Is a basketball return system patented?

Short answer: specific designs of a basketball return system have been patented many times, but "a basketball return system" as a general idea is not what is protected. What matters is the exact combination of features in your version.

What our index shows

133 US and WO patent publications since 2000 have a title matching “basketballball returnrebound” or a close variant (our index of 9.7 million patent families; one publication per family).
Among the 58 best keyword matches we examined, 19 were published in 2020 or later, and the earliest was published in 2000.
Most frequent assignees in those matches: RUKKET LLC (3), DICON ROSE INC (2), PRO PERFORMANCE SPORTS LLC (2), HILLARY GREG (2).
Most common patent classes (CPC subclasses): A63B (58), Y10T (1), B23P (1), A63F (1).

Counts come from keyword matching on titles and abstracts, so they are indicative, not a legal count. Some matches are different products that share a word.

14 real patent publications related to a basketball return system

Basketball return device US-12397212-B1 2025 · TAN JIAHUI
A basketball return device includes a mounting frame fixed to the basketball hoop support frame of a basketball stand via a mounting plate. A main frame fixedly connected to the mounting frame, and a movable plate of the main fram…
View on Google Patents
Basketball return backstop net with angular adjustability US-11278785-B1 2022 · RUKKET LLC
A freestanding basketball backstop assembly returns basketballs shot at a basketball hoop to a player positioned at a location spaced apart from the basketball hoop. A net support has a base and side legs, with vertical rods remov…
View on Google Patents
Basketball return backstop net assembly US-10994186-B1 2021 · RUKKET LLC
A freestanding basketball backstop assembly returns basketballs shot at a basketball hoop to a player positioned at a location spaced apart from the basketball hoop. A net support has a base and side legs, with vertical rods remov…
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Asymmetric basketball net to support ball return US-11027180-B2 2021 · ROSER MARK COSTIN
The present invention is a basketball net designed to facilitate preferred directional momentum to an exiting basketball. The basketball net is designed and constructed in a manner such that the basketball exiting the net has desi…
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Basketball return device and system US-2018078838-A1 2018 · PATRISS THOMAS K
Disclosed herein are device and system for rebounding basketballs comprising: a) a bottom frame assembly having a front portion, first and second side portions, and a rear portion, the bottom frame assembly comprising: i) a bottom…
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Basketball return apparatus US-8147356-B2 2012 · CAMPBELL DOUGLAS BRAD
A basketball return apparatus includes an L-shaped frame, a net, and a ball return mechanism. The frame has a back portion and a base portion. The back portion has an upper end adapted to mount on a rim support bracket of the bask…
View on Google Patents
Basketball return system US-2011130225-A1 2011 · SIMS FRED
The present invention, hereinafter referred to as the Basketball Return System employs a frame and net to catch the ball, whether made or missed, and funnels the ball directly back to the shooter at the free-throw line. The Basket…
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Basketball return apparatus with track extender and deflector US-7841957-B1 2010 · WARES JONATHAN G
The present disclosure provides for a foldable, portable, apparatus for use as an operant conditioning basketball shooting practice aid by retrieving and returning shots at the hoop. The apparatus is comprised of a dismountable tr…
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Basketball return net mounting system US-7530909-B2 2009 · SOP SERVICES INC
One embodiment of the present invention includes a mounting system for mounting a basketball return net to a basketball goal assembly. The mounting system includes an elongate member and spaced apart mounting brackets where the el…
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Basketball return net with pivot wings US-7510492-B2 2009 · HUDSON GLENN E
A basketball return net assembly that allows the net to be positioned to return the basketball in a set direction. The assembly may attach to a basketball backboard and can be adjusted to point the net in different directions.
View on Google Patents
Basketball return device US-7491140-B2 2009 · DEGRAY BRYAN
The inventive system relates to a basketball training aid system including a cord-like basketball net having a central vertical axis, the net characterized by a plurality of cord segments and knots, and an entrance opening proport…
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Basketball return device US-7008337-B2 2006 · KERSHAW THOMAS R
A basketball return device is formed of an injection molded device which is formed as a resilient deflector including a spine extending the length of the device. The spine has a pair of upper and lower wings which are located behi…
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Basketball return net assembly with adjustment bracket US-6595877-B2 2003 · DICON ROSE INC
A basketball return net assembly is attachable to a basketball hoop support having a post extending upwardly from the ground and carrying a basketball hoop adjacent an upper end thereof. The return net assembly includes a flexible…
View on Google Patents
Basketball return net assembly US-6074313-A 2000 · DICON ROSE INC
A basketball return net assembly attachable to a basketball hoop support behind a basketball hoop carried thereby has a flexible foldable return net having an upper end with an upper sleeve portion extending therealong, an elongat…
View on Google Patents

What this means for your idea

Because patents cover specific combinations of features, the useful question is not “has a basketball return system been patented?” but “has my combination of features been described before?” Sports equipment patents tend to cover the grip, impact absorption, training feedback, and how gear is adjusted.

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Guides that help with this

First-look landscape. Not exhaustive. Not legal advice. This page lists keyword-matched publications from a limited database; it does not say whether any product is or isn't covered by a patent, whether a patent is still in force, or whether your idea is patentable. Consult a registered patent attorney or agent.