SNL Creative’s Role in the Wilson Airless Basketball Gen1 – All-Star Weekend Launch
SNL Creative was the manufacturing partner behind the Wilson Airless Basketball Gen1, leading the production and ramp-up efforts for its high-profile debut during NBA All-Star Weekend. As Wilson prepared to showcase this revolutionary product on a global stage, SNL Creative was tasked with ensuring the concept transitioned seamlessly from prototype to a refined, high-performance production model — at scale and under tight timelines.
Leveraging its expertise in advanced additive manufacturing, SNL Creative produced the Airless Gen1 basketballs using selective laser sintering (SLS) with a proprietary lattice structure that eliminated the need for air while maintaining the bounce and feel of a traditional basketball. To elevate both performance and aesthetics, SNL utilized Dyemansion vapor smoothing and deep-dye finishing, delivering a product that was not only technically precise but also visually striking for public release.
In the weeks leading up to All-Star Weekend, SNL scaled production quickly and efficiently — dialing in repeatability, build optimization, and post-processing workflows to meet launch quantities with exceptional consistency. Every detail, from surface finish to material coloration, was calibrated to ensure each ball met Wilson’s standards and made a bold impression in front of athletes, media, and fans.
This collaboration highlighted SNL Creative’s ability to serve as a nimble, high-quality production partner — capable of turning visionary concepts into tangible, showcase-ready products under the pressure of a major product reveal. The Wilson Airless Basketball Gen1 is now not only a symbol of innovation in sports, but also a testament to what’s possible through next-generation 3D printing at production scale.
