Wilson Introduces First-Ever 3D Airless Prototype Basketball During 2023 AT&T Slam Dunk Contest at NBA All-Star

____ SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, FEBRUARY 18, 2023 

As the Official Basketball of the National Basketball Association (NBA), Wilson Sporting Goods Co. has once again proven to be one of the most innovative brands in sports – daring to do what no brand has done before. The 3D Airless Prototype Basketball was introduced Saturday night during the first round of the AT&T Slam Dunk Contest by Houston Rockets’ player, KJ Martin.

"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 ow our team approaches the game and why we are the number one basketball company in the world today."
Kevin Murphy, General Manager, Team Sports at Wilson

The first-of-its-kind 3D printed ball is truly playable, nearly fitting the performance specifications of a regulation basketball, including its weight, size and rebound (bounce). The ball, however, does not need to be inflated because it is comprised of a black, see-through lattice with eight panel-like “lobes.”

While the 3D Airless Prototype Basketball showcases the shared drive for innovation between Wilson and the NBA, there will be no changes made to the Wilson NBA official game ball, which will continue to be comprised of the same leather materials, eight-panel configuration, and performance specifications currently in use.

A world first: polymer 3D printed Wilson Airless Prototype © Wilson Sporting Goods Co.

"This is my first time participating in the NBA All-Star festivities, and to do so with Wilson, in such a memorable way on a big stage here in Utah is really special,” said Martin. “The game continues to evolve with each generation of players, and to have a brand partner continue to push the envelope through innovation is so important to the future of basketball."
KJ Martin, Houston Rockets

The Wilson Labs team created the design for the 3D Airless Prototype Basketball at the brand’s Innovation Center in Chicago before bringing the design to life with key partners. General Lattice provided computational design services, DyeMansion provided color and finishing solutions, and EOS provided additive manufacturing from its technical center, which is powered by AT&T’s high-speed fiber network.

To learn more about Wilson’s 3D Airless Prototype Basketball used during the 2023 AT&T Slam Dunk at State Farm All-Star Saturday Night please visit: Airless Basketball Prototype - Wilson Sporting Goods.

Finished 3D printed Wilson Airless Prototype © Wilson Sporting Goods Co.

About the Companies

 

Wilson Sporting Goods Co.
Chicago, USA-based  Wilson Sporting Goods Co., a subsidiary of Amer Sports Corporation, is the world's leading manufacturer of high-performance sports equipment, apparel, footwear and accessories. The Company brings more than a century of innovation, history and heritage across many sports including Racquet Sports, Baseball, Softball, American Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer and Golf.  

In Basketball, Wilson is the supplier of Official Game Basketballs for the National Basketball Association® (NBA), the Women's National Basketball Association® (WNBA), National Collegiate Athletic Association® (NCAA) for March Madness and the Final Four, Basketball Champions League (BCL), Basketball Africa League (BAL) and FIBA 3x3.

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EOS     
EOS provides responsible manufacturing solutions via industrial 3D printing technology to manufacturers around the world. Connecting high quality production efficiency with its pioneering innovation and sustainable practices, the independent company formed in 1989 will shape the future of manufacturing. Powered by its platform-driven digital value network of machines and a holistic portfolio of services, materials and processes, EOS is deeply committed to fulfilling its customers’ needs and acting responsibly for our planet.  

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