
Wilson will supply FIBA with a new basketball designed and engineered by its Wilson Labs innovation team that responds to the speed of the game and enhances shooting, ball handling and grip for players.
“3x3 is a truly exciting game that is open and accessible to anyone who enjoys basketball. We are excited to extend our expertise and experience in basketball into a discipline being played by millions around the world,” said Alan Davenport, Global Commercial Director of Wilson Basketball. “We look forward to combining our technology and FIBA’s leadership to make the game even more dynamic to play and watch.”
The Wilson Labs innovation team and FIBA 3x3 collaborated to construct a new and state-of-the-art game ball that would enhance player performance on the court. The new Official FIBA 3x3 Game Ball is now the same size as an intermediate basketball, also known as a size 6 basketball. However, it weighs as much as an official game basketball, known as a size 7.
The smaller circumference of the game ball offers improved ball handling for players of any size and at any skill level. The smaller ball is also better suited to the quick pace and fast scoring action of a 3x3 game. The heavier weight of the ball maintains the level of effort a player needs to shoot (as a player would need with a traditional basketball) and is expected to be less affected by the wind, which is a common factor on outdoor courts.
The new Wilson Official FIBA 3x3 Game Ball also features the Company’s patented Wave Triple Threat Technology for superior control. This patented technology places 24 additional channels, or grooves, on the ball which allows for better grip and ball handling on all types of courts and court conditions. Additionally, the ball showcases a vibrant FIBA 3x3 graphic design in bold blue and yellow to reflect the sun and sky - the outdoor conditions in which 3x3 is traditionally played.