THE ABA THEN...AND NOW...

THEN...
The ABA existed from 1967 to 1976 -- for nine full seasons. During that time, the ABA fought a bitter war with the established National Basketball Association (the NBA) for players, fans, and media attention. In June 1976, the two rival pro leagues finally made peace. Four of the strongest ABA teams (the New York Nets, Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, and San Antonio Spurs) joined the NBA and survived. The other remaining ABA teams (such as the Kentucky Colonels, the Spirits of St. Louis, and the Virginia Squires) vanished, along with the ABA itself.

However, the ABA is still vividly remembered by its loyal fans. The ABA was the "outlaw" league with the psychedelic red, white and blue basketball and huge afros. It was the "lively" league that adopted the three-point shot -- the exciting "home run" of basketball -- as its own. It was the "frontier" league that brought (or returned) modern professional basketball to hoops-crazy cities like Indianapolis, Dallas, Salt Lake City, Charlotte/Greensboro, Louisville, Norfolk, and Denver

It featured dazzling above-the-rim players like Julius ("Dr. J") Erving, Connie Hawkins, George ("Ice") Gervin, David Thompson, George McGinnis, Artis Gilmore, Moses Malone, Roger Brown and Dan (the "Horse") Issel. Each of these electric stars first played professional basketball in the ABA -- with young legs and few limitations.

NOW…
The high scoring, high flying basketball excitement is back! The red, white and blue ball is representing it’s legendary past proudly. The ABA will provide an opportunity for more players, more coaches and more referees than any other professional sports league ever. Fans in three countries will be able to see exciting, professional basketball at very affordable prices. The teams will make major economic impacts within the regions in which they play, with the large number of venue dates, hotel rooms, transportation and restaurants needed to accommodate them. This is an exciting time for the ABA.

For more info go to: http://www.abalive.com/ or http://www.remembertheaba.com/