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ABOUT THE ABA

The American Basketball Association has been around since 1967 and reemerged in 1999 as a new and improved organization.

Throughout the years, the league has adapted its rules with the game. The ABA combines NCAA, FIBA and NBA rules to create the best show for the fans. The ABA was the creator of the 3-point shot (now used by the NBA and other leagues). The ABA now has a rule focusing on defense called the 3D Rule. Learn about our unique rules here and how we plan on making the game more fun and exciting.

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ABA Statements:

Every game should be a fan-pleasing entertainment experience. League play will emphasize pure basketball skills, while eliminating rough style of play. Officials should set a new and refreshing example by enforcing the rules of the game.

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  • Players are expected to sign autographs and interact with fans after each ballgame.

  • Players are expected to demonstrate professional conduct at all times.

  • ABA basketball can be a fun and exciting experience for the fans. We offer a great athletic, fast-paced game at affordable prices.

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Sportsmanship:

  • There will be consistent and universal enforcement of sporting behavior.

  • There will be ZERO tolerance for taunting and baiting.

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The 3-D Rule!

The 3-D Rule is on when:

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  • The offensive team loses possession of the ball while the ball has backcourt status.

  • The ball goes out-of-bounds after touching the frontcourt (or a player or official in the frontcourt).

  • If the offensive team does not establish ball control in the frontcourt, the 3D Light will remain in effect.

  • When the 3D Rule is on, an additional point is added to the point value of the field goal, (i.e. two point baskets count as three, three point baskets count as four.)

  • 3D Rule remains on until the team scores, attempts a free throw for a personal foul; or the other team gains control of the ball.

  • When the defense commits a foul within 3D, the number of free throws will be increased by one.

  • When the defensive team receives a technical foul in 3D, the 3D light remains on following the free throws.


ABA – DIVERSITY HAS FOUND A HOME
When Branch Rickey broke the color line with Jackie Robinson in major league baseball, it changed the face of professional sports in America – all for the good.  And soon thereafter, the NFL and NBA followed suit.  And professional sports became even better.  At last, inclusion and opportunity were available to minorities and they’ve certainly taken advantage of it by providing some of the great players in basketball history like Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Oscar Robertson, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Moses Malone, LeBron James, Tim Duncan and players with equal impact in football and baseball.  And the same holds true for Hispanics and Asians.Unfortunately, that same inclusion and opportunity has not been extended to ownership unless you are a celebrity whose name and image major leagues can use for promotion and profit, like Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Jay Z or Usher.  That is, until the ABA, where diversity has found a home.Diversity is at the core of the ABA.  Over 75% of ABA teams are owned by African-Americans, Hispanics, Asians and women.  This did not just happen.  We made it happen by making it easier to own and operate an ABA team than any other sports opportunity.  As a result of our inclusion of minorities, we now have over 90 teams in the ABA and are still growing.Very shortly, the ABA will be introducing ABA Plus – Basketball for the Next Generation – an entirely new concept that will move professional sports one step forward – and our goal will be similar to that of the ABA – to provide inclusion and opportunities for minorities to own and operate at the next level.  It is about time to take the “Jackie Robinson” step to ownership in professional sports.

    • Professional Basketball League with over 70 teams

    • Signature red, white, and blue basketball

    • Instituted 3-point shot and slam dunk competitions

    • NBA teams that started in the ABA include:  San Antonio Spurs, Indiana Pacers, Denver Nuggets, and Brooklyn Nets (formerly in New Jersey)

    • NBA All-Stars that played in the ABA:  Julius “Dr. J” Irving, Artis Gilmore, Christian Laettner, George “Iceman” Gervin

  • Some Facts About The ABA

     

For more information on the American Basketball Association and the league rules, visit www.realABAleague.com

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