OpenAI released its first piece of hardware this week: a $230 mini keyboard that the company describes as a "command center for agentic work." Alongside this device, the artificial intelligence company also introduced an unexpected product — a ChatGPT-branded basketball priced at $70.
The "Pause. Play. Prompt." Campaign
The basketball is part of what OpenAI calls its "Pause. Play. Prompt." campaign. According to the product listing, the ball serves as "a physical reminder that creativity doesn't just live on our screens." However, no additional references to this campaign appear elsewhere on OpenAI's website, leaving the full scope and purpose of the initiative unclear.
Priced at $70, the basketball is constructed from 100% rubber. This material choice makes it better suited for outdoor play, as rubber offers greater weather resistance compared to the leather basketballs typically found on professional courts. The product appears to encourage users to step away from their screens and engage in physical activity.
A Broader Merchandise Collection
The basketball is not the only physical product OpenAI is offering. The company has launched a merchandise line featuring items with inspirational messages. One product displays the phrase "Good research takes time," a message that could resonate with startup founders facing pressure from investors to deliver faster results.
Another notable item is a $175 quarter-zip sweater bearing the word "research" in cursive lettering. The product description states that the garment "features a crisp collar that reminisces on our days in academia." This framing may appeal to some customers while potentially alienating others, particularly those in the tech community who pursued careers in coding without a traditional college background.