REF · WF10005
Wilson
Wilson is an American sports brand and the supplier of the NFL's official ball. AFG lists four of its balls, split across two lines. The NFL Duke line includes The Duke, the official NFL ball in Horween leather handcrafted in Ada, Ohio, and The Duke Replica, its composite leather replica for recreational play. The GST line includes the GST, an NCAA-approved game ball, and the GST Youth, its youth version in smaller sizes. Our product pages use only the information Wilson publishes and offers from European retailers.
United States · www.wilson.com
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REF · WF10033
REF · WF6004101
REF · WF3008201XBYH
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About Wilson
Wilson dates its founding to 1914 in Chicago, where it is still headquartered. The brand has supplied the NFL's official ball since 1941, and every NFL game ball has been made at its factory in Ada, Ohio, since 1955. In June 2024 Wilson opened a new factory there. Wilson has been part of the Amer Sports group since 1989, and its leather footballs remain closely tied to the Ada factory.
Wilson balls in our catalogue
The four Wilson balls in our catalogue fall into two lines, which match two levels of play.
The NFL Duke line
- The Duke: the official NFL ball, in exclusive Horween leather, handcrafted in Ada, Ohio. NFL Game Ball Lacing, no stripes, official size.
- The Duke Replica: a composite leather replica that Wilson classes as recreational. Pressure Lock bladder, standard lacing, official size. On Wilson's shop it is sold deflated.
The GST line
- GST: game ball in Horween “Tan Leather Formula” leather, NCAA approved according to Wilson, with composite sewn stripes and pebbled ACL (Accurate Control Lacing) laces. Wilson describes it as the official ball of more than 180 NCAA programmes.
- GST Youth: the same construction in smaller sizes (Youth, Junior and Pee Wee), with black ACL laces. Official ball of Pop Warner and the AYF according to Wilson.
How to choose a Wilson ball
The first thing to consider is the player's age. Wilson recommends the Pee Wee size for ages 6 to 9, Junior for 9 to 12, Youth for 12 to 14, then the official ball from age 14. The GST Youth therefore covers the first three bands.
Next comes use. For matches, the GST and The Duke are leather balls. Wilson points out that high school and college balls such as the GST are slightly smaller than an official NFL ball. For a kickabout or training without wearing out a leather ball, The Duke Replica is designed for recreational play; have a pump with a needle to hand, as it may arrive deflated.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Wilson Duke the NFL ball?
Yes. The Duke is the official NFL ball, handcrafted in Ada, Ohio. Wilson notes that balls used in NFL games may have stricter specifications or quality-control tolerances than those sold in shops.
What is the difference between the GST and The Duke?
Both are made of Horween leather. The GST is an NCAA-approved high school and college ball with sewn stripes and ACL laces; Wilson states that it is slightly smaller than the official NFL ball.
How long has Wilson supplied the NFL?
Since 1941. NFL game balls have been made in Ada, Ohio, since 1955.