WATCH: How Spalding Makes Game Ready Basketballs

Spalding became the official partner of the NBA in 1983 and has been part of the game ever since. The relationship has lasted because of the care Spalding puts into each individual basketball. Before the best players in the world even touch a basketball, each ball goes through a rigorous process that begins in unseen quarters—until now.

Watch the video above to see the whole process, from the leather inspection in Chicago to the Spalding headquarters in Alabama, to the equipment managers of each NBA team.

Video courtesy of Spalding