The National Football League (NFL) does not directly pay for the individual footballs used during games. Instead, the financial responsibility for these crucial pieces of equipment falls on the individual NFL teams.
Who Bears the Cost of NFL Game Balls?
While the NFL manages the league operations, scheduling, and overall structure, the procurement of game-ready footballs is a team-level expenditure. Each of the 32 NFL teams is responsible for purchasing the official game balls required for their practices and home games. This ensures that every team has a sufficient supply of properly prepared footballs for competition.
Here's a breakdown of responsibility for football costs:
| Entity Responsible | What They Pay For |
|---|---|
| NFL (League Office) | No direct payment for individual game footballs. |
| Individual Teams | All official game and practice footballs for their roster. |
| Fans/Consumers | Retail versions of official NFL footballs. |
The Cost of an Official NFL Football
Although the NFL itself doesn't purchase the balls, the teams acquire them from the league's official football supplier, Wilson Sporting Goods. An official NFL game ball, often referred to as "The Duke" (named after Wellington Mara), is a premium, handcrafted item.
For consumers, an official NFL "The Duke" game ball typically retails for approximately $120 to $150. This price reflects the high-quality materials, meticulous craftsmanship, and the official licensing required for a professional-grade football. While teams likely purchase these in bulk at a different rate, they are still a significant expense given the quantity required throughout a season.
Key characteristics of an official NFL game ball include:
- Material: Made from genuine cowhide leather for optimal grip and durability.
- Dimensions: Standardized size and weight, precisely inflated to 12.5–13.5 pounds per square inch (PSI).
- Production: Each ball is handcrafted in Ada, Ohio, and undergoes a rigorous breaking-in process before it's ready for game use.
Football Usage in an NFL Game
An NFL game requires a substantial number of footballs, far more than just one or two. Each team provides a set of footballs for its offensive plays during a home game. These balls are meticulously prepared and inspected by officials before kickoff.
- Quantity: Each game typically has around 24 "kicking balls" and 12 "playing balls" (6 for each team's offense) available, though many more are prepared.
- Preparation: Footballs undergo a thorough "breaking-in" process, which can involve brushing, rubbing, and even slightly darkening the leather to enhance grip and feel for players. This process is typically handled by equipment managers.
- Game Flow: Multiple balls are used throughout a game to maintain pace. For instance, after a touchdown or an incomplete pass, a new ball is often immediately available for the next down, while the previous ball is collected.
This system ensures that high-quality, properly prepared footballs are always available for play, with the teams bearing the cost as part of their operational expenses.
