Molten BG5000 — FIBA Official Game Ball

This is the ball. The BG5000 is the official FIBA ball, used at the Olympics, the Basketball World Cup and European championships — Molten has supplied leather game balls for every FIBA World Championship and Olympic tournament since 1982. If you play competitively, it's the same ball you'll face in an official fixture.

The cover is premium natural leather, and the difference from a composite ball is immediate in the hand. Foam concentration has been increased by 35% with an EVA foam backing layer, making the ball softer and easier to control, while the surface texture holds grip even against sweat — the situation where cheaper balls start slipping. NewittsMolten BG5000

The lettering is branded into the leather rather than printed on top, which is both an authenticity marker and one less thing to wear off.

One thing to know before buying: genuine leather needs a break-in period of consistent play before it develops its softer feel. Straight out of the box it will feel firmer than you expect. That's normal, and it's the trade-off for a ball that gets better rather than worse with use. Molten USA

Indoor use, butyl bladder, nylon wound, two-year Molten warranty. Sizes 6 and 7, supplied inflated. Epic Sports

Now reduced. While stock lasts.

• FIBA official game ball
• Genuine top-grain leather cover
• 12-panel design
• EVA foam backing layer
• Butyl bladder, nylon wound
• Indoor use
• Available in size 6 and size 7
• Supplied inflated
• Two-year manufacturer warrant