Airless Basketball

February 27, 2024

The Wilson Airless Gen1 basketball is a prototype designed to eliminate the need for inflation. By reimagining the traditional basketball's design, Wilson has introduced a product that could potentially set a new standard in the sport's equipment. The Wilson Airless Gen1 uses a 3D-printed polymer lattice structure make it feel and perform just like traditional basketball. There are hexagon-shaped holes across the surface allow air to pass through freely. The ball's surface texture and material have been optimized to ensure excellent grip and control in various playing conditions, maintaining performance consistency whether indoors or outdoors. In professional sports, it could lead to more uniform gameplay, as every ball would perform identically (think Deflategate). There are several other 3D-printed airless products being devloped today: airless vehicle tires, airless bicycle tires, airless wheelchair tires, and soccer and volleyball tires.

Here is an unboxing video of the Wilson Airless Gen1 basketball.

The video above is intended for educational purposes and does not constitute or imply an endorsement by FutureForAll.org.