Kristian Ferrell
The American Basketball Association (ABA) is a men's professional basketball league that operated from 1967 to 1976 and then merged with the National Basketball Association (NBA). The ABA was established as a competitor to the NBA and introduced innovations such as the 3-point line and the trademark red, white, and blue basketball. The league included notable players such as Julius Irving, George Gervin, and Moses Malone. In 2000, the ABA was relaunched in partnership with the NBA, and it has since become the largest professional sports league in the world. Teams interested in joining the ABA can register online, and the league offers a simple process with minimal rules to ensure an enjoyable experience for players.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Founding date | 1967 (re-launched in 2000) |
| Number of seasons | 9 (1967-1976) |
| Number of teams | 11 initially, 4 absorbed by the NBA in 1976 |
| Divisions | BLUE, WHITE, BLACK, RED |
| Teams | Indiana Pacers, Kentucky Colonels, Minnesota Muskies, New Jersey Americans, Pittsburgh Pipers, Anaheim Amigos, Dallas Chaparrals, Denver Rockets, Houston Mavericks, New Orleans Buccaneers, Oakland Oaks, New York Nets, Denver Nuggets, San Antonio Spurs |
| Commissioners | George Mikan, DeBusschere |
| Contributions to modern NBA | Introduction of the Spencer Haywood Hardship Rule, 3-point line |
| Merger with NBA | 1976 |
| Current status | Open for expansion for the 2026-2027 season |
| Registration | Free, teams pay at Playoff time if they want to compete |
| Communication | Discord |
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What You'll Learn
History of the American Basketball Association (ABA)
The American Basketball Association (ABA) is a semi-professional men's basketball minor league based in the United States, with one travelling team from Japan. The ABA was first founded in 1967 as a rival league to the older, more established National Basketball Association (NBA). The ABA's first commissioner was former NBA star George Mikan, and the league fielded 11 teams in its first season.
The ABA distinguished itself from the NBA with a more offensive style of play, including a 30-second shot clock and a three-point field goal arc. The ABA also used a colourful red, white and blue ball, instead of the NBA's traditional orange ball. The ABA attracted loyal followings in select cities, including Indianapolis, Denver, San Antonio, Uniondale, and Kentucky. The Pacers won the most championships in league history, with stars such as Mel Daniels, the first player with multiple MVP awards. Other notable players included Julius Irving, George Gervin, Ricky Barry, and Moses Malone.
As early as 1970, the ABA and NBA engaged in talks for a merger. However, these plans were initially curtailed by an antitrust lawsuit filed by the NBA Players Association. The ABA continued to pursue a merger, luring respected NBA players and referees to the league. By the end of the 1975-76 season, only six teams survived long enough to be involved in the merger talks. In 1976, the ABA disbanded, with four teams—the New York Nets, the Denver Nuggets, the San Antonio Spurs, and the Indiana Pacers—absorbed into the NBA.
In 1999, a new league called ABA 2000 was established as a relaunch of the original ABA. This new league licensed its name and trademarks from the NBA and featured a similar red, white and blue basketball. However, unlike the original ABA, the new league did not feature players of a similar calibre to the NBA and did not have the same level of arena or television presence. The league was founded by Dick Tinkham and Joe Newman, who had previously been involved with the Indiana Pacers. The league began its inaugural 2000-01 season with eight teams. In 2017, a sister league, the Women's American Basketball Association (WABA), was launched.
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How to register your team for the ABA
To register your team for the ABA, follow these steps:
Step 1: Familiarize Yourself with the Rules and Regulations
Before registering, it is important to understand the ABA's rules and regulations. The league has comprehensive rules to protect players, referees, and facility owners, and to ensure fair play. Familiarize yourself with these rules, including eligibility requirements, game formats, and equipment guidelines, which can be found on the official ABA website or requested from the league directly.
Step 2: Assemble Your Team
Ensure you have enough players to form a complete team. All players must be at least 18 years old and should be registered with ABA Sports. Each player must complete the team roster form and sign a liability release waiver before participating. It is important to confirm that your team members meet the eligibility criteria and understand their responsibilities.
Step 3: Prepare Team Uniforms and Equipment
Teams are required to wear matching, numbered jerseys or shirts during games. If your team does not have custom jerseys, numbered pins will be provided by the ABA. Ensure that players have the necessary equipment, including rubber-soled athletic shoes (preferably basketball shoes), and that they refrain from wearing any jewelry or caps during gameplay.
Step 4: Register Online or via Discord
The ABA offers a straightforward registration process. You can register your team for free on the official ABA website or via Discord. Provide all the requested information, including team and player details, and ensure that any special requests, such as specific dates or blackout dates, are included in your registration form.
Step 5: Stay Informed and Communicate
Once your team is registered, stay in communication with the league. The ABA utilizes Discord for all league operations and communications. Connect with the designated ABA Discord channel or contact the provided Discord user (lst 48 OG Cusi#8578) for guidance, queries, or updates regarding league matters. The ABA aims to be responsive and supportive throughout your team's journey.
By following these steps, your team will be well on its way to joining the ABA. Remember to stay informed about league rules, fees, and updates, as well as maintaining open communication with the league administrators.
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Notable players of the ABA
The American Basketball Association (ABA) has had many notable players throughout its history. The league operated for nine seasons from 1967 to 1976 and was known for its freewheeling style, fan-friendly approach, and innovations that would shape the future of basketball. Here are some of the most notable players who graced the ABA courts:
Julius "Dr. J" Erving: Erving played for the New York Nets, where he was named ABA MVP in each of his three seasons. He led the Nets to two ABA Championships and was known as one of the premier forwards in all of professional basketball. Erving's clutch performances and all-around talent made him a legend in the ABA. He finished as the ABA's career scoring average leader at 28.7 points per game.
George Gervin ("The Iceman"): Gervin is another ABA legend who was known for his incredible scoring abilities. He was named to the NBA's 50 Greatest Players list and was a member of the ABA All-Time Team. Gervin's smooth playing style and ice-cold composure earned him his famous nickname.
Rick Barry: Barry was a star player who led the NCAA, NBA, and ABA in scoring. His decision to defect to the ABA from the NBA gave instant credibility to the fledgling league. Barry received a piece of ownership in the Oakland Oaks and opened the door for other NBA stars to join the ABA. He was a member of the ABA All-Time Team and is considered one of the greatest players in ABA history.
Moses Malone: Malone was a dominant force in the ABA and was later named to the NBA's 50 Greatest Players list. He was a powerful rebounder and scorer, known for his physical presence and skill around the basket. Malone's impact extended beyond his statistics, as he was a leader on and off the court.
Louie Dampier: Dampier was a seven-time All-Star and an ABA champion in 1975 with the Kentucky Colonels. He played for the Colonels throughout the entire existence of the ABA and left an indelible mark on the league. Dampier was a consistent performer known for his scoring and playmaking abilities.
James Silas: Silas was a point guard for the Dallas/San Antonio franchise and made a significant impact during his time in the ABA. He went to the All-Star game twice and was eventually named to the ABA All-Time Team. Silas's number was the first-ever retired by the San Antonio Spurs, solidifying his legacy as one of the franchise's most respected members.
These players, among many others, contributed to the excitement and legacy of the ABA. Their talent, combined with the league's innovative spirit, helped shape basketball as we know it today.
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The ABA's merger with the NBA
The American Basketball Association (ABA) was a major basketball league that operated from 1967 to 1976. During its nine seasons, the ABA competed directly with the more established National Basketball Association (NBA).
The ABA and NBA first entered merger talks in 1970. However, these initial attempts were blocked for several years due to an antitrust lawsuit filed by the head of the NBA Players Union, Oscar Robertson. The lawsuit, known as the Robertson suit or the Oscar Robertson suit, was finally settled in February 1976, paving the way for the merger.
The merger of the ABA and NBA in 1976 was a significant event in professional sports. As part of the agreement, the NBA accepted four of the remaining six ABA teams: the Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, New York Nets, and San Antonio Spurs. These teams were not permitted to participate in the 1976 NBA draft as part of the merger deal. The remaining two ABA teams, the Kentucky Colonels and the Spirits of St. Louis, folded, and their players entered a dispersal draft.
The ABA brought several innovations to the NBA through the merger. One of the primary contributions was the introduction of the Spencer Haywood Hardship Rule, which allowed players to join the NBA after one year of high school graduation. Additionally, the ABA pioneered the now-popular slam dunk contest, and the NBA adopted it as a staple of All-Star weekend. The merger also resulted in the NBA reopening its mind to the three-point shot, which the ABA had successfully implemented.
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The rules and structure of the ABA
The American Basketball Association (ABA) was a major professional basketball league that operated from 1967 to 1976. The ABA was the second of two leagues established in the 1960s, the other being the American Basketball League. The league started with eleven teams, with five teams in the Eastern Division and six in the Western Division.
The ABA operated in direct competition with the more established National Basketball Association (NBA) throughout its existence. The ABA's structure and rules set it apart from the NBA, making it an intriguing and distinct league for players and fans. Unlike the NBA, the ABA is a membership league where team owners pay for market reservation to play in specific areas approved by the league. Teams rely heavily on community support and creative partnerships to fund their programs, creating a unique dynamic within the league.
The ABA introduced several rules that differentiated it from the NBA, including the "3D Rule," which adds additional points to the value of field goals under specific circumstances, creating an exciting and high-scoring style of play. The ABA also introduced the three-point shot, a concept initially scorned by the NBA but eventually adopted and now a fundamental part of modern basketball.
Other rules and regulations of the ABA include:
- Games are split into two 20-minute halves, with a 2-minute warning at the end of each half.
- Within the final 2 minutes, the clock will stop on out-of-bounds plays, foul shots, and timeouts.
- Games are subject to a 1-hour time limit to guarantee each team the same amount of playing time.
- Teams are allowed to provide their own uniforms, but jerseys must be numbered without any duplicates.
- All players must wear matching numbered jerseys and rubber-soled athletic shoes, preferably designed for basketball.
- Physical contact is a normal part of basketball, but excessive contact (e.g., bumping, swinging of arms/elbows) is not permitted and will result in a foul.
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Frequently asked questions
The American Basketball Association (ABA) is a men's professional basketball league. The original ABA operated from 1967 to 1976 and merged with the NBA. The current iteration of the ABA was founded in 1999 and relaunched in 2000 in partnership with the NBA.
The ABA is designed for players who enjoy playing NBA 2K Pro Am 5v5. All competition levels are welcome to join, and there are no fees to register a team. The league is free to join, and teams have the option to pay during playoffs if they wish to compete for a pot.
The ABA has expanded to include teams in its four regions: North, South, Central, and West. Teams can register for free on the official ABA website.
