Spalding® Official Sporting Goods | Basketballs & Equipment
The Spalding Story
A Storied History
Since 1876, we have been true to the game. We ignite the inner confidence that lives in athletes of all levels, across the globe, and enable them to play their best game. We protect the integrity of sport because of our passion for the will behind the work. Our heritage of quality products is what makes us stand out and you excel. Explore our journey to discover why we are an icon in sports and innovation.
1871
Albert Goodwill Spalding began his professional baseball career pitching for the Boston Red Stockings. He dominated the sport, leading the league in wins every year during his career. He pitched every game with a baseball he developed himself.
1876 First Baseball
The first A.G. Spalding & Brothers sporting goods store opened in Chicago. That same year, Spalding developed the first Major League Baseball to become the official baseball of the National League (1876-1976) & American League (1889-1973).
1877
The First Baseball Glove
Spalding created the world’s first baseball glove, marking the transition from bare hands to protective wear. A.G. Spalding’s reputation in the baseball industry made the once unthinkable “sissy” glove become OK to wear.
1878
Spalding publishes the first “Official Rules Guide for Baseball.”
1882
A.G Spalding retired to become the president of the Chicago White Stockings. Like a true businessman, he started a world baseball tour traveling with the best baseball players around the world to simultaneously promote baseball and his sporting goods company on a global scale.
1887- The First Football
Spalding created the first American football with a perfect in material and workmanship guarantee.
1894
The First Basketball
Dr. James Naismith, the creator of basketball, asked A.G. Spalding to develop the world’s first basketball.
The official rules of the game later read, “The ball made by A.G. Spalding & Bros. shall be the official ball.
1895 The First Volleyball
Spalding developed and manufactured the first American volleyball.
1900 Baseball Bats
Spalding became the largest manufacturer of baseball bats in the U.S., producing over 1 million bats a year.
1930 Golf Innovations
Spalding developed the first liquid centre golf ball, the Kros- Flite. This new construction was a major technological advancement in golf balls.
1968 A Hole in One
Spalding continued to innovate in golf and developed the first 2-piece performance golf ball; the Spalding Executive. It became the most consistent and durable golf ball ever made.
1983 Official NBA Game Ball
Spalding Basketball is selected in 1983 as the Official ball of the National Basketball Association (NBA), a partnership that endured for 39 years until 2022.
1992 Basketball Advancements
In 1992, the first composite leather basketball is created, paving the way for an offering of new ranges, products and performance in the sport.
1997 Official WNBA Game Ball
Spalding became Official Basketball of the WNBA across the US.
2001 Self-Inflating Basketball
After 20 months of testing, Spalding introduces first basketball featuring a built-in Micro Pump.
2002 Official Soccer Ball of MISL
Official soccer ball of the Major Indoor Soccer League.
2003 Big Ten Tournaments
Official basketball of the Rucker League Official basketball of the Big Ten tournaments.
2004 Spalding Expands Sports Partnerships
Spalding becomes the official ball of the Arena Football League (AFL) and the official ball of the King of the Beach Volleyball Tournament.
2005 Hoop Hall Classic
Official partner of the Hoop Hall Classic.
2006 Neverflat is Unveiled
The Spalding NEVERFLAT® basketball is developed with Pressure Retention Technologies guaranteed to stay fully inflated for at least one year.
2008 Rookie Launched
In 2008, Spalding launched the first gear specialized just for Youth, introducing Rookie Gear. This range was offered across Basketball, Grid Iron and Soccer.
2009
Official Backboard
Official Backboard of the NBA and NCAA Final Four Tournament, and the Official Basketball of the ACC Tournament.
2012
Euroleague
Selected as the Official Basketball & Backboard of the Euroleague.
