James Naismith invented basketball at Springfield College in the 1890s. It was winter, and Naismith wanted to create a game that could be played inside during the cold season. Rougher sports like soccer or rugby wouldn’t work indoors, and the risk of bruises or broken bones was too big.
That’s when Naismith had an idea. Using two peach crates as goals, players would compete on teams as they tried to throw a ball into the basket. Games were divided into two 15-minute segments and Naismith developed 13 rules to guide the new sport.
And basketball was born.
Basketball has changed a lot over the years, but one thing remains pretty consistent: the ball itself. Players originally used a soccer ball, but specialized versions popped up as the sport got more popular.
You can usually buy a modern basketball for less than $20 — but they’re not all cheap. Here’s our list of the top 10 most expensive basketballs in the world!
10. Barocco Print Basketball
Brand or Maker: Versace
Unique Feature: Versace’s iconic Barocco print
Basketball Fact: This ball is made of pure rubber
photo source: versace.com
First up is this unique basketball by Versace.
Yes, the same Versace that makes luxury clothing like these thousand-dollar silk shorts.
The fashion label’s iconic Barocco print cover’s the ball’s rubber surface, and that’s about it. Beyond the print, this is a standard basketball with a diameter measuring about 9 inches and an all-rubber body.
This isn’t the first time Versace has dipped its toes in the non-clothing market. You can buy an umbrella, a rugby ball, and a ping pong paddle from the brand, all featuring the Barocco print.
Did you know?
Versace also sells a soccer ball with Barocco print for over $200.
9. Tiffany & Co. x Wilson Basketball
Brand or Maker: Tiffany & Co. and Wilson
Unique Feature: Double A Tiffany logo
Basketball Fact: This basketball was limited-edition
photo source: esquire.com
Tiffany & Co. is a luxury jewelry company, but did you know the brand also made a basketball? The limited-edition ball was made in collaboration with Wilson, one of the biggest names in sporting goods.
The ball features a unique “double A” Tiffany logo that “commemorates the All-Star game in Cleveland” according to Daniel Arsham, the ball’s designer.
Tiffany & Co. priced this ball at $575 when it was first released, but some collectors are reselling it for over $1,000. Would you buy this basketball?
Did you know?
Daniel Arsham is a contemporary artist working in New York. His work often explores architecture, satire, and experimental forms.
8. Louis Vuitton Basketball
Brand or Maker: Louis Vuitton and the NBA
Unique Feature: Debossed LV logo
Basketball Fact: This ball is made of LV’s special leather
photo source: menshealth.com
Up next is another ball made by a luxury fashion brand. This time it’s Louis Vuitton (LV), the brand behind high-end handbags, pricey luggage, and thousand-dollar t-shirts.
LV embossed its famous logo in the leather ball alongside the NBA’s insignia. The limited-edition design sold for over $2,000, making it the eighth most expensive basketball in the world.
Did you know?
Louis Vuitton uses special, luxury leather for its handbags and luggage. The brand used the same leather to make this basketball. The traditional brown leather is very expensive and used to construct products that sell for thousands of dollars.
7. Chanel Basketball Handbag
Brand or Maker: Chanel
Unique Feature: Leather with real gold hardware
Basketball Fact: This basketball debuted in 2019
photo source: sothebys.com
High fashion is at it again.
Chanel debuted this basketball handbag in 2019 at its Autumn/Winter show. The bag features a calfskin and gold strap holding a real, fully functional rubber basketball.
The Chanel logo is set in golden text on the ball, while the brand’s insignia is placed at the strap’s jointed bottom.
Chanel sold this basketball for a whopping $2,300 in 2019. Today, the rare collector’s item might be worth over seven grand.
Did you know?
Chanel also sells a pricey volleyball with a similar “handbag” design. The volleyball was limited-edition and priced at $2,600 because why not?
6. Supreme Basketball
Brand or Maker: Supreme and Spalding
Unique Feature: Supreme x Spalding logos
Basketball Fact: This basketball came out in 2007
photo source: sothebys.com
Supreme was destined to join this list. The brand is behind a bunch of crazy-expensive and kinda weird products, including a clay brick worth upwards of $100 and a small inflatable blimp.
In 2007, Supreme added a basketball to its catalog. Sporting goods brand Spalding joined the project, producing a ball that’s worth about $9,000 today.
Like other basketballs, this ball features a standard rubber design. How much would you pay for it?
Did you know?
Supreme was founded in the spring of 1994 in Manhattan. Today, the company is an international luxury goods label known for collaborating with other high-end brands.
5. 1968 Inaugural Season ABA Championship Basketball
Brand or Maker: Rawlings
Unique Feature: ABA insignia
Basketball Fact: This ball was used during an ABA game
photo source: liveauctioneers.com
At number five is a basketball used during a 1968 ABA Championship game. The ball features a classic ABA logo alongside Rawlings’ branding.
According to the auction house that sold this ball, “1967-68 was the inaugural season of the ABA with George Mikan as the league’s first commissioner. The Championship was a seven game series between the New Orleans Buccaneers and the Pittsburgh Pipers.”
Overall, this one-of-a-kind basketball is worth about $13,000.
Did you know?
This ball was sold alongside a letter confirming it was used during the 1968 ABA Championship. It was also accompanied by an ABA gym travel bag.
4. MARKET SMILEY® Globe basketball
Brand or Maker: Swarovski
Unique Feature: Coated in real crystals
Basketball Fact: This basketball is 9 ½ inches in diameter
photo source: swarovski.com
Fifteen grand for a basketball? Swarovski says yes! The wildly expensive ball was made in partnership with MARKET and features 15,000 authentic Swarovski crystals.
The standard-size ball is 9 ½ inches in diameter and offers a standard rubber body surrounded by technicolor shimmering crystal. Would you buy one?
Swarovski was founded in 1895. The Austria-based company is known for its high-end and crazy-expensive crystals and gemstones.
According to the brand, “A responsible relationship with people and the planet is an integral part of Swarovski’s heritage…the Swarovski Foundation, set up in 2013, works to support culture and creativity, promote wellbeing, and conserve natural resources to achieve positive social impact.”
Did you know?
Beyond crystals, Swarovski makes luxury jewelry and light fixtures.
3. 1947-48 Baltimore Bullets BAA Championship Basketball
Brand or Maker: Wilson
Unique Feature: Signed by Paul James Hoffman
Basketball Fact: This basketball is made of leather
photo source: liveauctioneers.com
This awesome piece of basketball history was signed by Paul James Hoffman, a pro player of the mid-1900s. The leather Wilson-brand basketball was used during the ‘47-’48 season and features “Baltimore Bullets” branding.
Live Auctioneers offered this ball at an auction in September 2012. The final bid landed at a whopping $15,000, making this the third most expensive basketball in the world.
Did you know?
Paul James Hoffman was born in the spring of 1925. The basketball player attended Purdue University after graduating from Jasper High School. Hoffman joined the Baltimore Bullets in 1947 and passed away in 1998 in Baltimore, Maryland.
2. LeBron James’ Signed Basketball
Brand or Maker: Spalding
Unique Feature: Signed by 30 pro players
Basketball Fact: This ball comes from the 2009 All-Star game
photo source: liveauctioneers.com
At number two is this All-Star basketball signed by no less than 30 pro players — including LeBron James. The incredible basketball comes from the 2009 All-Star game in which LeBron scored 20 points for the Eastern Conference. The Western Conference ultimately claimed victory 146 to 119.
In 2022, Live Auctioneers sold the basketball signed by LeBron for a jaw-dropping $16,000. That makes it the second most expensive basketball ever.
Did you know?
The 2009 All-Star game had a lot of notable moments, but one of the most striking was LeBron’s missed dunk. The miss happened in the 4th quarter with West leading 146 to 117. LeBron made it up just a few seconds later though with a solid dunk bringing East up to 119.
1. Obama’s Autographed Basketball
Brand or Maker: Spalding
Unique Feature: Signed by President Obama
Basketball Fact: President Obama used this ball during his 49th birthday
photo source: marca.com
Obama’s autographed basketball is the most expensive basketball in the world.
On this 49th birthday, President Obama played a quick game with Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Carmelo Anthony. The star-studded game resulted in a basketball featuring autographs from the president and four of the world’s most famous players.
In 2022, Heritage Auctions sold Obama’s autographed basketball. As you probably guessed, the bidding was competitive. The final price landed somewhere north of $17,000, making it the world’s most expensive basketball!
Did you know?
During his time in office, President Obama played basketball with a variety of iconic athletes, including Dwayne Wade.
