The American Basketball Association is a men’s professional basketball league.  The original ABA league existed from 1967 to 1976.  In June 1976, the ABA and NBA merged and four ABA teams, San Antonio Spurs, Indiana Pacers, New York Nets and Denver Nuggets, joined the NBA.  As a result of this merger, some of the ABA’s most notable players such as Julius Irving (Dr J), George Gervin (The Iceman), Ricky Barry, and Moses Malone, along with many others became NBA players bringing their former ABA high flying, above the rim, exciting style of play that electrified fans everywhere. In 2000, Joe Newman and Richard P Tinkham teamed up and reformed the ABA league.

 

In partnership with the NBA, Richard Tinkham co-founded both the original ABA and the Indiana Pacers.  Joe Newman was the CEO of Joe Newman Advertising, Inc and Alliance Broadcasting Group, Inc.  Since the ABA has relaunched, it has grown to become the world’s largest professional sports league with over 200 teams! The ABA has a global presence with ABA Mexico, ABA Australia and launching soon ABA Canada and ABA Caribbean.  The ABA is also the most diversified professional sports league with over 75 of its ownership being African American, Hispanic, Asian, women and disabled.  The ABA provides opportunities for more players and coaches to participate at the professional level than any other league.  The ABA exists for all of the right reasons to extend professional basketball players’ careers; to provide exciting professional basketball at affordable prices; to play for the true spirit of competition; and to serve as role models in our communities.  To be a member in good standing with the ABA, all teams are expected to adhere to the “Standards and Requirements” set forth in this manual.  “The ABA is more than just a game!”