MIES (Switzerland) – The official game ball which will be used during the prestigious FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 has been unveiled by FIBA’s valued and long-standing partner Molten.
A manufacturer of competition quality sports balls and equipment, Molten have produced an exclusive design for the Group Phase and the Final of the flagship tournament, which will tip off on August 25 in the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia.
The official game ball was jointly designed by FIBA and Molten based on the highly regarded BG5000, which has been used in FIBA international games since August 2019.
The exclusive design concept of the game ball is ‘The Passion Wave’ which represents both the passion for basketball that forms a heartbeat and the way it spreads and cascades around the world. Both the heart and wave elements are part of the design.
The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 will also be the first World Cup to be jointly hosted by three countries and it will undoubtedly make people passionate and excited about basketball, bringing them even closer together. Meanwhile gold is used as part of the elements, further enhancing the design of the game ball.
Andreas Zagklis, FIBA Secretary General, said “Molten has always set out to be innovative and to attain excellence. They have been working closely with us for 40 years to achieve this.
“We are all very excited by this exclusive official game ball. Its great design and concept, while maintaining the grip and quality performance, has made Molten basketballs hugely popular with players and fans.
“As FIBA’s longest-standing partner, Molten have always been an important and valuable member of the FIBA Family. Their basketballs a crucial element for us as we continue to take the sport to new heights. I thank them for their commitment to basketball and to FIBA,” added Zagklis.
Kiyo Tamiaki, President and CEO of Molten Corporation, said: “I am honored to be involved in creating the official game ball for the international competitions held by FIBA using the special design embodying the championship’s brand identity.
“Molten continuously pursues technological innovation and outstanding achievements, and for that purpose, we have been working in close cooperation with FIBA. I would like to once again take this opportunity to express my gratitude to Secretary General, Andreas Zagklis and everyone involved with FIBA.”
The official game ball launch was part of the Draw Festival held in Manila, with Argentina hero Luis Scola, a FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Global Ambassador, and Philippines Ambassador LA Tenorio, on hand for the reveal.
Sales of the official game balls and replica models will begin in various countries around the world starting from the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Draw, presented by Wanda, which will be held in Manila, Philippines on April 29.
