American Basketball Association (2000–present)

{{See also|2000–01 ABA season|2001–02 ABA season}}

File:NBA Nation @ CityWalk 037 (cropped).JPG, head coach of the Tampa Bay ThunderDawgs during their 2000–01 season.]]

The league was originally co-founded by Dick Tinkham and Joe Newman in 1999 as ABA 2000.{{cite web | title=N.B.A. FINALS: NOTEBOOK; New League Tipping Off | website=The New York Times | date=June 25, 1999 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/06/25/sports/nba-finals-notebook-new-league-tipping-off.html | access-date=June 22, 2023}} Tinkham had previously co-founded the Indiana Pacers in the original American Basketball Association, and Newman had been an advertising executive for the Pacers.{{cite web | last1=Schoettle | first1=Anthony | last2=Blanchard | first2=Peter | last3=Russell | first3=John | last4=Bradley | first4=Daniel | title=Q&A: Newman is growing ABA, getting back into ad game | website=Indianapolis Business Journal | date=March 15, 2018 | url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/68007-qa-newman-is-growing-aba-getting-back-into-ad-game | access-date=June 22, 2023}} The National Basketball Association (NBA), owner of the ABA trademark after absorbing many of the original league's teams, sued Tinkham and Newman in December 1999.{{cite web | title=GEN - ABA 2000 plays the name game | website=ESPN.com | url=https://www.espn.com/gen/s/rovell/aba2000.html | access-date=June 22, 2023}} The lawsuit was unsuccessful since the NBA had failed to actively use the ABA trademark, and the new league entered an agreement with the NBA to license the name for $50,000.{{cite web | title=SI.com - Dec 14, 2005 | website=Writers | date=December 14, 2005 | url=https://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/writers/alexander_wolff/12/09/frost.heaves/index.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051216154131/https://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/writers/alexander_wolff/12/09/frost.heaves/index.html | archive-date=December 16, 2005 | url-status=dead | access-date=July 4, 2023}}

The league began its inaugural 2000–01 season with eight teams: the Chicago Skyliners, Detroit Dogs, Indiana Legends, Kansas City Knights, Los Angeles Stars, Memphis Houn'Dawgs, San Diego Wildfire and Tampa Bay ThunderDawgs. Joe Newman founded the Indiana Legends to replace the Jacksonville Jackals, who were removed from the league after failing to secure a venue.{{cite web | title=Jacksonville Jackals benched -- for now anyway | website=bizjournals.com | date=November 20, 2000 | url=https://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/stories/2000/11/20/daily9.html | access-date=July 1, 2023}} Mark Hamister purchased the rights to a Buffalo franchise for $75,000, but was also unable to secure a venue.{{cite web | last=McKissic | first=Rodney | title=HAMISTER CAUGHT OFF-GUARD BY ABA | website=Buffalo News | date=August 7, 2004 | url=https://buffalonews.com/news/hamister-caught-off-guard-by-aba/article_26eadde4-7d9e-5dda-b2df-5961b1d7429a.html | access-date=December 26, 2023}}{{cite web | title=Adirondack Daily Enterprise 27 May 2000 | website=The NYS Historic Newspapers | date=May 27, 2000 | url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=ade20000527-01.1.11&srpos=2&e=-------en-20--1--txt-txIN-%22mark+hamister%22+basketball--------- | access-date=December 27, 2023}} A proposed merger with the International Basketball League fell through in December 2000, which would have allowed the inaugural season to begin with additional teams.{{cite web | title=Merger between IBL, ABA called off | website=Las Vegas Sun | date=December 6, 2000 | url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2000/dec/06/merger-between-ibl-aba-called-off/ | access-date=June 23, 2023}}

To attract fans, the ABA encouraged its teams to fill rosters with former NBA players and past college basketball stars that had local ties.{{cite news |last=Stephens |first=Eric |title=Stars Shine in ABA Debut Before 5,347 |date=December 27, 2000 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-dec-27-sp-5217-story.html |access-date=July 17, 2011}}{{cite news |last=Rovell |first=Darren |title=ABA 2000 plays the name game |date=August 20, 2000 |work=ESPN.com |url=https://www.espn.com/gen/s/rovell/aba2000.html |access-date=July 17, 2011}} Former NBA champion and Florida native Darryl Dawkins was recruited as the first head coach of the Tampa Bay ThunderDawgs.{{cite web | title=ThunderDawgs make early switch at coach | website=Tampa Bay Times | date=January 20, 2001 | url=https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2001/01/20/thunderdawgs-make-early-switch-at-coach/ | access-date=June 24, 2023}}

The 2001–02 ABA season saw only three teams return from the inaugural season, with the Chicago Skyliners, Los Angeles Stars, Memphis Houn'Dawgs, San Diego Wildfire and Tampa Bay ThunderDawgs replaced by the Kentucky Pro Cats, Las Vegas Slam, Phoenix Eclipse and Southern California Surf.

Joe Newman folded the Indiana Legends after he was sued by eight former players in August 2002 for failing to pay their salaries.{{cite web | last=Wilson | first=Phillip B. | title=8 Legends players sue ABA, Newman | website=indystar.com | date=August 5, 2002 | url=http://www.indystar.com/article.php?legends18.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020805100723/http://www.indystar.com/article.php?legends18.html | archive-date=August 5, 2002 | url-status=dead | access-date=July 1, 2023}} Newman had claimed $1 million in losses over two seasons of ownership.{{cite web | last1=Wilson | first1=Phillip B. | last2=Stone | first2=Kate | title=Team pulls out of local scene | website=indystar.com | date=July 6, 2002 | url=http://www.indystar.com/article.php?minorsot06.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020803023609/http://www.indystar.com/article.php?minorsot06.html | archive-date=August 3, 2002 | url-status=dead | access-date=July 1, 2023}}

The 2002–03 season was not played, as the league suspended operations for reorganization.{{cite web | title=Kansas City Star - 10/08/2002 - Knights plan on having a season despite ABA shutting down for a year | website=kansascity.com | date=October 8, 2002 | url=http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascitystar/sports/4233984.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021026215139/http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascitystar/sports/4233984.htm | archive-date=October 26, 2002 | url-status=unfit | access-date=July 1, 2023}} Jim Clark, owner of the Kansas City Knights, was named league president and COO in November 2002.{{cite web | author=The Associated Press | title=Monday's Sports Transactions | website=Midland Daily News | date=November 4, 2002 | url=https://www.ourmidland.com/news/article/Monday-s-Sports-Transactions-7119263.php | access-date=June 27, 2023}}

{{See also|2003–04 ABA season|2004–05 ABA season|2005–06 ABA season}}

File:Sun Yue with the Beijing Aoshen Olympians.jpg, two-time ABA All-Star who played for the Beijing Aoshen Olympians from 2005 to 2008.]]

The league resumed play with seven teams for the 2003–04 season. The returning Kansas City Knights were joined by the Fresno Heatwave, Jersey Squires, Las Vegas Rattlers, Juárez Gallos de Pelea, Long Beach Jam and Tijuana Dragons. Dennis Rodman brought national attention to the league when he signed with the Long Beach Jam, leading them to an ABA title in their first season.{{cite web | last1=McGee | first1=Ryan | last2=Wojnarowski | first2=Adrian | last3=Gonzalez | first3=Alden | last4=Voepel | first4=M.A. | last5=Borzello | first5=Jeff | title=Rodman rebound? Ex-NBA star signs with ABA | website=ESPN.com | date=December 22, 2003 | url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=1692098 | access-date=June 26, 2023}}

The 2004–05 season saw franchise fees lowered from $50,000 to $10,000, and the bond requirement removed in order to attract new teams.{{cite news | title=For ABA, It's Dribble and Drive | newspaper=Washington Post | date=December 3, 2004 | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/2004/12/03/for-aba-its-dribble-and-drive/a3e5edb4-2086-4018-9f47-0a068926469d/ | access-date=July 4, 2023}} Teams were subsequently organized into regional groups to facilitate interest and reduce travel costs, with 37 clubs competing that season in three divisions. The Arkansas RimRockers won the 2004–05 ABA title in their first year of play, but then left with the Long Beach Jam to join the rival NBA Development League.

The ABA welcomed the Beijing Aoshen Olympians beginning with the 2005–06 season, a club which had been banned from the Chinese Basketball League after refusing to allow star prospect Sun Yue to play for the Chinese national team. The Olympians played their home games in Maywood, California.{{cite web | last=Bucher | first=Ric | title=Chinese basketball is growing by leaps and bounds | website=ESPN.com | date=April 24, 2006 | url=https://www.espn.com/espnmag/story?id=3672890 | access-date=June 26, 2023}} CCTV-5 in China broadcast the team's games, where they were watched by an average of 15 million people.{{cite news | last=Pierson | first=David | title=Growing Their Games Chinese Players Learn Lessons, Make Strides From Year Spent in U.S. League | newspaper=Washington Post | date=April 2, 2006 | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/2006/04/02/growing-their-games-span-classbankheadchinese-players-learn-lessons-make-strides-from-year-spent-in-us-leaguespan/3b534e3d-8026-4a13-8f37-2f7f2fae7d09/ | access-date=June 28, 2023}}

Following the 2005–06 season in which many teams failed to complete their full schedules and became insolvent, the Charlotte Krunk, Florida Pit Bulls, Indiana Alley Cats, Pittsburgh Xplosion, San Jose Skyrockets and SoCal Legends left to join the rival Continental Basketball Association.

{{See also|2006–07 ABA season|2007–08 ABA season}}

{{quote box|width=20em|align=right|My idea of success and Newman's differ. I'd rather have fewer teams, that are stable and last, as opposed to having tons that continue to fold. It's not the amount of teams that a league has, it's the amount that finish.{{cite web | title=Halifax, The Daily News: Columns - The ABA is a league full of holes | website=hfxnews.ca | date=June 11, 2007 | url=http://www.hfxnews.ca/index.cfm?sid=36326&sc=93 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070914000406/http://www.hfxnews.ca/index.cfm?sid=36326&sc=93 | archive-date=September 14, 2007 | url-status=dead | access-date=July 1, 2023}}|source= —Tom Doyle, Maryland Nighthawks}}

In preparation for the league's initial public offering ([https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/ABKB/ ABKB]), former NBA player John Salley was named league commissioner and Maryland Nighthawks owner Tom Doyle was named league COO in September 2006.{{cite web | title=Spider Reigns | website=OurSports Central | date=September 24, 2006 | url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/spider-reigns/n-3380056 | access-date=June 24, 2023}} Cost for new franchises was subsequently raised to $20,000 for the 2006–07 season.{{citation | title = Iverson's mom has own ABA team | url = http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/14519865/ | author = Associated Press | date = 2006-08-25 | access-date = 2010-08-17 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101204081050/http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/14519865/ | archive-date = 2010-12-04 | url-status = dead }} Sports Illustrated writer Alexander Wolff launched the Vermont Frost Heaves, regularly penning articles in the publication about his team's inaugural campaign.

John Salley and Tom Doyle attempted a boardroom coup on behalf of shareholders, with ABA's Board of Directors voting to remove Joe Newman as CEO on January 31, 2007.[http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3423259 Board of Directors of American Basketball Association, Inc. Votes to Remove CEO – OurSports Central – Independent and Minor League Sports News]. OurSports Central (2007-02-05). Retrieved on 2014-04-12. Newman sued Salley and Doyle, leading to a settlement in which he kept his job and forced their resignations from the league.{{cite web | last1=Schoettle | first1=Anthony | last2=Orr | first2=Susan | last3=Blanchard | first3=Peter | last4=Russell | first4=John | title=Group led by John Salley files counterclaim in ABA case: Court battle could imperil future of fledgling league | website=Indianapolis Business Journal | date=March 5, 2007 | url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/12558-group-led-by-john-salley-files-counterclaim-in-aba-case-court-battle-could-imperil-future-of-fledgling-league | access-date=June 26, 2023}}

The 2006–07 season concluded with the defending champion Rochester Razorsharks withdrawing from the league after they asked to reschedule a playoff game against the Wilmington Sea Dawgs, but were denied and told to forfeit.{{cite web | last=George | first=Rachel | title=Sea Dawgs are unlikely hosts | website=Wilmington Star-News | date=March 24, 2007 | url=https://www.starnewsonline.com/story/news/2007/03/24/sea-dawgs-are-unlikely-hosts/30299016007/ | access-date=June 26, 2023}} Following this incident, the Hammond Rollers, Jacksonville Jam, Maryland Nighthawks, Quad City Riverhawks and Wilmington Sea Dawgs joined the Razorsharks in forming the Premier Basketball League (PBL).

Following the 2007–08 season, the reigning champion Vermont Frost Heaves left for the Premier Basketball League along with the Halifax Rainmen, Manchester Millrats and Quebec Kebs.{{cite web | title=ABA stands for Amateur Basketball Association | website=tsn.ca | date=March 28, 2008 | url=https://www.tsn.ca/columnists/alex_walling/?id=232465&lid=sublink09&lpos=headlines_columnists-alex_walling | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080603223757/https://www.tsn.ca/columnists/alex_walling/?id=232465&lid=sublink09&lpos=headlines_columnists-alex_walling | archive-date=June 3, 2008 | url-status=dead | access-date=July 4, 2023}}

Quentin Townsend, owner of the Atlanta Vision, was named league President and COO in April 2008.{{cite web | title=Quentin Townsend Named President Of American Basketball Association | website=OurSports Central | date=April 29, 2008 | url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/quentin-townsend-named-president-of-american-basketball-association/n-3631918 | access-date=July 1, 2023}} He was later removed from those positions after being arrested in November 2008 for defrauding investors in a scheme to acquire an NBA Development League franchise.{{cite web | title=For the ABA, It Keeps Getting Worse | website=OurSports Central | date=November 12, 2008 | url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/for-the-aba-it-keeps-getting-worse/n-3739301 | access-date=July 1, 2023}}

{{See also|2008–09 ABA season|2009–10 ABA season|2010–11 ABA season|2011–12 ABA season|2012–13 ABA season}}

File:TheDigitel Myrtle Beach - 6381354769.jpg coaching the South Carolina Warriors, who finished their 2011–12 regular season undefeated.]]

At the start of the 2008–09 season, over 200 teams had folded since the league's inception.{{cite web | last=Warren | first=Brooks | title=Dead Balls | website=SLAM | date=December 3, 2008 | url=https://www.slamonline.com/archives/dead-balls/ | access-date=July 1, 2023}}

The 2008–09 season saw the Southeast Texas Mustangs franchise join the league after leaving the struggling Continental Basketball Association. The ABA attempted interleague play with the four remaining CBA teams, but their league folded mid-season.{{cite web | title=Lexington Herald-Leader from Lexington, Kentucky | website=Newspapers.com | date=February 4, 2009 | url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/695234886/ | access-date=June 27, 2023}}

NBA scouts stopped attending the league's games in January 2009, citing the amount of cancelled and forfeited contests.{{cite web | last=Bronstein | first=Jonah | title=BASKETBALL: Former Syracuse star leads the Stampede in Buffalo | website=Niagara Gazette | date=March 27, 2009 | url=https://www.niagara-gazette.com/sports/basketball-former-syracuse-star-leads-the-stampede-in-buffalo/article_67ee491b-90a5-576a-b89d-c3cb05631d82.html | access-date=December 28, 2023}}

Several teams folded during the 2009–10 season, including the entire Pacific Northwest Division. The San Francisco Rumble forfeited their playoff game against the Southeast Texas Mavericks, as they could not afford to travel for the contest.{{citation | url = http://www.beaumontenterprise.com/sports/local/setx_mavericks__playoff_opponent_forfeits_game.html | title = SETX Mavericks' playoff opponent forfeits game | publisher = Beaumont Enterprise | last = Clark | first = Ryan S.| date = 2010-03-18 | access-date = 2010-07-14 }}

Gilas Pilipinas, the Philippine national basketball team, competed in a series of exhibitions against ABA teams including the Clayton Showtime, Los Angeles Slam, Riverside Rainmakers, San Diego Surf and the West Coast All-Stars.{{citation | url = http://sports.inquirer.net/amateur/amateur/view/20100427-266644/Smart-Gilas-five-nips-San-Diego | publisher = Philippine Daily Inquirer | last = Navarro | first = June | title = Smart Gilas five nips San Diego | date = 2010-04-27 | access-date = 2010-07-14 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100429153549/http://sports.inquirer.net/amateur/amateur/view/20100427-266644/Smart-Gilas-five-nips-San-Diego | archive-date = 2010-04-29 | url-status = dead }} This April 2010 series was referred to as the ABA Friendship Games.

Dick Packer was named league President and COO in April 2010.{{cite web | title=Dick Packer New ABA President | website=OurSports Central | date=April 1, 2010 | url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/dick-packer-new-aba-president/n-3983320 | access-date=July 3, 2023}}

After winning their second consecutive championship in 2010–11, the Southeast Texas Mavericks publicly opined that the ABA did not have adequate competition, and they left with intentions of joining the NBA Development League.{{cite web | title=SETX Mavericks leaving ABA...NBA-D League next? | website=The Examiner | date=April 18, 2011 | url=https://www.theexaminer.com/stories/sports/setx-mavericks-leaving-abanba-d-league-next | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110418064003/https://www.theexaminer.com/stories/sports/setx-mavericks-leaving-abanba-d-league-next | archive-date=April 18, 2011 | url-status=dead | access-date=June 27, 2023}} However, their application to join the NBA Development League was denied, and the franchise sat out the 2011–12 and 2012–13 seasons. Consecutive titles were won by the Jacksonville Giants in their absence, with championship wins over the previously undefeated South Carolina Warriors in 2011–12 and North Dallas Vandals in 2012–13.{{cite web | last=Elliott | first=Jeff | title=Giants celebrate 2013 title with a win | website=Florida Times-Union | date=December 7, 2013 | url=https://www.jacksonville.com/story/sports/nba/2013/12/07/giants-celebrate-2013-title-win/15806349007/ | access-date=June 29, 2023}} The team returned to the ABA for 2013–14 as the Shreveport-Bossier Mavericks, going undefeated and winning the league title in a perfect season.{{cite web | title=ABA team comes to Shreveport Bossier | website=KSLA | date=May 10, 2013 | url=https://www.ksla.com/story/22212733/aba-team-comes-to-shreveport-bossier | access-date=June 27, 2023}}

{{See also|2013–14 ABA season|2014–15 ABA season|2015–16 ABA season}}

File:Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena.JPG, which hosted the largest crowd in ABA history on January 16, 2016.]]

At the conclusion of the 2013–14 season, over 350 franchises had folded since the league's inception.{{cite web|title=American Basketball Association: Stranger Than Fiction|url=http://northpolehoops.com/2014/05/23/american-basketball-association-stranger-than-fiction/#.U97UAUpOmeU|website=North Pole Hoops|date=23 May 2014 |access-date=4 August 2014}}

Former Arizona Scorpions owner Ron Tilley replaced Joe Newman as league President and CEO following Newman's retirement in July 2014.{{cite web | last=Abramson | first=Mitch | title=From the basement up: Dylan Gioia is living the dream of owning a pro basketball franchise from his mother's home in Marine Park | website=New York Daily News | date=August 2, 2014 | url=https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/basement-article-1.1889641 | access-date=June 27, 2023}}

The league signed a two-year streaming deal with ESPN3 in August 2014 to broadcast regular season and playoff games beginning with the 2014–15 season.{{cite web | last=Cafardo | first=Ben | title=ESPN reaches multi-year agreement with American Basketball Association (ABA) | website=ESPN Front Row | date=August 5, 2014 | url=https://www.espnfrontrow.com/2014/08/espn-reaches-multi-year-agreement-american-basketball-association-aba/ | access-date=June 27, 2023}}

After completing a perfect season for the second time in 2014–15 and winning their fourth championship, the Shreveport-Bossier Mavericks left the ABA to join the Premier Basketball League.{{cite web | title=Shreveport Bossier Mavericks leave the ABA for the Premier Basketball League | website=KSLA | date=June 9, 2015 | url=https://www.ksla.com/story/29270077/shreveport-bossier-mavericks-leave-the-aba-for-the-premier-basketball-league | access-date=June 27, 2023}}

Joe Newman returned to the role of league President and CEO beginning with the 2015–16 season.

The Jacksonville Giants drew the league's all-time record crowd of 8,987 for their 100–93 victory over the previously unbeaten Chicago Steam at Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena on January 16, 2016.{{cite web | title=Jacksonville Giants vs Chicago Steam | website=Jacksonville Giants | date=January 16, 2016 | url=https://www.jacksonvillegiants.com/event/jacksonville-giants-vs-chicago-steam/ | access-date=July 4, 2023}} It had been reported the week prior that the Orlando Magic was considering adopting the Giants as their NBA Development League affiliate, although later in the year they instead moved their existing affiliate Erie BayHawks to Lakeland, Florida.{{cite web | last=Kouvaris | first=Sam | title=Jacksonville in the D-League? | website=Jacksonville Sports News, Sam Kouvaris SamSportsline.com | date=January 7, 2016 | url=https://www.samsportsline.com/jacksonville-in-the-d-league/ | access-date=July 4, 2023}}{{cite web | title=Orlando moves D-League team to Lakeland | website=Florida Times-Union | date=December 14, 2016 | url=https://www.jacksonville.com/story/sports/2016/12/14/orlando-moves-d-league-team-lakeland/15735717007/ | access-date=July 4, 2023}}

File:Indiana Legends Versus Indiana Lyons, 20240224 183141 (165) (165).webm hosting the Indiana Legends on February 24, 2024.]]

A sister league, the Women's American Basketball Association (WABA), was launched in 2017.{{cite web | last=Hatfield | first=Jenn | title=Fast, Competitive, and On the Rise: Inside the Women's American Basketball Association | website=Substack | date=December 8, 2020 | url=https://herhoopstats.substack.com/p/waba-womens-american-basketball-association | access-date=July 2, 2023}} Jersey Express owner Marsha Blount was named the league's President and CEO.{{cite web | title=MARSHA BLOUNT NAMED EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF THE ABA | website=ABA Basketball | date=July 21, 2022 | url=https://realabaleague.com/marsha-blount-named-executive-vice-president-of-the-aba/ | access-date=July 2, 2023}}

The 2017–18 season saw franchise fees lowered to $2,500.{{cite web | last1=Schoettle | first1=Anthony | last2=Orr | first2=Susan | last3=Russell | first3=John | last4=Bradley | first4=Daniel | title=Q&A: Newman is growing ABA, getting back into ad game | website=Indianapolis Business Journal | date=March 15, 2018 | url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/68007-qa-newman-is-growing-aba-getting-back-into-ad-game | access-date=July 2, 2023}}

League co-founder Dick Tinkham died of muscular dystrophy in October 2018.{{cite web | title=Tinkham was Instrumental to Pacers' Survival | website=NBA.com | date=October 15, 2018 | url=https://www.nba.com/pacers/news/tinkham-was-instrumental-pacers-survival | access-date=July 2, 2023}}

The 2019–20 season was ended prematurely and the playoffs cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite web | title=ABA Cancels Postseason, Ending Indiana Lyons Campaign | website=Indiana Lyons | date=March 16, 2020 | url=https://indianalyons.com/aba-cancels-postseason-ending-indiana-lyons-campaign/ | access-date=July 2, 2023}}

The undefeated Jacksonville Giants captured their seventh and final championship in 2020–21, concluding the team's first perfect season and third in ABA history.{{cite web | title=LUCKY NUMBER 7 | website=Jacksonville Giants | date=April 18, 2021 | url=https://www.jacksonvillegiants.com/lucky-number-7/ | access-date=July 9, 2023}}

A play-in tournament was implemented beginning with the 2021–22 season to determine which teams would advance to the divisional round of the playoffs.{{cite web | last=ABA | first=the | title=ABA OPENS PLAY-IN ROUNDS WITH 7 GAMES OVER THE WEEKEND | website=ABA Basketball | date=March 14, 2022 | url=https://realabaleague.com/aba-opens-play-in-rounds-with-7-games-over-the-weekend/ | access-date=March 4, 2024}}

Following elimination from the 2021–22 playoffs by the Steel City Yellow Jackets, the Jacksonville Giants ceased operations.{{cite web | title=STEEL CITY YELLOW JACKETS TO MEET TEAM TROUBLE IN ABA FINALS | website=ABA Basketball | date=April 23, 2022 | url=https://realabaleague.com/steel-city-yellow-jackets-to-meet-team-trouble-in-aba-finals/ | access-date=July 4, 2023}}

The Burning River Buckets and Indiana Lyons were declared co-champions of the 2022–23 season after storm damage rendered the venue for their championship game unplayable.{{cite web | last=ABA | first=the | title=FIRST TIME EVER – ABA HAS CO-CHAMPIONS INDIANA LYONS & BURNING RIVER BUCKETS | website=ABA Basketball | date=April 16, 2023 | url=https://realabaleague.com/first-time-ever-aba-has-co-champions-indiana-lyons-burning-river-buckets/ | access-date=March 4, 2024}}

File:TheDigitel Myrtle Beach - 6381376559.jpg.]]

The league employs a number of unconventional rules that are unique to the league:{{cite web | title= ABA Operations Manual Version 5.5 (Sept 2024) | url=https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/28383134-dae0-41d2-9993-0619d3ff2c10/Open%202024%20Ver%205.5%20Updated%20ABA%20Operations%20Manua.pdf | access-date=March 15, 2025}}

• Four-point field goal: Shots made from behind the half-court division line are credited as 4 points.
• 3D rule: If a team commits a backcourt violation or turns the ball over in the backcourt, any field goal scored by the opposing team on the ensuing possession shall be awarded an additional point (2-point shots are credited as 3 points, 3-point shots are credited as 4 points, 4-point half-court shots are credited as 5 points). If a player is fouled on their unsuccessful shot attempt while the 3D rule is in effect, they shall receive free throws corresponding with the point value of a successful field goal.
• Basket interference rule: Once the ball hits the rim, any play for the ball by a defender will not be considered goaltending.
• 7 second rule: Each team has seven seconds to bring the ball from backcourt to frontcourt before a backcourt violation is called. If either team is granted a timeout or the ball deflects out of bounds, the count does not reset.
• Seventh foul rule: A player who has committed seven fouls during regulation will be removed from the game and replaced by a bench player. Players who fouled out during regulation will be allowed back into the game for overtime.
• 3–10 & Out: Overtime begins with a single 3-minute period. If the score is still tied, a second untimed overtime period shall commence, and the first team to reach 10 points wins the game.
• 13th man rule: The home team is allowed one additional player to dress for regular season games beyond their normal 12-man squad. This traditionally is a role filled by celebrities and dignitaries as publicity stunts, and such players are not authorized to play an entire game.

File:Vermont Frost Heaves at Halifax Rainmen (January 10 2008).jpg, winners of the 2006–07 and 2007–08 league championship.]]

123 teams completed at least one game during the 2024–25 season.{{cite web | title=Standings of American Basketball Association (ABA) on MyStatsOnline.com | website=MyStatsOnline | url=https://www.mystatsonline.com/basket/visitor/league/standings/standings_basket.aspx?IDLeague=64225 | language=rw | access-date=July 2, 2023}}

The league's oldest surviving franchises are the Jersey Express (est. 2005), Georgia Gwizzlies (est. 2007), Steel City Yellow Jackets (est. 2014), and Indiana Lyons (est. 2017).

{{Main|List of former American Basketball Association (2000–present) teams}}

Franchises that left the ABA but still compete elsewhere include the Detroit Panthers (Maximum Basketball League), Motor City Cruise (NBA G League), Newfoundland Rogues (Basketball Super League), and Rochester Kingz (The Basketball League).

{{For|complete playoff results of past ABA seasons|American Basketball Association (2000–present) playoff results}}

{{div col|colwidth=12em}}

USA:

• {{flagicon|United States}} Jean-Paul Afif
• {{flagicon|United States}} Hameed Ali
• {{flagicon|United States}} Malik Allen
• {{flagicon|United States}} Anthony Anderson
• {{flagicon|United States}} Harold Arceneaux
• {{flagicon|United States}} Kayode Ayeni
• {{flagicon|United States}} Toby Bailey
• {{flagicon|United States}} Antwain Barbour
• {{flagicon|United States}} Matt Barnes
• {{flagicon|United States}} Turner Battle
• {{flagicon|United States}} Corey Beck
• {{flagicon|United States}} Charlie Bell
• {{flagicon|United States}} Benoit Benjamin
• {{flagicon|United States}} Corey Benjamin
• {{flagicon|United States}} Jason Bennett
• {{flagicon|United States}} Travarus Bennett
• {{flagicon|United States}} Emmanuel Bibb
• {{flagicon|United States}} Jermaine Blackburn
• {{flagicon|United States}} Shad Blair
• {{flagicon|United States}} David Booth
• {{flagicon|United States}} Jeff Boschee
• {{flagicon|United States}} Bryan Bracey
• {{flagicon|United States}} Nick Bradford
• {{flagicon|United States}} Odell Bradley
• {{flagicon|United States}} Torraye Braggs
• {{flagicon|United States}} Scott Brooks
• {{flagicon|United States}} Damone Brown
• {{flagicon|United States}} Kezo Brown
• {{flagicon|United States}} Quinnel Brown
• {{flagicon|United States}} SirValiant Brown
• {{flagicon|United States}} Troy Brown
• {{flagicon|United States}} Kenny Brunner
• {{flagicon|United States}} Antonio Burks
• {{flagicon|United States}} Cardell Butler
• {{flagicon|United States}} Kevin Butler
• {{flagicon|United States}} Geno Carlisle
• {{flagicon|United States}} Antoine Carr
• {{flagicon|United States}} Aquille Carr
• {{flagicon|United States}} Chris Carrawell
• {{flagicon|United States}} Zahir Carrington
• {{flagicon|United States}} Maurice Carter
• {{flagicon|United States}} Parrish Casebier
• {{flagicon|United States}} Chris Cayole
• {{flagicon|United States}} Cedric Ceballos
• {{flagicon|United States}} Amir Celestin
• {{flagicon|United States}} Brian Chase
• {{flagicon|United States}} Robert Cheeks
• {{flagicon|United States}} Eric Chenowith
• {{flagicon|United States}} Keith Closs
• {{flagicon|United States}} William Coleman
• {{flagicon|United States}} DeAngelo Collins
• {{flagicon|United States}} Dallas Comegys
• {{flagicon|United States}} Dylon Cormier
• {{flagicon|United States}} Schea Cotton
• {{flagicon|United States}} Modie Cox
• {{flagicon|United States}} Joe Cremo
• {{flagicon|United States}} Joe Crispin
• {{flagicon|United States}} Eric Crookshank
• {{flagicon|United States}} Jason Crowe
• {{flagicon|United States}} Ramel Curry
• {{flagicon|United States}} Glen Dandridge
• {{flagicon|United States}} Lloyd Daniels
• {{flagicon|United States}} Ben Davis
• {{flagicon|United States}} Kelvin Davis
• {{flagicon|United States}} Robert Day
• {{flagicon|United States}} Todd Day
• {{flagicon|United States}} Derrick Dial
• {{flagicon|United States}} Byron Dinkins
• {{flagicon|United States}} Nate Driggers
• {{flagicon|United States}} Quran DuBois
• {{flagicon|United States}} Dekabriean Eldridge
• {{flagicon|United States}} Ed Elisma
• {{flagicon|Puerto Rico}} Carlos Escalera
• {{flagicon|United States}} Tony Farmer
• {{flagicon|United States}} Marcus Feagin
• {{flagicon|United States}} Taurian Fontenette
• {{flagicon|United States}} Kevin Freeman
• {{flagicon|United States}} Jarrid Frye
• {{flagicon|United States}} Will Funn
• {{flagicon|United States}} Corey Gaines
• {{flagicon|United States}} Chris Garner
• {{flagicon|United States}} Kenny Gasana
• {{flagicon|United States}} Eddie Gill
• {{flagicon|United States}} Armen Gilliam
• {{flagicon|United States}} Anthony Goldwire
• {{flagicon|United States}} Paul Grant
• {{flagicon|United States}} Cortez Groves
• {{flagicon|United States}} Kyle Gupton
• {{flagicon|United States}} Chris Hagan
• {{flagicon|United States}} Darrin Hancock
• {{flagicon|United States}} Tim Hardaway *
• {{flagicon|United States}} Trenton Hassell
• {{flagicon|United States}} Juaquin Hawkins
• {{flagicon|United States}} Rodney Hawkins
• {{flagicon|United States}} Andrew Hayles
• {{flagicon|United States}} Curtis Haywood
• {{flagicon|United States}} Esian Henderson
• {{flagicon|United States}} Sean Higgins
• {{flagicon|United States}} Dametri Hill
• {{flagicon|United States}} Jeremiah Hill
• {{flagicon|United States}} Rico Hill
• {{flagicon|United States}} Chris Hines
• {{flagicon|United States}} Randy Holcomb
• {{flagicon|United States}} Jerry Holman
• {{flagicon|United States}} Shaheen Holloway
• {{flagicon|United States}} Derek Hood
• {{flagicon|United States}} Jamar Howard
• {{flagicon|United States}} Rick Hughes
• {{flagicon|United States}} Johnathan Ivy
• {{flagicon|United States}} Edward "Cookie" Jarvis
• {{flagicon|United States}} Keith Jensen
• {{flagicon|United States}} Ashante Johnson
• {{flagicon|United States}} DerMarr Johnson
• {{flagicon|United States}} Matt Johnson
• {{flagicon|United States}} Charles Jones
• {{flagicon|United States}} Dominique Jones
• {{flagicon|United States}} Dontae' Jones
• {{flagicon|United States}} Kenny Jones
• {{flagicon|United States}} Reggie Jordan
• {{flagicon|United States}} Mark Karcher
• {{flagicon|United States}} Jimmy King
• {{flagicon|United States}} Julian King
• {{flagicon|United States}} Lorenzo King
• {{flagicon|United States}} Billy Knight
• {{flagicon|United States}} Christian Laettner
• {{flagicon|United States}} Trajan Langdon
• {{flagicon|United States}} Jack Leasure
• {{flagicon|United States}} Tyrone Levett
• {{flagicon|United States}} Geno Lewis
• {{flagicon|United States}} Steve Logan
• {{flagicon|United States}} Justin Love
• {{flagicon|United States}} Sam Mack
• {{flagicon|United States}} Gordon Malone
• {{flagicon|United States}} Darrick Martin
• {{flagicon|United States}} Dan McClintock
• {{flagicon|United States}} Jelani McCoy
• {{flagicon|United States}} Javon McCrea
• {{flagicon|United States}} Jeremy McNeil
• {{flagicon|United States}} Pete Mickeal
• {{flagicon|United States}} Anthony Miller
• {{flagicon|United States}} Oliver Miller
• {{flagicon|United States}} Percy Miller
• {{flagicon|United States}} Willie Mitchell
• {{flagicon|United States}} Jamario Moon
• {{flagicon|United States}} Chris Morris
• {{flagicon|United States}} Isaiah Morris
• {{flagicon|United States}} Lawrence Moten
• {{flagicon|United States}} Byron Mouton
• {{flagicon|United States}} Eric Murdock
• {{flagicon|United States}} Tyrone Nesby
• {{flagicon|United States}} Tyler Newton
• {{flagicon|United States}} Ed O'Bannon
• {{flagicon|United States}} Doug Overton
• {{flagicon|United States}} Josh Pace
• {{flagicon|United States}} Gerald Paddio
• {{flagicon|United States}} Jannero Pargo
• {{flagicon|United States}} Royce Parran
• {{flagicon|United States}} Anthony Pelle
• {{flagicon|United States}} Mike Penberthy
• {{flagicon|United States}} Darren Phillip
• {{flagicon|United States}} Chris Porter
• {{flagicon|United States}} Rashaad Powell
• {{flagicon|United States}} James Reaves
• {{flagicon|United States}} Khalid Reeves
• {{flagicon|United States}} Kareem Reid
• {{flagicon|United States}} Eric Riley
• {{flagicon|United States}} John Roberson
• {{flagicon|United States}} Lawrence Roberts
• {{flagicon|United States}} Stanley Roberts
• {{flagicon|United States}} Ryan Robertson
• {{flagicon|United States}} James Robinson
• {{flagicon|United States}} Mike Robinson
• {{flagicon|United States}} Dennis Rodman *
• {{flagicon|United States}} René Rougeau
• {{flagicon|United States}} Trevor Ruffin
• {{flagicon|United States}} JaRon Rush
• {{flagicon|United States}} Kareem Rush
• {{flagicon|United States}} Bryon Russell
• {{flagicon|United States}} Mark Sanford
• {{flagicon|United States}} Jason Sasser
• {{flagicon|United States}} Akeem Scott
• {{flagicon|United States}} DeRonn Scott
• {{flagicon|United States}} Shea Seals
• {{flagicon|United States}} Clayton Shields
• {{flagicon|United States}} Paul Shirley
• {{flagicon|United States}} Troy Simons
• {{flagicon|United States}} Duane Simpkins
• {{flagicon|United States}} Lazarus Sims
• {{flagicon|United States}} Reggie Slater
• {{flagicon|United States}} Doug Smith
• {{flagicon|United States}} Eddie Smith
• {{flagicon|United States}} Tony Smith
• {{flagicon|United States}} Pierre Sow
• {{flagicon|United States}} Isaac Spencer
• {{flagicon|United States}} Curtis Staples
• {{flagicon|United States}} Perry Stevenson
• {{flagicon|United States}} Anthony Steward
• {{flagicon|United States}} John Strickland
• {{flagicon|United States}} Jayceon Taylor
• {{flagicon|United States}} Doug Thomas
• {{flagicon|United States}} Jamel Thomas
• {{flagicon|United States}} Torey Thomas
• {{flagicon|United States}} Scotty Thurman
• {{flagicon|United States}} Clay Tucker
• {{flagicon|United States}} Joah Tucker
• {{flagicon|United States}} Nick VanderLaan
• {{flagicon|United States}} David Vanterpool
• {{flagicon|United States}} Fred Vinson
• {{flagicon|United States}} Jermaine Walker
• {{flagicon|United States}} Matt Walsh
• {{flagicon|United States}} Rex Walters
• {{flagicon|United States}} Jerod Ward
• {{flagicon|United States}} Reginald Warren
• {{flagicon|United States}} Jameel Watkins
• {{flagicon|United States}} Sylvania Watkins
• {{flagicon|United States}} C. J. Webster
• {{flagicon|United States}} Tony Weeden
• {{flagicon|United States}} Dominick Welch
• {{flagicon|United States}} Bubba Wells
• {{flagicon|United States}} Robert Whaley
• {{flagicon|United States}} DeJuan Wheat
• {{flagicon|United States}} Tyson Wheeler
• {{flagicon|United States}} Davin White
• {{flagicon|United States}} Lou White
• {{flagicon|United States}} Donald Whiteside
• {{flagicon|United States}} Brandon Williams
• {{flagicon|United States}} Jason Williams
• {{flagicon|United States}} Jerry Williams
• {{flagicon|United States}} Larry Williams
• {{flagicon|United States}} Richie Williams
• {{flagicon|United States}} Tim Winn
• {{flagicon|United States}} Terrence Woodyard
• {{flagicon|United States}} Damian Woolfolk
• {{flagicon|United States}} Metta World Peace
• {{flagicon|United States}} Galen Young

Asia:

• {{flagicon|Lebanon}} Matt Freije
• {{flagicon|Taiwan}} Chen Hsin-an
• {{flagicon|Philippines}} Mark Magsumbol
• {{flagicon|China}} Sun Mingming
• {{flagicon|Israel}} Guy Parselany
• {{flagicon|Israel}} Yoav Saffar
• {{flagicon|Iran}} Behdad Sami
• {{flagicon|Philippines}} Avery Scharer
• {{flagicon|South Korea}} Ha Seung-jin
• {{flagicon|South Korea}} Lee Seung-jun
• {{flagicon|Japan}} Yuta Tabuse
• {{flagicon|China}} Sun Yue

Africa:

• {{flagicon|Nigeria}} Dokun Akingbade
• {{flagicon|Sudan}} Kueth Duany
• {{flagicon|Sudan}} Deng Gai
• {{flagicon|Rwanda}} Kenny Gasana
• {{flagicon|Morocco}} Mohamad Hachad
• {{flagicon|Senegal}} Issa Konare
• {{flagicon|Senegal}} Pape Sow

Americas:

• {{flagicon|Bahamas}} Anwar Ferguson
• {{flagicon|U.S. Virgin Islands}} Reggie Freeman
• {{flagicon|Haiti}} Antoine Joseph
• {{flagicon|Mexico}} Horacio Llamas
• {{flagicon|Dominican Republic}} Felipe López
• {{flagicon|Haiti}} Olden Polynice

Canada

• {{flagicon|Canada}} Jermaine Anderson
• {{flagicon|Canada}} Manix Auriantal
• {{flagicon|Canada}} Kelvin dela Peña
• {{flagicon|Canada}} Robbie Sihota
• {{flagicon|Canada}} Christian Upshaw
• {{flagicon|Canada}} Dwight Walton
• {{flagicon|Canada}} Howard Washington

Europe:

• {{flagicon|Georgia}} Tyrone Ellis
• {{flagicon|England}} Neil Fingleton
• {{flagicon|Romania}} Gheorghe Mureșan
• {{flagicon|Poland}} Jeff Nordgaard

Oceania:

• {{flagicon|Australia}} Ty Harrelson
• {{flagicon|New Zealand}} Jeremiah Trueman

{{div col end}}

{{div col|colwidth=12em}}

USA:

• {{flagicon|United States}} Jean-Paul Afif
• {{flagicon|United States}} Nate Archibald *
• {{flagicon|United States}} Isaac Austin
• {{flagicon|United States}} Rod Baker
• {{flagicon|United States}} Bill Bayno
• {{flagicon|United States}} Chris Beard
• {{flagicon|United States}} Scott Brooks
• {{flagicon|United States}} Joe Bryant
• {{flagicon|United States}} Wallace Bryant
• {{flagicon|United States}} Paul Butorac
• {{flagicon|United States}} Jason Caffey
• {{flagicon|United States}} Don Casey
• {{flagicon|United States}} Earl Cureton
• {{flagicon|United States}} Darryl Dawkins
• {{flagicon|United States}} Terry Dehere
• {{flagicon|United States}} Bob Donewald Jr.
• {{flagicon|United States}} Acie Earl
• {{flagicon|United States}} Corey Gaines
• {{flagicon|United States}} George Gervin *
• {{flagicon|United States}} Greg Graham
• {{flagicon|United States}} Gary Grant
• {{flagicon|United States}} Litterial Green
• {{flagicon|United States}} Ron Greene
• {{flagicon|United States}} Tim Hardaway *
• {{flagicon|United States}} Antonio Harvey
• {{flagicon|United States}} Sean Higgins
• {{flagicon|United States}} Bob Hoffman
• {{flagicon|United States}} Dennis Hopson
• {{flagicon|United States}} Richard Jacob
• {{flagicon|United States}} Antoine Joubert
• {{flagicon|United States}} Kevin Keathley
• {{flagicon|United States}} Bruce Kreutzer
• {{flagicon|United States}} Cliff Levingston
• {{flagicon|United States}} Freddie Lewis
• {{flagicon|United States}} Kyle Macy
• {{flagicon|United States}} Sergio McClain
• {{flagicon|United States}} Ashley McElhiney
• {{flagicon|United States}} Joey Meyer
• {{flagicon|United States}} Barry Migliorini
• {{flagicon|United States}} DeLisha Milton-Jones
• {{flagicon|United States}} Johnny Moore
• {{flagicon|United States}} Ron Moore
• {{flagicon|United States}} Richard Morton
• {{flagicon|United States}} Hernando Planells
• {{flagicon|United States}} Kevin Pritchard
• {{flagicon|United States}} Jerry Reynolds
• {{flagicon|United States}} Trevor Ruffin
• {{flagicon|United States}} Twiggy Sanders
• {{flagicon|United States}} Kelvin Scarborough
• {{flagicon|United States}} Clayton Shields
• {{flagicon|United States}} Bob Sundvold
• {{flagicon|United States}} Dane Suttle
• {{flagicon|United States}} LaSalle Thompson
• {{flagicon|United States}} Ray Tolbert
• {{flagicon|United States}} Jan van Breda Kolff
• {{flagicon|United States}} Will Voigt
• {{flagicon|United States}} Tirame Walker
• {{flagicon|United States}} Teresa Weatherspoon *
• {{flagicon|United States}} Scott Wedman
• {{flagicon|United States}} Paul Westhead
• {{flagicon|United States}} Kevin Whitted
• {{flagicon|United States}} Jerry Williams
• {{flagicon|United States}} Kenny Williams
• {{flagicon|United States}} Orlando Woolridge
• {{flagicon|United States}} Galen Young
• {{flagicon|United States}} Patrick Zipfel

Asia:

• {{flagicon|Jordan}} Maz Trakh

Americas:

• {{flagicon|Haiti}} Olden Polynice

{{div col end}}

{{reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• [https://realabaleague.com/ Official website]
• {{OTCPink|ABKB}}
• [https://www.mystatsonline.com/basket/visitor/league/home/home_basket.aspx?IDLeague=64225 League statistics and standings] from MyStatsOnline

{{ABA Teams}}

{{Men's professional basketball leagues}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:American Basketball Association (2000-Present)}}

Category:1999 establishments in Indiana

Category:Basketball leagues in the United States

Category:Companies traded over-the-counter in the United States

Category:Organizations based in Indianapolis

Category:Professional sports leagues in the United States

Category:Publicly traded sports companies

Category:Sports leagues established in 1999