Wilson releases 3D printed airless basketball which could be the future of sport
- The Airless Gen1 is a 3D-printed basketball made by sporting goods company Wilson
- It’s a 3D-printed polymer lattice structure with eight panel-like lobes and hexagonal holes allowing air to pass through, replicating the size, weight and bounce of an inflated basketball
- Despite its steep price tag, all 75 units of the limited-edition basketball have already sold
Published on Feb 22, 2024 at 9:10 PM (UTC+4)
by Adam Gray
Last updated on Feb 23, 2024 at 3:59 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Alessandro Renesis
If the truth be told, the basketball hasn’t really evolved much over the past 40 years.
That could be about to change, though, as Wilson – the sporting goods company that makes NBA official game basketball – has just released an airless basketball.
The limited-edition ‘Airless Gen1’ 3D-printed basketball has been capped at 75 units, all of which sold during this year’s NBA All-Star Weekend.
Back in 2023, Wilson turned heads when it introduced a prototype of their 3D-printed airless basketball during the first round of the AT&T Slam Dunk Content.
Former Houston Rockets small forward/power forward, KJ Martin, commented at the time that the airless basketball felt just like a regular basketball.
After receiving feedback, Wilson made further improvements to the airless ball, and has now released its first-generation model.
So Wilson made a $2500 AIRLESS basketball from 3D printing techniques. It won’t be replacing a leather ball anytime soon, but honestly a pretty damn cool idea pic.twitter.com/Cj1oHpsl5f
— Marques Brownlee (@MKBHD) February 19, 2024
If you were to imagine what a basketball of the future may look like – this is it.
The futuristic-looking basketball is a 3D-printed polymer lattice structure with eight panel-like lobes and hexagonal holes allowing air to pass through, replicating the size, weight and bounce of an inflated basketball.
The Airless Gen1 basketball comes in a size seven with a personalized tag, and is available in three limited-edition colors: brown, natural, and jet black.
Sounds pretty cool, but there’s one major drawback – its price tag.
I just know this airless basketball gonna go platinum in the hood. 🏀 pic.twitter.com/fyYelfv3I4
— Mr. W (@waco_warren) June 27, 2023
Whereas an official NBA game ball will set you back $200, you’ll have to fork out $2,500 for an airless basketball.
Despite the hefty price tag, the limited-edition basketballs quickly sold out.
As things stand, it’s uncertain when more units will be available for purchase.
We’re curious to know what Michael Jordan makes of the airless basketball and its price tag.
What Michael Jordan doesn’t know about the sport isn’t worth knowing.
Plus, he owns a business that earned him more money than his entire playing career.
All that money has allowed him to buy some incredible cars, including the world’s fastest and most powerful convertible.
# Tags - Luxury
Adam Gray
Adam Gray is an experienced motoring journalist and content creator based in the United Kingdom. Using his media accreditation with manufacturers’ press offices, Adam test drives the latest cars and attends new vehicle press launches, producing written reviews and news pieces for supercarblondie.com. Before joining the Supercar Blondie team, Adam was Motoring Editor for Portfolio North magazine, North East Motoring Editor at Reach plc, and provided motoring content on a freelance basis to several lifestyle and business publications in the North of England. When he’s not behind the wheel of the latest car, Adam can be found at his local rink playing ice hockey or supporting his beloved Middlesbrough FC.
