• TL;DR: The world's first 3D printed airless basketball is a literal, actual thing.

• So what? You’ll never need to worry about a flat before you hit the court again.

Chicago based sports equipment and apparel manufacturer Wilson Sporting Goods Co. has made a slam dunk in innovation. During the high-octane 2023 AT&T Slam Dunk Contest at the NBA All-Star event, the brand introduced the first-ever 3D Airless Prototype Basketball, defying traditional basketball norms and showcasing a futuristic approach to sports equipment.

A tech marvel in the palm of your hand

What makes this basketball stand out? It's airless. Yes, you read that right. The ball doesn't need inflation (relatable, in this economy tbh). Its unique design, a black see-through lattice with eight panel-like "lobes," is a visual and technical wonder. It almost matches a regular basketball in weight, size, and rebound, yet it stands apart in its futuristic construction.

While the innovative prototype offers a glimpse into what might be in the future of the sport, don't expect to see this ball in official games anytime soon. Wilson assures that the NBA's official game ball will retain its classic leather composition and eight-panel configuration.

The birth of the Airless basketball

The backstory of the prototype is one of collaboration and technological innovation. The design, birthed in Wilson's Innovation Center in Chicago, was brought to life with the help of General Lattice for computational design, DyeMansion for colour and finishing, and EOS for additive manufacturing. And powering it all? AT&T's high-speed fibre network.

A memorable debut for KJ Martin

At the heart of this spectacle the was Houston Rockets' own KJ Martin (now Philadelphia 76ers) who debuted the playable 3D printed basketball during the State Farm All-Star Saturday Night. Martin expressed his excitement about participating in the NBA All-Star festivities by saying “the game continues to evolve with each generation of players, and to have a brand partner [Wilson] continue to push the envelope through innovation is so important to the future of basketball.”

A glimpse into the future of basketball

"We are so proud to unveil Wilson's 3D Airless Prototype basketball as a physical manifestation of our continued commitment to sport innovation," said Kevin Murphy, General Manager, Team Sports at Wilson. "This is just one example of how our team approaches the game and why we are the number one basketball company in the world today.”

The airless prototype also aligns with the NBAs goal to constantly push boundaries—reinventing the game, reimagining the future of basketball, and how each generation can contribute to its growth and transformation.

The Takeaway

What Wilson unveiled at the NBA All-Star event is more than just a new type of basketball. It's a statement about the future of sports technology and innovation. As the game evolves, so do the tools of the trade. The 3D Airless Prototype Basketball is a sneak peek into a future where sports and technology blend seamlessly, creating new experiences for players and fans alike.

For more details on Wilson's creation, visit their dedicated page on the 3D Airless Prototype Basketball.