American Basketball Association
On the 20th of December 1966, a group of investors gathered at the Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel to discuss a new basketball league. Dennis Murphy and Constantine Seredin had been working behind the scenes to create an organization that could challenge the National Basketball Association. They invited George Mikan, a legendary former player, to serve as commissioner. The meeting was designed to look like a legitimate business venture, with some attendees posing as potential buyers to generate press attention. By February 1967, eleven teams were officially announced for the inaugural season. These franchises included the Indiana Pacers, Kentucky Colonels, Minnesota Muskies, New Jersey Americans, and Pittsburgh Pipers in the East. The West Division featured the Anaheim Amigos, Dallas Chaparrals, Denver Rockets, Houston Mavericks, New Orleans Buccaneers, and Oakland Oaks. Willie Porter scored the first points in ABA history on the 13th of October 1967, during a game between the Oakland Oaks and the Anaheim Amigos. The league opened its doors with a bold vision to compete directly with the established NBA.
George Mikan introduced a red-white-blue basketball to distinguish the American Basketball Association from the traditional orange ball used by the NBA. He also implemented a three-point field goal rule, which had previously been tried in the short-lived American Basketball League of the early 1960s. The ABA adopted a 30-second shot clock instead of the NBA's 24-second version until the final season when they switched back. This offensive philosophy encouraged a faster pace and more spectacular plays. Teams like the Virginia Squires and Carolina Cougars played home games across multiple cities to maximize regional appeal. The league embraced a wide-open style that attracted fans who wanted excitement over conservative play. By the 1975, 76 season, the ABA had adopted the no-disqualification foul rule allowing players to continue after fouling out if the opposing team took free throws. These innovations created a unique identity for the league even as financial struggles mounted.
The ABA recruited players who were ignored or blackballed by the NBA due to perceived issues or eligibility concerns. Connie Hawkins, Roger Brown, and Doug Moe all received second chances because George Mikan believed they deserved opportunities despite false allegations. Spencer Haywood became the first player to enter professional basketball before completing his college career under the hardship exemption. Other stars like Rick Barry and Billy Cunningham joined from the NBA to boost the league's profile. Dan Issel, Artis Gilmore, George Gervin, and Julius Erving emerged as key figures in later years. The league offered annuity contracts through plans like the Dolgoff Plan to lure talent away from established teams. Jim Ard signed a $1.4 million contract with the New York Nets paid over 24 years starting in 1989. Both leagues engaged in spying to track signings and bidding wars escalated throughout the early 1970s. Despite these efforts, attendance varied widely across markets with some teams drawing larger crowds than their NBA counterparts.
The American Basketball Association never secured a consistent national television contract which contributed to its financial instability. Teams faced protracted losses while trying to compete against the better-funded NBA. By the end of the 1975, 76 season only seven teams remained active out of the original eleven. Four franchises including the Pacers Nuggets Spurs and Nets eventually merged into the NBA after negotiations began as early as 1970. An antitrust lawsuit filed by the NBA Players Association delayed merger talks for several years until February 1976 when the Robertson suit was settled. The Kentucky Colonels and Spirits of St. Louis disbanded upon the merger receiving buyouts instead of joining the older league. The Virginia Squires ceased operations before the final agreement leaving them without compensation. The four surviving ABA teams were denied participation in the 1976 NBA draft and received no share of future television revenue for three seasons. The New York Nets paid $4.8 million to the Knicks organization just to secure an arena in Piscataway New Jersey.
During the final All-Star Game held in Denver on the 2nd of April 1976, the ABA introduced the first professional slam dunk contest. Owners wanted to entertain a sellout crowd of 15,021 people and showcase the excitement their players brought to the court. Contestants included Artis Gilmore George Gervin David Thompson Larry Kenon and Julius Erving. Erving won the competition with his famous free throw line dunk earning him $1,000 and a stereo system. This event became a permanent fixture in the NBA starting in 1984 after being tested briefly during the 1976, 77 season. The contest highlighted the flashy style that defined the ABA era and helped preserve its cultural impact long after the league dissolved. It remains one of the most iconic moments in basketball history despite originating from a short-lived rival organization.
Spencer Haywood left the University of Detroit as a sophomore in 1969 to sign with the Denver Rockets under special circumstances. The ABA believed players facing financial hardship or family needs should be allowed to turn pro before completing four years of college eligibility. Courts ruled in favor of Haywood allowing him to play professionally while the NBA initially contested the decision. After legal victories the NBA relaxed its rules to permit early entry based on financial condition academic record or family status. This precedent paved the way for other players like George McGinnis and Julius Erving to join the league before finishing their collegiate careers. Today the so-called one-and-done rule in the NBA traces directly back to this decision made by the ABA in 1969. The hardship exemption fundamentally changed how young athletes could access professional opportunities forever altering the landscape of American sports.
Continue Browsing
Common questions
When was the American Basketball Association founded?
The American Basketball Association was officially announced in February 1967 after a meeting of investors on the 20th of December 1966. Eleven teams were confirmed for the inaugural season by that time.
Who served as commissioner of the American Basketball Association?
George Mikan served as the first commissioner of the American Basketball Association starting from its founding in 1967. He introduced innovations like the red-white-blue basketball and the three-point field goal rule to distinguish the league from the NBA.
Why did the American Basketball Association merge with the National Basketball Association?
The American Basketball Association merged with the National Basketball Association due to financial instability and protracted losses faced by most franchises. By the end of the 1975, 76 season only seven teams remained active out of the original eleven before four franchises joined the NBA.
What major innovation did the American Basketball Association introduce during the final All-Star Game?
The American Basketball Association introduced the first professional slam dunk contest during the final All-Star Game held in Denver on the 2nd of April 1976. Julius Erving won the competition with his free throw line dunk earning him $1,000 and a stereo system.
How did the American Basketball Association change college eligibility rules for players?
The American Basketball Association allowed Spencer Haywood to turn professional before completing his college career through a hardship exemption established in 1969. This legal precedent paved the way for other players to join the league early and ultimately led to the modern one-and-done rule in the NBA.