In 1894, A.G. Spalding was asked to design the first basketball at the request of Dr. James Naismith.
Spalding is now paying tribute to the original model with a 125th-anniversary basketball that features similar construction and characteristics, including an "A.G. Spalding and Bros." logo and a "No. M" stamp to signify that it's a Match Play ball.
(Photos courtesy: Spalding)
The ball will be available for purchase by Spalding MVP members beginning at tip-off of Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday (9 p.m. ET) for $249.99, and then by the general public 30 minutes later.
