‪Indianapolis‬, IN.
The American‬ ‪Basketball‬ Association‬ [ABA] today announced that the upcoming season will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of this iconic, ground-breaking league. "Yes, it was 50 years ago that my partner, Dick Tinkham, and a group of businessmen came up with the idea to create a new basketball league to rival the NBA," stated Joe Newman,‪ABA‬ Co-Founder. "It started with some magnificent players like Julius "Dr. J" Erving, George Gervin, Spencer Haywood, Connie Hawkins, Rick Barryand many other legends and the famous red, white and blue ball. The ABA became so impactful that four ABA teams merged into the ‪NBA‬ ( Indiana Pacers, Denver Nuggets, San Antonio Spurs and Brooklyn Nets. After being dormant for several years, in 2000, the ABA returned and today is the largest professional sports league in the ‪US‬ with 100+ teams anticipated for the upcoming season. The ABA is also the most diversified professional sports league in history with over 75% of its owners being African-American, Hispanic, Asian, women, Native Americans and disabled.

Don Sanchez, La Slam owner, ABA West Coast VP, Chairman of the ABA International Committee, will Chair the 50th Anniversary Committee. The ABA will introduce a limited edition commemorative ABA red, white and blue ball.