When did the National Basketball League change its name from the Midwest Basketball Conference?
The league officially changed its name on the 6th of October 1937. This transition occurred just weeks before the start of the third season.
Questions about National Basketball League (United States)
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Which teams were part of the original Midwest Basketball Conference created by Frank Kautsky and Paul Sheeks?
Sixteen different teams competed across two seasons including the Indianapolis Kautskys and Akron Firestone Non-Skids. Business-owned clubs like Hed-Aids, U.S. Tire Inc., and Dayton Metropolitan Clothing Stores also participated in the early conference.
How did World War II affect the roster and operations of the National Basketball League?
World War II reduced available talent as American men enlisted in the Army or Navy starting in late 1941. The number of competing teams dropped from seven to five by the 1942, 43 season while some franchises suspended operations entirely due to player shortages.
What happened during the merger between the NBL and BAA on the 3rd of August 1949?
Representatives met at the Empire State Building offices in New York City to finalize merger terms creating the National Basketball Association. Maurice Podoloff became president of the new entity while Ike Duffey served as chairman representing the NBL.
Which current NBA franchises trace their roots directly back to the original National Basketball League?
Five current franchises trace roots directly back to the NBL: Atlanta Hawks, Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Sacramento Kings. These teams originated from former NBL entities before the 1949 merger with the BAA.