and above. The ball has a circumference of 29.5" and weighs 22oz.







  • Official NBA size and weight: Size 7, 29.5 inches
  • Zi/O Tournament composite cover
  • Foam backed design for excellent feel
  • Shipped inflated and game ready
  • Designed for indoor and outdoor play
  • Indoor/outdoor composite leather basketball
  • Deep channel design for better dribble control

User questions & answers

Question: Hello, You can tell me if they send it the ball inflated or not. Thank you
Answer: Hello and thank you for contacting Dazadi.com. The ball does come fully inflated. Please let us know if you have any other questions!
Question: Zi/o vs zi/o excel
Answer: zi/o excel. I have the zi/o excel myself and I would recommend it to every basketball player, for it is not only good looking, but it feels better and is really good indoor/outdoor
Question: What does composite leather mean
Answer: Composite leather means it's made from leather fibers. I think it's analogous to wood particle board. The feel is pretty tacky; feels less synthetic and more like true leather.
Question: What's the difference between the Zi/O Excel Basketball and the Zi/O Basketball
Answer: The excel is supposed to be more for outdoor. But they both play the same. Have to say though this ball while it says outdoor will lose its grip in a month or two. For street ball it picks up dirt like crazy and you will lose your handles on almost anything but a simple layup. Personally trying the Nike elite ball at dicks. For 30ish bucks I hear good things. Had a chance to play the grooves on the Nike ball facilitates better shooting and handling

Spalding TF-1000 Classic ZK Indoor Game Basketball

Spalding

Based on 285 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Everything in basketball is earned, and the TF-1000 Classic ZK indoor game basketball is no different. The more you play, the more it molds to your game. Born for the hardwood, the composite cover turns butter-soft after break-in. Its wide channels make it easy to handle which is one of the reasons it's used by some of the best athletes in high school hoops.

  • COMPOSITE LEATHER MATERIAL: ZK microfiber composite cover that turns butter-soft after break-in
  • SUPERIOR GRIP: Wide channel design for easy handles
  • BUILT FOR PERFORMANCE: Rotationally balanced butyl bladder for ultimate air retention and nylon windings for excellent structural integrity
  • OFFICIAL SIZE: Size 7, 29.5”
  • HIGH SCHOOL APPROVED: NFHS (National Federation of State High School Association) approved and the state adopted ball for CIF, Idaho, and North Dakota
  • INFLATION: Shipped inflated and we recommend 8 PSI
  • INDOOR PLAY ONLY

User questions & answers

Question: How does the basketball feel
Answer: So we’ve used Wilson Evolutions, the TF-1000s, and the new Adidas indoor game ball. They are all great game balls. The TF-1000 has a great, tacky, feel. I’d buy it again.
Question: Bought 28.5 inch cause of a tf-500 at my gym i can palm real easy. this not quite as easy. better over time? does it get less slick? inflated to 8 lbs
Answer: That’s a girls/young boys size ball. Yes, it doesn’t stay slick like that. Great ball.
Question: What does the "bundle" mean for the 28.5 balls
Answer: Hello Mary,Thank you for your inquiry. This item is sold as a single ball, there are two different 28.5 balls, one as bundle has a different description than the one described just as 28.5. It is used to differentiate between the two kinds of 28.5 balls offered. Please let us know if we may be of further assistance.Kind Regards,ElsieCustomer Service RepresentativeS&S Worldwide
Question: does this ball have advance moisture management like the origingal
Answer: This ball is nothing like the original TF1000. It had an almost waxy surface. The next best thing is the evolution by Wilson or the contour by Rawlings. The classic does not wick away slightly sweaty palms for that perfect grip the original TF1000 would to stabilize a palmed ball. If you played ball for number of years you will regret this purchase

Spalding Rookie Gear Indoor/Outdoor Composite 27.5 Youth Basketball

Spalding

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Help your young athlete sharpen up their skills. The Spalding NBA Rookie Gear Youth Basketball is the same size as standard youth balls, but with a lighter weight. It's made with a composite cover that holds up to drills both indoors and out

  • Youth: Size 5, 27.5 Inch
  • Performance composite cover
  • 15% lighter to help develop technique
  • Shipped inflated and game ready
  • Designed for indoor and outdoor play

Spalding NBA Varsity Basketball Outdoor

Spalding

Based on 6 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Take your game to new heights with the Spalding NBA Varsity neon basketball. It's designed with a premium rubber cover for durability, and its official size and weight make it perfect for outdoor play.

  • Official size ball is constructed with rubber and offers a 29.5 inch circumference
  • Features a durable outdoor cover
  • Official NBA size and weight
  • Designed to withstand the street game
  • Recommended inflation is 8 PSI

User questions & answers

Question: is it free shipping
Answer: It is through PRIME
Question: The one basketball does not hold air----it was the blue and green one--I need to have it replaced-- not by my expense-------Whp will replace it
Answer: We are sorry to hear you have experienced an issue with one of our products. To file a warranty claim, please contact our customer service at 1-855-253-4533 or by email [email protected]
Question: What size is the ball? I need 29.5 specifically
Answer: But if you choose size 7 it's 29.5
Question: Does this ball arrive in a manufacturer box from the factory or rolling around in a amazon
Answer: Mine came USED- in an Amazon box I returned it

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