The American Basketball Association (ABA) is a men’s professional basketball league with 160 + teams across the United States, Australia and Mexico.  The league has grown to become the largest and most diverse professional sports league in the world!  Minorities, women, disabled, and Native Americans make up 70% of team owners.  In addition to the men’s league, the WABA was formed in 2017 with 8 women’s teams playing the inaugural year.

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In 1999 ABA League Owner, Joe Newman and Atty. Richard P. Tinkham founded the ABA League. This was a re-launch of the 1967 ABA which merged with the NBA in 1976.  Tinkham co-founded both the original ABA and the Indiana Pacers. Some of the ABA notable players at that time, who later became NBA players, include: Julius Irving (Dr. J) George Gervin (The Iceman), Ricky Barry, Billy Keller, and Moses Malone.

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Many of the ABA players and coaches go on to play or work for other national or international professional teams.  ABA players work with schools and other organizations through Anti-Bullying and reading programs.

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ABA League Facts

 

• Professional Basketball League with over 150 teams

• Signature red, white, and blue basketball

• Instituted 3-point shot and slam dunk competitions

• NBA teams that started in the ABA include: San Antonio Spurs, Indiana Pacers, Denver Nuggets, and Brooklyn Nets (formerly in New Jersey)

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ABA Rules

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3D Rule – if the ball is stolen in back-court +1 rule begins until the possession is over (i.e. a 2-pointer is a 3-pointer, 3-pointer is a 4-pointer).

FIBA Rule – Once it touches the rim the ball is live, snatching it off the rim is not goal-tending.

7-second Rule – 7 seconds to get up half court.

(7) Foul Rule – Can not foul out, after 7 fouls each foul consistent of a free throw.