Disclosed embodiments involve a novel blend composition for use in sports equipment, particularly for use in golf ball manufacture. The composition comprises three components, (A), (B), and (C). Component (A) can be selected from polymer(s) comprising an ethylene moiety and one or more unsaturated carboxylic acid, sulfonic acid, or phosphoric acid groups. Component (B) is a compound having a formula (R2N)m—R′—(X(O)nORy)m and component (C) is a basic metal ion salt having the ability to neutralize some, or all of the acidic groups present in components (A) and (B). The blend composition can also comprise an additional polymer and/or the reaction product of one or more ionomers and component (B). In particular embodiments, the blend composition is used in golf balls, comprising a core; an outer cover layer; and 0-5 intermediate layers; wherein one or more of said core, outer cover, and/or intermediate layers, if present, includes the blend composition.