The NCAA News - News and Features

The NCAA News -- March 29, 1999

Wilson to supply official balls for NCAA football championships

The NCAA has named Wilson Sporting Goods Co. as the supplier of the official ball of its football championships and NCAA Football.

The agreement, which will be effective beginning in 1999 and run through 2003, extends to NCAA football championships in Divisions I-AA, II and III.

All Wilson NCAA game footballs are made of Horween 864 leather and tanned-in tack and lockstitch construction. There are three patterns to choose from: the F1001, which is the same pattern and size as the National Football League game ball; the F1005, a ball that is said to be easier to grip and throw (for players with smaller hands); and the new F1004, a slightly narrower ball, which is the same pattern as the Wilson TD football and is the Wilson ball of choice for high schools.

"Wilson has long been a leader in producing the highest quality footballs for NCAA teams," said C. Dennis Cryder, vice-president of marketing, licensing and promotions at the NCAA. "We are pleased that Wilson has made a commitment to greatly expand the retail presence of NCAA Football."

NCAA Football is an initiative made up of the American Football Coaches Association, the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics, the Conference Commissioners Association and the NCAA.

A note in the "Briefly in the News" section of the March 15 issue of The NCAA News incorrectly stated when the Wilson agreement will begin. The program will begin in 1999.