The Best Outdoor Basketballs Reviewed – A Top 8 List

After thoroughly reviewing each of the following basketballs, we have decided that the best outdoor basketball on this list is definitely the Spalding NBA Street basketball. It checks off all our boxes in terms of features and aesthetics. Do be sure to check out other options on this list. Just because they didn’t get first place doesn’t mean they’re not great!

Are you looking to get into competitive basketball? Maybe you’re just looking to play casually? Well, you’re certainly in luck. We’ve put together a top 8 list of the best outdoor basketballs to get you shooting hoops with ease and ultimate excitement. You may be thinking, why does there need to be a list? Basketballs are just basketball! Well, that’s where you’d be wrong. Basketballs may all come in the same shape, but they’re all very different. Materials, weight, size, brand and so much more come into play. There are basketballs for outdoor arenas, indoor arenas, and even certain landscapes. Playing on concrete? There’s a ball made for that. Playing indoors on smooth tile or hardwood? There are balls for both. Not to mention, every player tends to gravitate towards basketballs that suit them best. This top 8 list will help you discover the best outdoor basketball for you and your friends. Plus, we’ll be throwing in helpful hints about how to improve your skills, how to choose the right backboard, basketball hoops, and so much more!

So you may be asking yourself, what exactly makes each basketball different? Well, there are a variety of factors. They are as follows: Material, Size, Moisture Grip, Durability, Design, Weight, Price, and Skill Level. Specific materials work best on specific surfaces, which is why there’s so much emphasis on the best outdoor basketballs compared to the best indoor basketballs. Size generally needs to correspond to the hoop and backboard you’re using, as well as the actual size of your hands. Size tends to also go hand in hand with skill level. Other factors like design and price may not be performance-enhancing or degrading but they’re still important to note. Weight and durability on the other hand definitely are. Specific weights work best for certain people. Durability tends to reflect whether the ball belongs inside or out, and also coincides directly with the material the ball is made out of.

Comparison Table

The Best Outdoor Basketball – Spalding NBA Street Outdoor Basketball

The Spalding NBA Street Outdoor Basketball is an excellent option for those who want the best outdoor basketball. If you’re planning on dribbling around and playing on a street, this is ideal. The material that this particular option is made of ensures that it will be long-lived and is bound to survive heavy use on even the worst of surfaces. A lot of cheap options will begin to fall apart after continuous use on pavement or concrete, but Spalding’s high-quality product will survive whatever you throw it at. This basketball has been deemed by many as one of the best outdoor basketballs because it comes in three sizes rather than just one. If you’re a parent and want to buy this basketball for your child we recommend buying the “Youth” option. This option is ideal for children because it’s 27.5” inches in size and will be easy to handle by even the smallest of hands. If you’re a teenager or small adult, you may prefer the intermediate model which sizes in at 28.5”. This is generally the most popular option as many deem it to be the street option, or in other words, one of the best outdoor basketballs on the market. The only other size they sell is size 7, or in other words, the official basketball size. This basketball option is 29.5” in size, which for perspective is the size they use in the NBA. Generally this option is for competitive players rather than those who just want to chill out with friends on the street. Fortunately the Spalding NBA Street Outdoor Basketball has a decent amount of pros and very few cons.

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The Runner Up – Wilson NCAA Replica Game Basketball 

This isn’t any ordinary basketball. It’s actually an exact replica of the NCAA game basketball! This is an exact replica of the ball they use for every tournament at the NCAA. Unlike the previous option, this may be one of the best outdoor basketballs out there, but it’s also really good for indoor play as well! Because of the material, which absorbs moisture of any kind, you’ll be able to grip this ball regardless of the environment you’re playing in. Not to mention this basketball actually comes with composite channels that are already laid in allowing for a complete composite cover. You’ll notice that this basketball is easy to shoot and throw because the careful way they went about designing the core ensures that the ball will merely float on your fingertips and go exactly where you guide it. Unfortunately this basketball only comes in two sizes. The first being an intermediate style, which sizes in at 28.5 inches. The second size they carry is the official NBA size, which for those who are unaware is 29.5 inches in size.

Fortunately his particular option also has more pros than cons. The first pro we’ll be discussing is the fact that this ball is a replica. For fans of the NCAA this ball is perfect. Show your support, show your loyalty, and have fun all at the same time! The second pro we’ll be discussing is the material and design! Both factors make this one of the best outdoor basketballs you can buy. Worried about getting sweaty? Not a problem. This ball is super grippy because it soaks up all that moisture! Same goes for if you’re playing in the rain. Another pro this ball boasts is a complete composite cover with laid in channels! And last but certainly not least, is the fact this is not only one of the best outdoor basketballs, but one of the best indoor basketballs as well. You can use this in your local gym, your back patio, your driveway, or even the street! The material it’s made out of is high quality and super durable! Doesn’t matter what surface you use this on! It will last forever!

Unfortunately this basketball does come with a few cons. Fortunately they’re minor! The first con we’d like to discuss is that you may need to pump this ball up on your own! This means you may have to borrow someone’s pump or simply buy one! The second con is that this ball does not come in three sizes, but instead, just two. This means it’s not the ideal ball for younger children, as it only comes in intermediate and official sizes.

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The Microfiber Option – Wilson WTB0523ID Evolution Game Basketball

This is definitely one of the most interesting options on this list, and could definitely be recognized as one of the best outdoor basketballs. This basketball comes in one colour, black. The cover of the basketball is actually made of leather which according to the manufacturer is a microfiber composite. It’s a complete cover. The channels throughout the ball are actually quite different than any other, and are unique as they’ve been patented by Wilson. Instead of the regular rubber, this ball uses composite leather that’s been pebbled. This technique definitely increases how much you can grip the ball, and is definitely a fan favourite. You’ll also notice that this basketball comes with an interesting interior. The manufacturer calls it Cushion Core Technology, and it really does make the ball feel like it’s floating on top of your fingers. Unlike other options on this list, this ball unfortunately only comes in the official NBA size.

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The Most Diverse – Spalding NBA Replica Indoor/Outdoor Game Ball

If you’re looking for one of the best outdoor basketballs, this is definitely an option you should keep an eye on. First of all, it may seem like any ordinary basketball at first, but it’s actually an NBA replica. As of now it comes in one size and one colour, so it’s perfect for people who want to get into competitive basketball and aren’t worried about customization options. The weight is also official meaning you can use this ball in any competitive game. What’s great about this ball is that it can be used both inside and outside. You won’t have to worry about ruining it by tribbling it on rough terrain. The material this ball is made of is designed to survive even the most harsh of surfaces. Most people who buy this ball tend to really enjoy using it. Below you’ll find a list of the most common pros and cons for this particular basketball!

As this ball is really straightforward, the only major pro we’ll be discussing is professional use. As we mentioned, if you are looking to get into competitive basketball, this is the option for you. It’s officially weighted, sized, and stanced. It’s a great option. The cons on the other hand are only relevant towards beginner and/or non-competitive colours. If you like a basketball that comes in different sizes, colours, and weights, this is not the option for you. This is a professional ball for professional players.

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The Colourful Option – Spalding NBA Varsity Outdoor Rubber Basketball 

This is definitely a very interesting option. This basketball comes in two sizes, official and intermediate (29.5 inches and 28.5 inches respectively). What makes this ball interesting is the lengthy colour options. You can choose purple and green, pink and black, red and pink, black and white, or blue and green. This is something you don’t see often on basketballs, making it perfect for non-competitive play. Believe it or not this type of ball is actually quite popular among college and university teams as the colours really tend to represent specific teams. Do keep in mind that this option is under the category of best outdoor basketball, and as such, it’s meant to be used outside. It will survive regardless of how treacherous a terrain you’re playing on.

The pros for this option are plentiful. First of all, you’ll notice fantastic grip as soon as you pick it up. With a fantastic outer leather and high quality interior, you’ll feel like it’s glued to your hand until you throw it. Secondly, this ball comes in a large variety of colour options as we mentioned. So many colours that it actually outcompetes all other options in the customization department. Interestingly enough, it doesn’t actually come in standard orange, which says a lot about how unique this ball is.

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The Most Resilient – Heavy Duty Champion Sports

This basketball option is definitely regarded as one of the best outdoor basketballs out there because of how durable it is. This ball is favoured by a lot of schools because it can really take a beating. This one will stay inflated for quite a while, and won’t degrade regardless of the surfaces you dribble it on. You could basically dribble this product on thumb tacks and not have to worry about popping it. It comes in multiple colours, and one size (intermediate). Do keep in mind that this is not an officially sized ball, nor is it an officially weighted one. It’s perfect for casual and non-competitive play.

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The Best Option For Students – NBA Rookie Gear Multi Colored

This particular option is one of the best outdoor basketballs for children. A lot of schools actually order this ball in bulk because it’s durable, can be used both outside and inside, and is known for its high performance. It doesn’t have patented technology like other options, but instead it’s durable and reliable. It’s not meant for the court, but instead, the school yard. The basketball itself is made of leather, and comes in one size. 27.5 inches. Perfect for young children and beginners! This option also has a pretty extensive warranty, so even if your child manages to break it, you’ll be covered. Most people who buy this product do so in an attempt to get their child started with basketball, and they’re largely successful.

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The College Student’s Option – Spalding NBA Varsity Multi Color Outdoor Basketball

When it comes to pros and cons, the list is pretty straightforward. The only cons that should be noted are the lack of the traditional colouring, and lack of size options. There are no options for young children or even intermediate players. Both will have to manage with the officially sized and weighted ball. The pros are as mentioned above. Great colouring, great for professional matches, and so much more.

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Two of the best backboards for the best outdoor basketballs!

The above list of the top 8 best outdoor basketballs is great, but how are you supposed to use those basketballs without a hoop!? Sure, you could go to a gym or court, but what about on your own time? Thankfully we have two great options for you. Both are affordable, high quality, and suitable for every option on our top 8 list above. Already have a basketball hoop and backboard? Well, time to upgrade. You deserve the best!

The Most Portable – SKLZ Pro Mini Basketball Hoop

This backboard is as convenient as it is awesome. It’s super easy to set up, and takes relatively no effort at all to use. It comes with all the hardware you’ll need, and even supplies you with the tools! You’ll even be able to keep the tools afterwards! This option is one that you can attach to any door, meaning it’s super mobile. This is one of the most durable options out there, meaning you’ll be able to use it for years without any worries. The backboard on this one is actually shatterproof, meaning you’ll be able to throw the ball as hard as you want without the backboard shattering. Sure, nothing is indestructible, but in the event that this breaks, it won’t shatter and hurt whoever happens to be in the immediate area. Definitely a great option when keeping your child’s best interest at heart!

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For Night Matches – GlowCity LED Basketball Hoop Lights

Although this isn’t an actual backboard option, it goes hand in hand with your backboard. What it does is it lights up your hoop, and lets you play at night. This is super useful for playing at night! And don’t worry, the lights are actually really durable, and are protected by high quality tubing. This means you can dunk your heart out without ruining the lighting! This product will attach to any sized hoop, and is weather sealed meaning you can leave it on the hoop in rain storms, and even all throughout the winter! This particular product comes in six colours, allowing you to really customize your backboard! So what are you waiting for? Get out there and light up your rim! Your future game scores will thank you!

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Quick Q&A Time!

How do I get better at basketball?

Well first things first, you need to practice. Practice makes perfect! Even the most experienced basketball players need to practice. The more you practice, the better you will do. The next thing you’ll need to do in order to get the most out of your practicing, is to get the right gear! Go through the list above of the top 8 best outdoor basketballs and choose which one is best for you! Choose the right size, the right material, and the right design! Practicing won’t help all that much if you don’t like your gear. Overall, with the right gear and a lot of practice, you’ll for sure see improvement! Good luck!

What are replica basketballs?

Replica basketballs are simply basketballs that have been designed to look exactly like a game that was used in a professional NBA game. Manufacturers do this to create collectors items and honour famous games.

Check out our: NBA Championship Odds Reported by Several Sportsbooks

Final Thoughts

Basketball is an incredible sport, and in order to make the best of it, you need the right equipment! We sincerely hope this guide helps you discover which gear works best for you! The Spalding NBA street basketball is definitely the number one on our list, but the other options do have their benefits as well.