Inside the Wilson factory: Here’s how Super Bowl footballs are made so quickly

Wilson Sporting Goods in Ada, Ohio, manufactures the official NFL game balls, including those for the Super Bowl. Each team receives 108 game balls plus a dozen for kickers, specially marked with the Super Bowl logo and team names. The process of making an NFL football involves 20 steps, mostly manual, by experienced workers, taking around three days but expedited to 18 hours for the Super Bowl. NFL balls differ from others due to the lack of end stripes and an embedded tracking chip. The factory produces around 500,000 footballs annually, with the Super Bowl requiring 10,000-20,000 commemorative balls. Rigorous quality checks occur throughout production, with each ball handled by approximately 50 workers. Wilson has been the official NFL football supplier since 1941, with its Ada factory producing game balls since 1955. A new plant expansion allows for increased production and includes a public tour option. The meticulous craftsmanship and quick turnaround for the Super Bowl highlight the dedication and skill involved.