Draft:Pro Basketball Association
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 | |
| Sport | Basketball |
|---|---|
| Founded | November 2020 |
| Founder | Chris Terrell |
| First season | 2021 |
| Commissioner | Angela Culliver |
| Motto | If You Want Pro - You Want The PBA |
| No. of teams | 19 |
| Country | United States |
| Most recent champion(s) | Columbus Ga Vipers (2023, 2023-2024) |
| Most titles | 3x (Fort Worth F.I.R.M) |
| Official website | https://pbaplayers.com/ |
The Pro Basketball Association (PBA) by A&T Sports is a semi-professional basketball league which operates in the United States.The Pro Basketball Association (PBA) by A&T Sports stands as a beacon of excellence in the world of semi-professional basketball, featuring teams from across the nation in two distinct summer and winter seasons. By keeping the momentum of the basketball season alive year-round, the PBA empowers its players to continuously elevate their game while remaining actively engaged in their communities. Offering comprehensive coverage through the PBATV app and various platforms, including Roku, Amazon Fire, Android, iOS, and YouTube, the PBA by A&T Sports sets itself apart as the premier destination for semi-professional basketball, providing unparalleled access to complete box scores, game recaps, graphics, and full game videos with expert commentary. With a commitment to professionalism and innovation, the PBA by A&T Sports redefines the standards of excellence in the basketball world, ensuring that fans everywhere can experience the excitement of top-tier competition. As the PBA slogan aptly states, "If You Want Pro - You Want The PBA."
History[edit]
The Pro Basketball Association (PBA) traces its roots back to 2020 when Chris Terrell[1], a seasoned veteran coach of the basketball world, founded the league with a vision of fostering competitive basketball at a professional level. Terrell's extensive experience coaching across four continents and in various prestigious leagues lent credibility to the PBA from its inception. Under his leadership, the league grew steadily, attracting teams and players eager to showcase their talent on a national stage. Terrell's tenure as Commissioner saw the PBA establish itself as a prominent league in the basketball landscape, with a commitment to excellence both on and off the court.
In a symbolic passing of the torch, PBA Commissioner Chris Terrell decided to step down from his position to focus on personal endeavors, paving the way for Angela Culliver to assume the role of league Commissioner[2]. Culliver, who served as the PBA National Director of League Operations, had worked closely with Terrell throughout his tenure and was well-equipped to lead the league into its next chapter. With a vision for continued growth and success, Culliver's appointment heralded a new era for the PBA, marked by a dedication to serving its teams, players, and fans[3]. Under her leadership, the league looked forward to building on its foundation of competitiveness and camaraderie, ensuring that the spirit of basketball thrived in communities across the nation[3].
In the summer of 2023, the Pro Basketball Association underwent a significant rebranding, transitioning from PBA by 1891 to PBA by A&T Sports. This strategic move reflected the league's commitment to enhancing its brand identity and expanding its reach within the basketball community. With the inclusion of "A&T Sports" in its name, the league emphasized its partnership with A&T Sports Inc., underlining a shared vision for the growth and development of professional basketball. The rebranding initiative aimed to position the PBA as a leading force in the industry, offering unparalleled opportunities for players, fans, and sponsors alike.
The league traditionally held a single season annually during the summer months, spanning from May to September. However, in the summer of 2022, a decision was made to introduce two seasons per year. This included a winter season running from October to March, catering to teams not engaged in other leagues during the fall, alongside the traditional summer season. However, Commissioner Culliver has recently opted to revert to the original format, conducting only one season per year during the summer months. This decision aligns with the financial realities faced by many minor league teams, allowing for greater stability in operations. By focusing on a single season, teams and the league can dedicate adequate time to promotion and securing sponsors, vital for sustaining operations.
Current Teams[edit]
| Northwest Division | Teams | 1st Season |
| Base Hill Bullies | Tacoma, Washington | 2021 |
| PNW Vets[4] | Federal Way Washington | 2021 |
| South Division | Teams | 1st Season |
| Tulia Bulls[5] | Tulia, Texas | 2023 |
| Plainview Knights | Plainview, Texas | 2022 |
| Dallas Gamblers | Dallas, Texas | 2021 |
| Louisiana Kingdom Riders | Shreveport, Louisiana | 2021 |
| B.L.T.N. Ballers | Arlington, Texas | 2021 |
| Southeast Division | Teams | 1st Season |
| Columbus Ga Vipers[6] | Columbus, Georgia | 2021 |
| Dothan Snipers[3] | Dothan, Alabama | 2021 |
| River Region Generals | Montgomery, Alabama | 2021 |
| Mississippi Raptors[7] | Jackson, Mississippi | 2023 |
| Tennessee Speed | Chattanooga, Tennessee | 2021 |
| Mobile Minners | Mobile, Alabama | 2023 |
| MidAtlantic Division | Teams | 1st Season |
| Trained To Eat | Nashville, Tennessee | 2022 |
| Pennsylvania Lighting | Connellsville, Pennsylvania | 2023 |
| Lancaster Thunder | Lancaster, Ohio | 2022 |
| Music City Jazz | Nashville, Tennessee | 2021 |
| D.C. Crank | Washington D.C. | 2023 |
| Nova Bulls | Manassas, Virginia | 2023 |
The Final Four[edit]
The pinnacle of the Pro Basketball Association, the esteemed PBA Final Four Tournament, showcases the unparalleled skill and tenacity of the league's top four teams. Once hosted in Arlington, Texas, this illustrious event has found its new home in Columbus, Georgia, under the discerning direction of the commissioner. However, the league's ambitious trajectory sees plans for a potential relocation in the near future, indicative of its commitment to maximizing exposure and fostering growth. Among the revered contenders are perennial powerhouses such as the Fort Worth F.I.R.M. boasting a remarkable trio of championships[8], alongside the formidable Columbus Ga Vipers with an impressive record of five appearances[9]. Not to be overlooked, Trained To Eat has solidified its presence with two commendable showings[9]. With unyielding determination, these elite teams vie for supremacy, all aiming to seize the coveted honor of hoisting the Pearl Trophy, a prestigious accolade paying homage to the legendary Earl "The Pearl" Monroe.
Champions[edit]
| Season | Winner | Runner-up | Results |
| 2021 Summer | Fort Worth F.I.R.M. | New York Generals | 84-76 |
| 2022 Summer | Fort Worth F.I.R.M. | NM Bluetails | 102-88 |
| 2022-2023 Winter | Fort Worth F.I.R.M. | Columbus Ga Vipers | 111-71 |
| 2023 Summer | Columbus Ga Vipers | PNW Vets | 116-110[10] |
| 2023-2024 Winter | Columbus Ga Vipers | Trained To Eat | 117-92[11] |
| 2024 Summer | TBD | TBD | TBD |
References:[edit]
- ^ "Chris Terrell - Commissioner of the Pro Basketball Association". Hoop Heads. September 1, 2022. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
- ^ Costen, Micahya (April 19, 2024). "When They Succeed, I Win: Angela Culliver's Ongoing Journey To Success In Sports Management". The Courier. p. 1. Retrieved April 25, 2024.
- ^ a b c Jones, Briana (November 1, 2023). "Dothan-area Organization Provides Healthy Gateway For Athletes". WTVY News 4.
- ^ "PNW-Vets Join The Pro Basketball Association". PBAPlayers. March 22, 2021. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
- ^ Holland II, Ma'Rico (June 13, 2023). "Plainview Knights Cruise to First Win of New Season". Plainview Herald. p. 1. Retrieved April 23, 2024.
- ^ Armstrong, Dee (August 28, 2023). "Semi-pro Basketball Teams to Come to Columbus". WTVM News Leader 9. Retrieved April 23, 2024.
- ^ Davis, Bradley (August 28, 2023). "New Semi-Pro Basketball Team With Established Roots Starting in Jackson". WAPT.
- ^ Boone, Triston (November 20, 2022). "Opening Week In The PBA - Results, News, & Players Of The Game". USBasket. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
- ^ a b Culliver, Angela (March 30, 2024). "PBA National Championship Set". USBasket. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
- ^ "Columbus Vipers win Summer 2023 National Championship". USBasket. September 27, 2023. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
- ^ "Columbus Vipers Clinch 2024 Winter Season Title". USBasket. April 1, 2024. Retrieved April 20, 2024.