American Basketball Association (2000–present)

Last updated
American Basketball Association
ABA2000Logo.PNG
FormerlyABA 2000
Sport Basketball
Founded1999;25 years ago (1999)
First season 2000–01
CEO Joe Newman
MottoMore than just a game
Countries United States
Headquarters Indianapolis, Indiana
Most recent
champion(s)
Burning River Buckets and Indiana Lyons (2023)
Most titles Jacksonville Giants (7)
TV partner(s) ABAGALE and SFBN
Official website ABA Basketball

The American Basketball Association (ABA) is an American semi-professional men's basketball minor league that was founded in 1999.

Contents

ABA teams are based in the United States, with one traveling team from Japan. The league previously had international teams based in Canada, China and Mexico. League management infamously maintains low requirements for franchise ownership, and hundreds of ABA teams have either folded or defected to rival leagues.

The league licenses its name and use of ABA trademarks from the National Basketball Association, which absorbed the American Basketball Association (1967–1976) during the ABA–NBA merger. The Women's American Basketball Association has operated as a sister league to the ABA since 2017.

History

Launch and suspension, 1999–2002

Darryl Dawkins, head coach of the Tampa Bay ThunderDawgs during their 2000-01 season. NBA Nation @ CityWalk 037 (cropped).JPG
Darryl Dawkins, head coach of the Tampa Bay ThunderDawgs during their 2000–01 season.

The league was originally co-founded by Dick Tinkham and Joe Newman in 1999 as ABA 2000. [1] Tinkham had previously co-founded the Indiana Pacers in the original American Basketball Association, and Newman had been an advertising executive for the Pacers. [2] The National Basketball Association (NBA), owner of the ABA trademark after absorbing many of the original league's teams, sued Tinkham and Newman in December 1999. [3] The lawsuit was unsuccessful since the NBA had failed to actively use the ABA trademark, and the new league entered an agreement with the NBA to license the name for $50,000. [4]

The league began its inaugural 2000–01 season with eight teams: the Chicago Skyliners, Detroit Dogs, Indiana Legends, Kansas City Knights, Los Angeles Stars, Memphis Houn'Dawgs, San Diego Wildfire and Tampa Bay ThunderDawgs. Joe Newman founded the Indiana Legends to replace the Jacksonville Jackals, who were removed from the league after failing to secure a venue. [5] Mark Hamister purchased the rights to a Buffalo franchise for $75,000, but was also unable to secure a venue. [6] [7] A proposed merger with the International Basketball League fell through in December 2000, which would have allowed the inaugural season to begin with additional teams. [8]

To attract fans, the ABA encouraged its teams to fill rosters with former NBA players and past college basketball stars that had local ties. [9] [10] Former NBA champion and Florida native Darryl Dawkins was recruited as the first head coach of the Tampa Bay ThunderDawgs. [11]

The 2001–02 ABA season saw only three teams return from the inaugural season, with the Chicago Skyliners, Los Angeles Stars, Memphis Houn'Dawgs, San Diego Wildfire and Tampa Bay ThunderDawgs replaced by the Kentucky Pro Cats, Las Vegas Slam, Phoenix Eclipse and Southern California Surf.

Joe Newman folded the Indiana Legends after he was sued by eight former players in August 2002 for failing to pay their salaries. [12] Newman had claimed $1 million in losses over two seasons of ownership. [13]

The 2002–03 season was not played, as the league suspended operations for reorganization. [14] Jim Clark, owner of the Kansas City Knights, was named league President and COO in November 2002. [15]

Restructuring and defections, 2003–2005

Sun Yue, two-time ABA All-Star who played for the Beijing Aoshen Olympians from 2005 to 2008. Sun Yue with the Beijing Aoshen Olympians.jpg
Sun Yue, two-time ABA All-Star who played for the Beijing Aoshen Olympians from 2005 to 2008.

The league resumed play with seven teams for the 2003–04 season. The returning Kansas City Knights were joined by the Fresno Heatwave, Jersey Squires, Las Vegas Rattlers, Juárez Gallos de Pelea, Long Beach Jam and Tijuana Dragons. Dennis Rodman brought national attention to the league when he signed with the Long Beach Jam, leading them to an ABA title in their first season. [16]

The 2004–05 season saw franchise fees lowered from $50,000 to $10,000, and the bond requirement removed in order to attract new teams. [17] Teams were subsequently organized into regional groups to facilitate interest and reduce travel costs, with 37 clubs competing that season in three divisions. The Arkansas RimRockers won the 2004–05 ABA title in their first year of play, but then left with the Long Beach Jam to join the rival NBA Development League.

The ABA welcomed the Beijing Aoshen Olympians beginning with the 2005–06 season, a club which had been banned from the Chinese Basketball League after refusing to allow star prospect Sun Yue to play for the Chinese national team. The Olympians played their home games in Maywood, California. [18] CCTV-5 in China broadcast the team's games, where they were watched by an average of 15 million people. [19]

Following the 2005–06 season in which many teams failed to complete their full schedules and became insolvent, the Charlotte Krunk, Florida Pit Bulls, Indiana Alley Cats, Pittsburgh Xplosion, San Jose Skyrockets and SoCal Legends left to join the rival Continental Basketball Association.

Failed coup and formation of PBL, 2006–2008

My idea of success and Newman's differ. I'd rather have fewer teams, that are stable and last, as opposed to having tons that continue to fold. It's not the amount of teams that a league has, it's the amount that finish. [20]

—Tom Doyle, Maryland Nighthawks

In preparation for the league's initial public offering (ABKB), former NBA player John Salley was named league commissioner and Maryland Nighthawks owner Tom Doyle was named league COO in September 2006. [21] Cost for new franchises was subsequently raised to $20,000 for the 2006–07 season. [22] Sports Illustrated writer Alexander Wolff launched the Vermont Frost Heaves, regularly penning articles in the publication about his team's inaugural campaign.

John Salley and Tom Doyle attempted a boardroom coup on behalf of shareholders, with ABA's Board of Directors voting to remove Joe Newman as CEO on January 31, 2007. [23] Newman sued Salley and Doyle, leading to a settlement in which he kept his job and forced their resignations from the league. [24]

The 2006–07 season concluded with the defending champion Rochester Razorsharks withdrawing from the league after they asked to reschedule a playoff game against the Wilmington Sea Dawgs, but were denied and told to forfeit. [25] Following this incident, the Hammond Rollers, Jacksonville Jam, Maryland Nighthawks, Quad City Riverhawks and Wilmington Sea Dawgs joined the Razorsharks in forming the Premier Basketball League (PBL).

Following the 2007–08 season, the reigning champion Vermont Frost Heaves left for the Premier Basketball League along with the Halifax Rainmen, Manchester Millrats and Quebec Kebs. [26]

Quentin Townsend, owner of the Atlanta Vision, was named league President and COO in April 2008. [27] He was later removed from those positions after being arrested in November 2008 for defrauding investors in a scheme to acquire an NBA Development League franchise. [28]

CBA absorption and continued instability, 2008–2013

Chris Beard coaching the South Carolina Warriors, who finished their 2011-12 regular season undefeated. TheDigitel Myrtle Beach - 6381354769.jpg
Chris Beard coaching the South Carolina Warriors, who finished their 2011–12 regular season undefeated.

At the start of the 2008–09 season, over 200 teams had folded since the league's inception. [29]

The 2008–09 season saw the Southeast Texas Mustangs franchise join the league after leaving the struggling Continental Basketball Association. The ABA attempted interleague play with the four remaining CBA teams, but their league folded mid-season. [30]

NBA scouts stopped attending the league's games in January 2009, citing the amount of cancelled and forfeited contests. [31]

Several teams folded during the 2009–10 season, including the entire Pacific Northwest Division. The San Francisco Rumble forfeited their playoff game against the Southeast Texas Mavericks, as they could not afford to travel for the contest. [32]

Gilas Pilipinas, the Philippine national basketball team, competed in a series of exhibitions against ABA teams including the Clayton Showtime, Los Angeles Slam, Riverside Rainmakers, San Diego Surf and the West Coast All-Stars. [33] This April 2010 series was referred to as the ABA Friendship Games.

Dick Packer was named league President and COO in April 2010. [34]

After winning their second consecutive championship in 2010–11, the Southeast Texas Mavericks publicly opined that the ABA did not have adequate competition, and they left with intentions of joining the NBA Development League. [35] However, their application to join the NBA Development League was denied, and the franchise sat out the 2011–12 and 2012–13 seasons. Consecutive titles were won by the Jacksonville Giants in their absence, with championship wins over the previously undefeated South Carolina Warriors in 2011–12 and North Dallas Vandals in 2012–13. [36] The team returned to the ABA for 2013–14 as the Shreveport-Bossier Mavericks, going undefeated and winning the league title in a perfect season. [37]

Management change and ESPN3 deal, 2014–2016

Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena, which hosted the largest crowd in ABA history on January 16, 2016. Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena.JPG
Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena, which hosted the largest crowd in ABA history on January 16, 2016.

At the conclusion of the 2013–14 season, over 350 franchises had folded since the league's inception. [38]

Former Arizona Scorpions owner Ron Tilley replaced Joe Newman as league President and CEO following Newman's retirement in July 2014. [39]

The league signed a two-year streaming deal with ESPN3 in August 2014 to broadcast regular season and playoff games beginning with the 2014–15 season. [40]

After completing a perfect season for the second time in 2014–15 and winning their fourth championship, the Shreveport-Bossier Mavericks left the ABA to join the Premier Basketball League. [41]

Joe Newman returned to the role of league President and CEO beginning with the 2015–16 season.

The Jacksonville Giants drew the league's all-time record crowd of 8,987 for their 100–93 victory over the previously unbeaten Chicago Steam at Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena on January 16, 2016. [42] It had been reported the week prior that the Orlando Magic was considering adopting the Giants as their NBA Development League affiliate, although later in the year they instead moved their existing affiliate Erie BayHawks to Lakeland, Florida. [43] [44]

WABA launch and addition of play-in tournament, 2017–present

The Indiana Lyons hosting the Indiana Legends on February 24, 2024.

A sister league, the Women's American Basketball Association (WABA), was launched in 2017. [45] Garden State Warriors owner Marsha Blount was named the league's President and CEO. [46]

The 2017–18 season saw franchise fees lowered to $2,500. [47]

League co-founder Dick Tinkham died of muscular dystrophy in October 2018. [48]

The 2019–20 season was ended prematurely and the playoffs cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. [49]

The undefeated Jacksonville Giants captured their seventh and final championship in 2020–21, concluding the team's first perfect season and third in ABA history. [50]

A play-in tournament was implemented beginning with the 2021–22 season to determine which teams would advance to the divisional round of the playoffs. [51]

Following elimination from the 2021–22 playoffs by the Steel City Yellow Jackets, the Jacksonville Giants ceased operations. [52] The Steel City Yellow Jackets suspended operations after their elimination from the 2022–23 playoffs by the Burning River Buckets. [53]

The Burning River Buckets and Indiana Lyons were declared co-champions of the 2022–23 season after storm damage rendered the venue for their championship game unplayable. [54]

Rule changes

ABA official. TheDigitel Myrtle Beach - 6381376559.jpg
ABA official.

The league employs a number of unconventional rules that are unique to the league: [55]

Teams

Vermont Frost Heaves, winners of the 2006-07 and 2007-08 league championship. Vermont Frost Heaves at Halifax Rainmen (January 10 2008).jpg
Vermont Frost Heaves, winners of the 2006–07 and 2007–08 league championship.

109 teams completed at least one game during the 2023–24 season. [56]

The league's oldest surviving franchises are the Garden State Warriors (est. 2005), Georgia Gwizzlies (est. 2007), and Oceanside Surf (est. 2009).

Defunct

Franchises that left the ABA but still compete elsewhere include the Motor City Cruise (NBA G League), Newfoundland Rogues (Basketball Super League), and Shreveport Mavericks (The Basketball League).

Championship results

YearChampionRunner-upResultHost arenaGame MVPRef
2000–01 Detroit Dogs Chicago Skyliners107–91 Cox Pavilion Gee Gervin / Ndongo N'Diaye [57]
2001–02 Kansas City Knights Southern California Surf118–113 Kemper Arena Pete Mickeal [58]
2002–03Not held due to league shutdown.
2003–04 Long Beach Jam Kansas City Knights 126–123 Walter Pyramid [59]
2004–05 Arkansas RimRockers Bellevue Blackhawks118–103 Alltel Arena Kareem Reid [60]
2005–06 Rochester Razorsharks SoCal Legends 117–114 Blue Cross Arena Chris Carrawell [61]
2006–07 Vermont Frost Heaves Texas Tycoons 143–95 Barre Auditorium [62]
2007–08 Vermont Frost Heaves San Diego Wildcats87–84 Pavillon de la Jeunesse Dwuan Rice [63]
2008–09 Kentucky Bisons Maywood Buzz127–120 Nashville Municipal Auditorium Michael James [64]
2009–10 Southeast Texas Mavericks Kentucky Bisons 96–99, 104–83, 85–76 Lamar State College Josh Pace [65]
2010–11 Southeast Texas Mavericks Gulf Coast Flash 114–97, 109–85Nutty Jerry's Entertainment ComplexPJ Couisnard [66]
2011–12 Jacksonville Giants South Carolina Warriors 106–101, 100–91 Eckerd College Jermaine Bell [67]
2012–13 Jacksonville Giants North Dallas Vandals85–84, 110–109 Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena Tony Hooper [68]
2013–14 Shreveport-Bossier Mavericks Jacksonville Giants 136–127, 105–103 Hirsch Memorial Coliseum Ed Horton [69]
2014–15 Shreveport-Bossier Mavericks Miami Midnites 109–81, 116–91 Hirsch Memorial Coliseum PJ Couisnard [70]
2015–16 Jacksonville Giants Windy City Groove92–80, 93–90 Laredo Energy Arena Maurice Mickens [71]
2016–17 Jacksonville Giants Windy City Groove120–102 Woodlawn High School Maurice Mickens [72]
2017–18 Jacksonville Giants Austin Bats119–114 Lehman High School Bernard Nugent [73]
2018–19 Jacksonville Giants South Florida Gold 116–112 St. Louis College of Pharmacy Maurice Mickens [74]
2019–20Not held due to COVID-19 pandemic.
2020–21 Jacksonville Giants Chicago Fury111–108James J. Eagan CenterMiguel Paul [75]
2021–22 Steel City Yellow Jackets Team Trouble123–118 St. Frances Academy Steven Vorum [76]
2022–23Not held due to unplayable conditions. Burning River Buckets and Indiana Lyons declared co-champions.
2023–24TBDTBD Spring Hill College

All-Star Game results

East (6 wins)West (3 wins)South (2 wins)Kansas City Knights (1 win)Team Dr. J (1 win)
YearResultHost arenaHost cityGame MVPRef
2001Not held.
2002 Kansas City Knights 161, ABA All-Stars 138 Kemper Arena Kansas City Maurice Carter, Kansas City Knights [77]
2003Not held due to league shutdown.
2004Not held.
2005 West 163, East 149Las Vegas Sports Center Las Vegas Lou Kelly, Las Vegas Rattlers [78]
2006 East 129, West 127 BankAtlantic Center Sunrise Armen Gilliam, Pittsburgh Xplosion [79]
2007 West 138, East 123 Halifax Metro Centre Halifax Billy Knight, Atlanta Vision [80]
2008 East 161, West 140 Barre Auditorium Barre Anthony Anderson, Manchester Millrats [81]
2009West, East Nashville Municipal Auditorium Nashville Keith Simpson, Texas Fuel [82]
2010ABA West All-Stars vs. Gilas Pilipinas Hangar Athletic Xchange Los Angeles [83]
2011 East 123, West 122 Jacksonville Veterans Arena Jacksonville Kayode Ayeni, Jersey Express [84]
2012Red vs. White vs. Blue (round-robin tournament) Eckerd College St. Petersburg [85] [86]
2013East 198, West 141 South Suburban College South Holland Maurice Mickens, Memphis Bluff City Reign
2014No reported result.Grandview Christian School Grandview
2015South 138, North 131Kroc Center South Bend [87]
2016Team Dr. J 140, Team Gervin 139 St. Frances Academy Baltimore Terry Hosley, DMV Warriors [88]
2017South , NorthBig Ben's Home Court Richmond Christopher Cromartie, South Florida Gold
2018No reported result.Giving Heart Community Center Pittsburgh Antonio Reddic, Steel City Yellow Jackets [89]
2019No reported result.Giving Heart Community Center Pittsburgh
2020Not held due to COVID-19 pandemic.
2021East 210, West 165James J. Eagan Center Florissant [90]
2022East vs. West [91]
2023East 169, West 151 Jefferson College Hillsboro Dominique Jones, Garden State Warriors [92]

Notable alumni

*Elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

Players

USA:

Asia:

Africa:

Americas:

Canada

Europe:

Oceania:

Coaches

Related Research Articles

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a professional basketball league in North America composed of 30 teams. It is one of the major professional sports leagues in the United States and Canada and is considered the premier professional basketball league in the world.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Indiana Pacers</span> NBA franchise in Indianapolis, Indiana

The Indiana Pacers are an American professional basketball team based in Indianapolis. The Pacers compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Denver Nuggets</span> National Basketball Association team in Denver, Colorado

The Denver Nuggets are an American professional basketball team based in Denver. The Nuggets compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference. The team was founded as the Denver Larks in 1967 as a charter franchise of the American Basketball Association (ABA) but changed their name to the Rockets before the first season. The Rockets then changed their name again to the Nuggets in 1974. After the name change, the Nuggets played for the final ABA Championship title in 1976, losing to the New York Nets.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dallas Chaparrals</span> Basketball team in Lubbock, Texas

The Dallas Chaparrals were a charter member of the American Basketball Association (ABA). The team moved to San Antonio, Texas, for the 1973–74 season and were renamed the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs joined the National Basketball Association (NBA) for the 1976–77 NBA season as a result of being one of four chosen ABA teams to be absorbed by the elder league following the completion of the ABA–NBA merger.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jason Kidd</span> American basketball player and coach (born 1973)

Jason Frederick Kidd is an American professional basketball coach and former player who is the head coach for the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Widely regarded as one of the greatest point guards and passers of all time, Kidd was a 10-time NBA All-Star, a five-time All-NBA First Team member, and a nine-time NBA All-Defensive Team member. He won an NBA championship in 2011 as a member of the Dallas Mavericks and was a two-time gold medal winner in the Olympics with the U.S. national team in 2000 and 2008. He was inducted as a player into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. In October 2021, Kidd was honored as one of the league's greatest players of all time by being named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Houston Mavericks</span> Basketball team in Houston, Texas

The Houston Mavericks were a charter member of the American Basketball Association (ABA). They played in the upstart league's first two seasons, from 1967 to 1969. Their home arena was the Sam Houston Coliseum. In 1947–48, there was an unrelated Mavericks franchise based in Houston as part of the Professional Basketball League of America.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Artis Gilmore</span> American basketball player (born 1949)

Artis Gilmore Sr. is an American former professional basketball player who played in the American Basketball Association (ABA) and National Basketball Association (NBA). Gilmore was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on August 12, 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">George McGinnis</span> American basketball player (1950–2023)

George F. McGinnis was an American professional basketball player who played 11 seasons in the American Basketball Association (ABA) and National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Indiana Hoosiers, earning third-team All-American honors in 1971, before starting his pro career in the ABA with the Indiana Pacers. A three-time ABA All-Star with the Pacers, McGinnis was named the ABA Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 1975 and won two ABA championships with the team. He was a three-time NBA All-Star with the Philadelphia 76ers. He was named to the ABA All-Time Team and inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Richard P. Tinkham was an American sports executive who was the co-founder of the American Basketball Association with Joe Newman.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Premier Basketball League</span> American mens basketball minor league

The Premier Basketball League, often abbreviated to the PBL, is an American professional men's basketball minor league that began play in January 2008. The league folded after the 2017 season. It was announced that the league would be revived under new management for the 2020 season. The league announced due coronavirus outbreak the season would be put on hold.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">ABA–NBA merger</span> Merger of American basketball leagues

The ABA–NBA merger was a major pro sports business maneuver in 1976 when the American Basketball Association (ABA) combined with the National Basketball Association (NBA), after multiple attempts over several years. The NBA and ABA had entered merger talks as early as 1970, but an antitrust suit filed by the head of the NBA players union, Robertson v. National Basketball Ass'n, blocked the merger until 1976.

The 2010-2011 ABA season was the tenth season of the American Basketball Association that lasted from November 5, 2010, the finish of the regular season in late February, and the championship series at the end of March 2011. The Southeast Texas Mavericks ended up defending their league championship from 2009, winning their second straight championship by defeating the Gulf Coast Flash 2–0.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jacksonville Giants</span> Professional minor-league basketball team in Jacksonville, Florida

The Jacksonville Giants were a professional minor league basketball team based in Jacksonville, Florida. They were the 2012, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2021 National Champions of the new American Basketball Association (ABA), which they joined as an expansion team for the 2010–2011 season. They play most home games at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. In addition to their six national championships, the Giants won regional titles in 2011, 2012, and 2013. In 2014, the team was recognized for their off-the-court achievements with the ABA National Charity Award for their work in the Jacksonville community.

The Indiana Pacers were founded on February 2, 1967, as an American Basketball Association franchise, and moved to the National Basketball Association in 1976. The Pacers were considered a dynasty in the ABA, winning three titles and six conference titles. The Pacers play in the Eastern Conference and Central Division, and they play their home games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Pacers have enjoyed some success in the NBA, most notably during the career of Reggie Miller. The Pacers have made the NBA Playoffs 27 out of 44 years, with one trip to the NBA Finals but have never won an NBA championship.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dante Exum</span> Australian basketball player

Dante Exum is an Australian professional basketball player for the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He chose to bypass college and was ultimately selected by the Utah Jazz with the fifth overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shreveport-Bossier Mavericks</span> American minor-league basketball team

The Shreveport-Bossier Mavericks are a professional basketball team based in Shreveport, Louisiana that plays in The Basketball League (TBL).

References

  1. "N.B.A. FINALS: NOTEBOOK; New League Tipping Off". The New York Times. June 25, 1999. Retrieved June 22, 2023.
  2. Schoettle, Anthony; Blanchard, Peter; Russell, John; Bradley, Daniel (March 15, 2018). "Q&A: Newman is growing ABA, getting back into ad game". Indianapolis Business Journal. Retrieved June 22, 2023.
  3. "GEN - ABA 2000 plays the name game". ESPN.com. Retrieved June 22, 2023.
  4. "SI.com - Dec 14, 2005". Writers. December 14, 2005. Archived from the original on December 16, 2005. Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  5. "Jacksonville Jackals benched -- for now anyway". bizjournals.com. November 20, 2000. Retrieved July 1, 2023.
  6. McKissic, Rodney (August 7, 2004). "HAMISTER CAUGHT OFF-GUARD BY ABA". Buffalo News. Retrieved December 26, 2023.
  7. "Adirondack Daily Enterprise 27 May 2000". The NYS Historic Newspapers. May 27, 2000. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  8. "Merger between IBL, ABA called off". Las Vegas Sun. December 6, 2000. Retrieved June 23, 2023.
  9. Stephens, Eric (December 27, 2000). "Stars Shine in ABA Debut Before 5,347". Los Angeles Times . Retrieved July 17, 2011.
  10. Rovell, Darren (August 20, 2000). "ABA 2000 plays the name game". ESPN.com. Retrieved July 17, 2011.
  11. "ThunderDawgs make early switch at coach". Tampa Bay Times. January 20, 2001. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  12. Wilson, Phillip B. (August 5, 2002). "8 Legends players sue ABA, Newman". indystar.com. Archived from the original on August 5, 2002. Retrieved July 1, 2023.
  13. Wilson, Phillip B.; Stone, Kate (July 6, 2002). "Team pulls out of local scene". indystar.com. Archived from the original on August 3, 2002. Retrieved July 1, 2023.
  14. "Kansas City Star - 10/08/2002 - Knights plan on having a season despite ABA shutting down for a year". kansascity.com. October 8, 2002. Archived from the original on October 26, 2002. Retrieved July 1, 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  15. The Associated Press (November 4, 2002). "Monday's Sports Transactions". Midland Daily News. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
  16. McGee, Ryan; Wojnarowski, Adrian; Gonzalez, Alden; Voepel, M.A.; Borzello, Jeff (December 22, 2003). "Rodman rebound? Ex-NBA star signs with ABA". ESPN.com. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
  17. "For ABA, It's Dribble and Drive". Washington Post. December 3, 2004. Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  18. Bucher, Ric (April 24, 2006). "Chinese basketball is growing by leaps and bounds". ESPN.com. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
  19. Pierson, David (April 2, 2006). "Growing Their Games Chinese Players Learn Lessons, Make Strides From Year Spent in U.S. League". Washington Post. Retrieved June 28, 2023.
  20. "Halifax, The Daily News: Columns - The ABA is a league full of holes". hfxnews.ca. June 11, 2007. Archived from the original on September 14, 2007. Retrieved July 1, 2023.
  21. "Spider Reigns". OurSports Central. September 24, 2006. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  22. Iverson's mom has own ABA team, Associated Press, 2006-08-25, archived from the original on 2010-12-04, retrieved 2010-08-17
  23. Board of Directors of American Basketball Association, Inc. Votes to Remove CEO – OurSports Central – Independent and Minor League Sports News. OurSports Central (2007-02-05). Retrieved on 2014-04-12.
  24. Schoettle, Anthony; Orr, Susan; Blanchard, Peter; Russell, John (March 5, 2007). "Group led by John Salley files counterclaim in ABA case: Court battle could imperil future of fledgling league". Indianapolis Business Journal. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
  25. George, Rachel (March 24, 2007). "Sea Dawgs are unlikely hosts". Wilmington Star-News. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
  26. "ABA stands for Amateur Basketball Association". tsn.ca. March 28, 2008. Archived from the original on June 3, 2008. Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  27. "Quentin Townsend Named President Of American Basketball Association". OurSports Central. April 29, 2008. Retrieved July 1, 2023.
  28. "For the ABA, It Keeps Getting Worse". OurSports Central. November 12, 2008. Retrieved July 1, 2023.
  29. Warren, Brooks (December 3, 2008). "Dead Balls". SLAM. Retrieved July 1, 2023.
  30. "Lexington Herald-Leader from Lexington, Kentucky". Newspapers.com. February 4, 2009. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
  31. Bronstein, Jonah (March 27, 2009). "BASKETBALL: Former Syracuse star leads the Stampede in Buffalo". Niagara Gazette. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  32. Clark, Ryan S. (2010-03-18), SETX Mavericks' playoff opponent forfeits game, Beaumont Enterprise, retrieved 2010-07-14
  33. Navarro, June (2010-04-27), Smart Gilas five nips San Diego, Philippine Daily Inquirer, archived from the original on 2010-04-29, retrieved 2010-07-14
  34. "Dick Packer New ABA President". OurSports Central. April 1, 2010. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  35. "SETX Mavericks leaving ABA...NBA-D League next?". The Examiner. April 18, 2011. Archived from the original on April 18, 2011. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
  36. Elliott, Jeff (December 7, 2013). "Giants celebrate 2013 title with a win". Florida Times-Union. Retrieved June 29, 2023.
  37. "ABA team comes to Shreveport Bossier". KSLA. May 10, 2013. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
  38. "American Basketball Association: Stranger Than Fiction". North Pole Hoops. 23 May 2014. Retrieved 4 August 2014.
  39. Abramson, Mitch (August 2, 2014). "From the basement up: Dylan Gioia is living the dream of owning a pro basketball franchise from his mother's home in Marine Park". New York Daily News. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
  40. Cafardo, Ben (August 5, 2014). "ESPN reaches multi-year agreement with American Basketball Association (ABA)". ESPN Front Row. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
  41. "Shreveport Bossier Mavericks leave the ABA for the Premier Basketball League". KSLA. June 9, 2015. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
  42. "Jacksonville Giants vs Chicago Steam". Jacksonville Giants. January 16, 2016. Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  43. Kouvaris, Sam (January 7, 2016). "Jacksonville in the D-League?". Jacksonville Sports News, Sam Kouvaris SamSportsline.com. Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  44. "Orlando moves D-League team to Lakeland". Florida Times-Union. December 14, 2016. Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  45. Hatfield, Jenn (December 8, 2020). "Fast, Competitive, and On the Rise: Inside the Women's American Basketball Association". Substack. Retrieved July 2, 2023.
  46. "MARSHA BLOUNT NAMED EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF THE ABA". ABA Basketball. July 21, 2022. Retrieved July 2, 2023.
  47. Schoettle, Anthony; Orr, Susan; Russell, John; Bradley, Daniel (March 15, 2018). "Q&A: Newman is growing ABA, getting back into ad game". Indianapolis Business Journal. Retrieved July 2, 2023.
  48. "Tinkham was Instrumental to Pacers' Survival". NBA.com. October 15, 2018. Retrieved July 2, 2023.
  49. "ABA Cancels Postseason, Ending Indiana Lyons Campaign". Indiana Lyons. March 16, 2020. Retrieved July 2, 2023.
  50. "LUCKY NUMBER 7". Jacksonville Giants. April 18, 2021. Retrieved July 9, 2023.
  51. ABA, the (March 14, 2022). "ABA OPENS PLAY-IN ROUNDS WITH 7 GAMES OVER THE WEEKEND". ABA Basketball. Retrieved March 4, 2024.
  52. "STEEL CITY YELLOW JACKETS TO MEET TEAM TROUBLE IN ABA FINALS". ABA Basketball. April 23, 2022. Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  53. Newsroom, Courier (December 4, 2023). "Local ABA basketball landscape is a convoluted mess". New Pittsburgh Courier. Retrieved March 12, 2024.
  54. ABA, the (April 16, 2023). "FIRST TIME EVER – ABA HAS CO-CHAMPIONS INDIANA LYONS & BURNING RIVER BUCKETS". ABA Basketball. Retrieved March 4, 2024.
  55. "ABA History and Unique Rules". Indiana Lyons. August 28, 2018. Retrieved July 1, 2023.
  56. "Standings of American Basketball Association (ABA) on MyStatsOnline.com". MyStatsOnline (in Kinyarwanda). Retrieved July 2, 2023.
  57. "SKYLINERS CLUBBED IN TITLE GAME". Chicago Tribune. April 15, 2001. Retrieved June 23, 2023.
  58. "American Basketball Association 2002, News, Teams, Scores, Stats, Standings, Awards". usbasket. June 8, 2023. Retrieved June 23, 2023.
  59. White, Lonnie (March 10, 2004). "Long Beach Jam Wins League Title". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved June 23, 2023.
  60. Reports, team (March 27, 2005). "Blackhawks fall in ABA title game". The Seattle Times. Retrieved June 23, 2023.
  61. News Release, Team (March 27, 2006). "RazorSharks Win ABA Title". OurSports Central. Retrieved June 23, 2023.
  62. Wolff, Alexander (February 20, 2013). "We Bought a Team: From writer to ABA owner: My improbable saga with the Vermont Frost Heaves". Sports Illustrated Longform. Retrieved June 23, 2023.
  63. "Frost Heaves make their mark in ABA". Times Argus. April 1, 2008. Retrieved June 23, 2023.
  64. News Release, Team (March 26, 2009). "Buzz Fall Minutes Short of 2009 ABA Championship". OurSports Central. Retrieved June 23, 2023.
  65. News Release, Team (March 30, 2010). "Mavericks Win ABA Title". OurSports Central. Retrieved June 23, 2023.
  66. Enterprise, Beaumont (March 29, 2011). "SE Texas Mavericks win second consecutive ABA Championship". Beaumont Enterprise. Retrieved June 23, 2023.
  67. "Jacksonville Giants win ABA championship". Florida Times-Union. April 16, 2012. Retrieved June 23, 2023.
  68. Elliott, Jeff (April 15, 2013). "Giants hold off North Dallas, win second consecutive ABA title". Florida Times-Union. Retrieved June 23, 2023.
  69. "318 Forum Magazine by Wehaa". Wehaa. April 30, 2014. Retrieved June 22, 2023.
  70. Watson, Jimmy (April 13, 2015). "Mavericks clinch second straight ABA title". Shreveport Times. Retrieved June 23, 2023.
  71. "Giants Sweep. Win 3rd National Championship". Jacksonville Giants. April 9, 2016. Retrieved June 23, 2023.
  72. Coastal, The (April 3, 2017). "BACK-TO-BACK: Giants Win 2nd Straight ABA Championship – The Coastal". The Coastal. Retrieved June 23, 2023.
  73. "Jacksonville Giant are 2017-2018 ABA Champions! -". ABA. April 9, 2018. Retrieved June 23, 2023.
  74. Coastal, The (April 15, 2019). "Jacksonville Giants Win Their 6th ABA Championship – The Coastal". The Coastal. Retrieved June 23, 2023.
  75. "LUCKY NUMBER 7". Jacksonville Giants. April 18, 2021. Retrieved June 23, 2023.
  76. Leturgey, Thomas (April 24, 2022). "Steel City Yellow Jackets are ABA champions with 123-118 win over Team Trouble". New Pittsburgh Courier. Retrieved June 23, 2023.
  77. "Kansas City Star - 04/15/2002 - Knights win for fun". kansascity.com. June 1, 2002. Archived from the original on June 1, 2002. Retrieved June 23, 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  78. "Magic Dorsey named American Basketball Association Rookie of the Year". OurSports Central. March 25, 2005. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  79. "All-Star Game Thriller to Final Buzzer". OurSports Central. February 14, 2006. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  80. "Slam's Parker contributes at ABA All-Star Game". OurSports Central. January 28, 2007. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  81. "East beats West in battle of best". Rutland Herald. March 23, 2008. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  82. "America's Green Team Texas FUEL Earns American Basketball Association Honors in Nashville". Deborah Dupre. March 26, 2009. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  83. "RP team hopefuls open US training with win". GMA News Online. April 27, 2010. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
  84. Elliott, Jeff (February 27, 2011). "Fast-break ABA All-Star Game decided by free throws". Florida Times-Union. Retrieved June 23, 2023.
  85. "ABA - American Basketball Association » ABA ANNOUNCES THREE ALL-STAR TEAMS FOR 2011-2012 SEASON". abalive.com. June 14, 2012. Archived from the original on June 14, 2012. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  86. "Three Quarters of ABA Final Four Set". OurSports Central. March 25, 2012. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  87. Brandenburg, Scott (April 11, 2015). "West Michigan Lake Hawks coach Ron Jenkins surprise coach in ABA all-star game". mlive. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  88. "2016 ABA All-Star Game, Terry Hosley named MVP". YouTube. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  89. "Coach Moe Harmon". Twitter. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  90. "2021 ABA Allstar Game: East vs. West 041521". YouTube. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  91. "2021-2022 ABA All-Stars Announced". ABA Basketball. March 31, 2022. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  92. "Leyton McGovern ABA All-Star Game (4qt) highlights". YouTube. Retrieved June 24, 2023.