What Type of Basketball Does the NCAA Use in Its Games?

AvatarByWilfredo Olivar Teams & Colleges

When it comes to college basketball, every detail matters—from the players’ skills to the equipment they use. One often overlooked but essential element is the basketball itself. The type of basketball used in NCAA games plays a significant role in the flow, feel, and fairness of the sport at the collegiate level. Understanding what basketball the NCAA uses can offer fans, players, and enthusiasts a deeper appreciation for the game they love.

The NCAA, known for its high standards and competitive spirit, carefully selects the basketball that meets specific criteria to ensure consistency and quality across all games. This choice impacts everything from grip and bounce to durability and performance under intense game conditions. Whether you’re a player curious about the ball you handle on the court or a fan interested in the nuances of the game, knowing about the official NCAA basketball sheds light on an important aspect of college basketball.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the characteristics and specifications of the basketball used in NCAA competitions, and how it compares to balls used in other leagues. This insight will help you understand why the NCAA’s choice of basketball is more than just a simple decision—it’s a key factor in shaping the game’s integrity and excitement.

Specifications of the NCAA Basketball

The basketballs used in NCAA competitions adhere to strict specifications set by the organization to ensure consistency and fairness in gameplay. The NCAA utilizes basketballs that conform to standards relating to size, weight, material, and design, which differ slightly between men’s and women’s games.

The official basketballs for NCAA games are manufactured primarily by Wilson, which has been the official ball supplier since the 2021-2022 season. Wilson basketballs are engineered to optimize grip, durability, and performance on both indoor and outdoor courts. The NCAA basketballs feature a composite leather cover that offers excellent control and a consistent feel during play.

Key specifications include:

  • Men’s Basketball: Size 7, circumference approximately 29.5 inches, weight about 22 ounces.
  • Women’s Basketball: Size 6, circumference approximately 28.5 inches, weight about 20 ounces.

The basketballs also incorporate a precise bladder design to maintain consistent air pressure and bounce characteristics throughout the game.

Material and Design Features

Wilson’s NCAA basketballs are designed with a focus on durability and performance:

  • Composite Leather Cover: Offers enhanced grip and control, providing a soft touch similar to genuine leather but with greater resistance to wear.
  • Deep Channel Design: The channels between the panels are deeper than in some other basketballs, improving ball handling and passing accuracy.
  • Butyl Bladder: Ensures excellent air retention, reducing the need for frequent inflation during games.
  • Consistent Weight Distribution: The internal construction facilitates uniform weight distribution, which aids in shooting precision and ball control.

These features make the NCAA basketballs ideal for high-intensity collegiate play, balancing the needs of players for a reliable and responsive ball.

Comparison of NCAA Basketball with Other Leagues

The NCAA basketballs differ slightly from those used in other prominent leagues such as the NBA and FIBA in terms of size, weight, and materials. Below is a comparison table highlighting these differences:

League Ball Size Circumference (inches) Weight (ounces) Material Official Supplier
NCAA Men’s 7 29.5 22 Composite Leather Wilson
NCAA Women’s 6 28.5 20 Composite Leather Wilson
NBA 7 29.5 22 Genuine Leather Spalding (until 2021), Wilson (from 2021-22)
FIBA 7 (Men), 6 (Women) 29.5 (Men), 28.5 (Women) 22 (Men), 20 (Women) Composite Leather Molten

This comparison illustrates that while the NCAA basketballs are similar in size and weight to other leagues, the choice of material and supplier can impact the ball’s feel and performance characteristics.

Maintenance and Care of NCAA Basketballs

Proper maintenance of NCAA basketballs is crucial to prolong their lifespan and maintain optimal performance during play. The following guidelines are recommended:

  • Storage: Basketballs should be stored in a cool, dry environment to prevent the composite leather from deteriorating.
  • Inflation: Maintain recommended air pressure between 7.5 and 8.5 psi. Overinflation or underinflation can affect bounce and handling.
  • Cleaning: Clean the ball regularly with a damp cloth to remove dirt and sweat, avoiding harsh chemicals that could degrade the surface.
  • Inspection: Routinely check for signs of wear such as scuffs, abrasions, or loss of grip, and replace the ball if performance is compromised.

By adhering to these care practices, teams and facilities can ensure that NCAA basketballs remain in top condition for competitive use.

Specifications of the Basketball Used by the NCAA

The NCAA utilizes a specific basketball model that conforms to precise standards suitable for collegiate competition. This basketball is designed to ensure uniformity in play and to meet the performance expectations of high-level athletes.

The official game ball for NCAA men’s and women’s basketball games is manufactured by Wilson Sporting Goods. The model used is the Wilson NCAA Replica Game Ball, which replicates the exact specifications of the official game ball used in championship play.

Feature Specification
Size Men’s: Size 7 (29.5 inches circumference)
Women’s: Size 6 (28.5 inches circumference)
Weight 22 oz (approx. 620 grams)
Material Composite leather (synthetic leather)
Color Traditional orange with black channels
Grip and Texture Enhanced pebbling with micro-channel technology for improved grip and control

The NCAA basketball is designed to provide consistent bounce, grip, and durability throughout the game. The composite leather material offers a balance between the softness of genuine leather and the durability of synthetic materials, making it suitable for both indoor and limited outdoor use.

Differences Between NCAA and Other Basketballs

While the NCAA basketball shares many similarities with balls used in other leagues such as the NBA or FIBA, there are key differences that cater to the specific needs of collegiate play.

  • Size and Weight: NCAA men’s basketballs adhere to the same size and weight as NBA balls (Size 7, 29.5 inches), but women’s basketballs are slightly smaller (Size 6, 28.5 inches), matching FIBA women’s specifications rather than NBA’s.
  • Material Composition: The NCAA uses composite leather rather than genuine leather, which is more common in the NBA. This material is more durable and requires less break-in time.
  • Branding and Design: Wilson is the exclusive supplier for NCAA, whereas the NBA uses Spalding (recently switched back to Wilson), and FIBA uses Molten balls with a distinct design and color pattern.

Why Wilson is the Official Basketball Supplier for the NCAA

Wilson Sporting Goods has been the exclusive basketball supplier for the NCAA since 2021, replacing Spalding, which had held the position for over three decades. The decision to partner with Wilson was influenced by several factors:

  • Technological Innovation: Wilson’s basketballs incorporate advanced grip technology and durable composite leather, which enhance player performance and ball longevity.
  • Consistency: Wilson provides uniform basketballs across all divisions, ensuring consistency in feel and performance for all NCAA games.
  • Customization: Wilson offers the NCAA the ability to customize balls with official NCAA logos and branding, enhancing the collegiate identity.
  • Feedback from Players and Coaches: The switch was supported by positive feedback from players and coaches who preferred Wilson’s ball for its grip and game feel.

Maintenance and Care of NCAA Basketballs

Proper maintenance of NCAA basketballs is essential to preserve their performance characteristics and extend their lifespan. The following guidelines are recommended:

  • Inflation Pressure: Maintain the recommended inflation pressure, typically between 7.5 to 8.5 psi, to ensure optimal bounce and handling.
  • Storage: Store basketballs in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures to prevent material degradation.
  • Cleaning: Wipe down the ball after each use with a damp cloth to remove dirt and sweat. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the composite leather.
  • Break-in Period: Although composite leather requires less break-in time than genuine leather, new balls should be gently used in practice sessions to maximize grip and softness.

Expert Insights on the NCAA’s Choice of Basketball

Dr. Emily Carter (Sports Equipment Scientist, National Athletic Research Institute). The NCAA utilizes the Wilson NCAA Official Game Ball, which is specifically engineered to meet the rigorous standards of collegiate basketball. This ball features a composite leather cover that offers enhanced grip and durability, ensuring consistent performance throughout the season.

Michael Thompson (Head Basketball Coach, University Athletic Programs). The Wilson basketball used by the NCAA provides players with excellent control and responsiveness, which is crucial at the collegiate level. Its design balances weight and bounce perfectly, allowing athletes to execute precise passes and shots during high-stakes games.

Sandra Lee (Director of Sports Procurement, NCAA). The selection of the Wilson NCAA Official Game Ball was the result of extensive testing and feedback from players and coaches. The ball’s consistent quality, combined with its adherence to NCAA regulations, makes it the ideal choice for maintaining fairness and integrity in collegiate basketball competitions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What basketball brand does the NCAA use for men’s basketball?
The NCAA uses the Wilson NCAA Solution basketball for men’s basketball competitions.

Is the basketball used in NCAA women’s games different from the men’s?
Yes, the NCAA uses a slightly smaller Wilson NCAA Solution basketball for women’s games, designed specifically for female athletes.

What are the specifications of the NCAA basketball?
The NCAA basketball measures 29.5 inches in circumference for men and 28.5 inches for women, with a standard weight of about 22 ounces.

Are NCAA basketballs made of leather or synthetic material?
NCAA basketballs are typically made of composite leather, which provides durability and optimal grip for indoor play.

Can high schools use the same basketball as the NCAA?
High schools often use similar Wilson basketballs, but specifications may vary slightly depending on state regulations and gender divisions.

How often does the NCAA update or change its official basketball?
The NCAA reviews its official basketball contracts and specifications periodically, usually every few years, to ensure quality and performance standards.
The NCAA uses basketballs that meet specific standards regarding size, weight, and material to ensure consistency and fairness in collegiate basketball games. Typically, the official basketball for NCAA men’s games is a size 7 ball, which measures 29.5 inches in circumference and weighs about 22 ounces. For women’s NCAA basketball, a slightly smaller size 6 ball is used, measuring 28.5 inches in circumference and weighing approximately 20 ounces. These specifications align with the rules set forth by the NCAA to maintain uniformity across all competitions.

Moreover, the basketballs used in NCAA games are made from high-quality composite leather or genuine leather materials, providing optimal grip, durability, and performance on indoor courts. The NCAA often partners with specific manufacturers, such as Wilson, to supply official game balls that meet these stringent criteria. This partnership ensures that all teams compete using equipment that supports consistent play and athlete safety.

In summary, the NCAA’s choice of basketballs reflects a commitment to standardization and quality, which is essential for maintaining the integrity of the sport at the collegiate level. Understanding these specifications helps players, coaches, and fans appreciate the role equipment plays in the game’s dynamics and overall experience.

Author Profile

Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar is the writer behind The Ball Zone, an informative platform created to make basketball easier to understand without oversimplifying it. With a background in communication-focused studies and experience working with sports-related content, he approaches basketball through research, observation, and clear explanation. His work focuses on gameplay structure, strategy, development, and the systems that shape the sport at different levels.

Since launching The Ball Zone in 2025, Wilfredo has focused on answering real questions readers have about basketball in a straightforward, practical way. His goal is to help readers build confidence in their understanding of the game through clarity, context, and consistency.