The American Basketball Association (ABA) existed from 1967-1976 as a rival to the established National Basketball Association (NBA). The league's mission was to provide a more exciting product which would create a buzz among pro basketball fans. By implementing novel innovations such as the three-point shot, colorful team uniforms and a red, white and blue basketball, the league had succeeded on fulfilling their mission to an extent. The ABA's expansion strategy was to capitalize on non-NBA cities and appeal to the youth by playing a fast paced, high scoring game with over-the-top marketable player personalities.

During its nine season run, the ABA's list of future basketball legends is an impressive one at the very least. Julius Erving (Dr. J), Moses Malone, George Gervin, Artis Gilmore, Rick Barry and David Thompson, among others, played major roles in the league's historic significance. Despite its entertaining brand of flashy freewheeling slam dunkfest basketball, the ABA could not head fake its way out of its financial problems. It is unknow if the pop media was running a screen for the NBA, as the ABA received limited TV exposure, while having to constantly compete with the wealthier NBA for its talent. The aforementioned were two existential issues which wound up taking its toll on the young upstart league.

In a not so ironic twist, by the mid-1970s, the ABA's less money became mo problems. led to merger negotiations with the NBA. During the bicentennial year of 1976, the merger was deemed official, resulting in four ABA teams—Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, New York Nets, and San Antonio Spurs—joining the NBA. The merger not only provided the NBA with a larger audience due to expanded reach, it added a new shiny toy-the 3 point shot-to league play. An innovation which would only continue to grow in popularity, remaining a very influential part of today's game.

The ABA left a lasting legacy in helping to mold the structure and swagger of professional basketball. The league gave birth to prolific Hall of Fame players, was responsible for making the 3 point shot an integral part of the game and improved the overall entertainment value of pro basketball. Although it's brief existence lasted less than a decade, the league's essential role in evolving the modern game is difficult to dispute.

ABA BASKETBALL TEAMS SPORSWEAR & FAN GEAR

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