Molten Corporation, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of competition quality sports balls, will provide the official game ball for the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup. This prestigious event, formerly known as the FIBA World Championships, is the flagship event of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and will take place in Spain from August 30, 2014 through September 14, 2014.

The GL7 game ball will combine Molten’s trademark 12-panel, twotone GIUGIARO design, which has been used for three straight tournaments since the tournament was held in Japan in 2006, with a new custom 2014 Basketball World Cup design. Created in collaboration with FIBA, this will be the first time a custom designed ball has been developed exclusively for an individual FIBA event.

As a global sponsor of FIBA, Molten has been the official game ball supplier to the FIBA World Championships since 1982. Their top leather basketballs have served as the official game ball for numerous international tournaments and competitions, including the Olympics. Guided by their brand statement, "For the real game," Molten is committed to producing the absolute best products to serve the global basketball community and support growth of the sport worldwide.

Custom Game Ball Design for the Tournament The 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup logo developed by FIBA for the tournament celebrates the beauty of the host country, Spain. Inspired by the energy and passion of the Spanish culture, the 2014 logo features a ‘flamenco’ design, juxtaposing the sport of basketball with the complexity and vibrant spirit of dance. The official game ball combines this logo with Molten’s trademark 12- panel, 2-tone GIUGIARO design, to create a truly unique appearance while increasing the ball’s visibility on the court for both athletes and spectators.

GL7 Technology 

1. Molten Flat-Pebble Surface - Molten has modified the standard pebble surface of the basketball to have a smoother texture. This flat-pebble surface provides an increased area of contact to deliver maximum grip and ultimate ball control. 

2. Molten Full-Flat Seam - By flattening the area around the seams and eliminating the difference in height, Molten’s full-flat seam basketballs provide more consistent backspin and stable, accurate shooting and passing no matter how the ball is held.

About FIBA - International Basketball Federation 

FIBA, the world governing body for basketball, is an independent association comprised of 213 National basketball federations throughout the world. FIBA is recognized as the sole authority in basketball by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and is headquartered in Mies, Switzerland. 

FIBA is responsible for the establishment of the Official Basketball Rules, the specifications for equipment and facilities, and all internal executive regulations that must be applied to all international and Olympic competitions. Among other responsibilities, FIBA controls and governs the appointment of international referees, regulates the transfer of players from one country to another while controlling and governing all international competitions. For more information on FIBA, please visit www.fiba.com/spain2014.