Wilson dominates NFL football production for the Super Bowl
- Wilson Sporting Goods makes the official footballs for the NFL, supplying both professional and collegiate teams.
- Each football undergoes a detailed 20-step handmade process involving approximately 50 workers.
- Around 50 footballs are set aside for each Super Bowl team, packaged and ready within 18 hours of the matchup announcement.
In a factory located in the rural village of Ada, Ohio, workers have been diligently preparing for the upcoming Super Bowl by crafting the official game footballs. Each year, Wilson Sporting Goods, which has been making every football used by the NFL since 1941, ramps up production to meet the demand for this highly watched event. During this peak season, an estimated 10,000 to 20,000 commemorative footballs are created to be sold both at retail locations nationwide and onsite at the game. The process of making these footballs is intricate and time-consuming, taking approximately 18 hours from start to finish. More than 50 skilled workers are involved in a 20-step manufacturing process which includes cutting leather panels, sewing together with around 250 stitches, and inserting laces. Each football requires a personal touch during certain steps, which enhances the quality and uniqueness of the product. The first batch designed specifically for the Super Bowl is sent to the competing teams well in advance, so the players have adequate time to practice with them before the game begins. This year, the urgency and excitement surrounding these footballs are heightened due to the impending matchup and the factory’s long-standing reputation, having produced the official game balls since 1955. The factory not only focuses on the professional leagues but also serves many top college programs and high schools, reinforcing its position in the sports equipment industry. The recent opening of a new plant in Ada has further allowed Wilson to expand its production capabilities and even establish a museum to attract fans and educate them about the football-making process. The meticulous effort and extensive numbers behind each Super Bowl football reflect the importance of this event in American sports culture. From the detailed craftsmanship to the logistical planning involved in their distribution, footballs produced by Wilson are a fundamental part of the Super Bowl experience, ensuring that players are equipped to perform at their best when the big day arrives.