New Infusion Basketball

Spalding and the NBA just announced a revolutionary new basketball, the Spalding NBA Infusion, which is never under-inflated and always ready to play. Spalding's exclusive Micro Pump, incorporated into the basketball allows you to add air to the ball anytime, anywhere.
According to independent consumer research, the number one consumer complaint about basketballs is the deflation that occurs over time. The frustration then comes with finding a pump and a needle to re-inflate. Recognizing this problem, Spalding spent the past 20 months developing a basketball that is always ready to play.

In creating the Spalding NBA Infusion basketball, Spalding engineers completely redesigned the way a basketball is built. The Micro Pump, which weighs 15 grams, is positioned at the top of the basketball and penetrates through the bladder, windings, and carcass of the ball. To offset any added weight, lighter, durable rubber compounds were utilized to meet NBA weight specifications.

"The challenge for us was to make sure the performance benefits; weight, size, balance, rebound, and durability, performed the same as a regulation ball," stated Tom Kennedy, Spalding Vice President research and development. "This is where our scientists and engineers spent an enormous amount of time testing prototypes, experimenting with different types of materials, and construction. The result of this 20-month project, of which there were 15 versions, was the Infusion basketball."

The hidden Micro Pump enables the player to add air to the basketball virtually anytime, anywhere. To add air, simply unlock the Micro Pump and pump air into the ball. One minute of activation adds about 1lb of air pressure to the ball. When completed, the Micro Pump is easily put back into the ball and locked into position.

NBA superstar Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers is the product's official endorser. "When the folks at Spalding first showed me the ball, I thought what a great idea," stated Bryant. "Then I took it out on the court and shot around with it, and it felt great. You don't even notice it has a pump. But, if you need more air, it's right at your fingertips."

"The Spalding NBA Infusion basketball is the first ball on the market to feature an integrated air control mechanism," stated Dan Touhey, Spalding Category Director Basketball. "The idea of having a pump inside the ball is not only revolutionary, it also satisfies a definite consumer need and that assures the player will never have an under-inflated ball again. Players who have tested the Infusion basketball are truly amazed at its technology and performance benefits."

"The Spalding NBA Infusion ball is truly a monumental step in the evolution of the basketball, a change that will benefit the consumer," said Chris Heyn, NBA Senior Vice President of Global Merchandising. "We expect this ball to be wildly popular among basketball fans of all ages."

The Spalding NBA Infusion basketball is ideal for indoor and outdoor use. It is made from high-caliber composite material that feels like leather, but is softer and more durable. The ball features NBA channels for exceptional grip and control. The Infusion basketball meets all NBA specifications and has a two-year, limited warranty. $44.99.

To find more information on Spalding, visit www.spalding.com or call (800) 225-6601.

SOURCE Spalding