ABA, NBA D-League hold joint games in Idaho

MANILA, Philippines - The American Basketball Association (ABA) and the NBA Development League (NBADL) held their first match-up last Nov. 18 at 7 p.m., with the ABA’s 11th ranked ‘Seattle Mountaineers’ fighting the NBADL’s ‘Idaho Stampede’ at the Qwest Arena in Boise, Idaho.

With the holding of more matches between the two leagues, the NBA would have a wider net to observe potential talent with a bigger field to choose from with the joint games.

The NBA would also find it beneficial with the entry of ABA Global, the league’s international arm, which could assist in the search for international players and build commercial interests outside the United States for their NBADL.

 Countries such as China, the Philippines, Australia and Japan have entered the US professional basketball scene via the ABA and have been well accepted by the international community based in the USA.

The regular games between the ABA and the NBADL will benefit the NBA’s scouting program and increase international interests with more players being able to participate in an integrated US pro basketball program and international outreach.

The NBA conitnually subsidises the NBADL and the joint games may spell huge savings for the NBA.

 The NBA acquired the ABA in 1976 with the top 4 teams including the San Antonio Spurs and superstars like Juluis “Dr. J” Irving moving to the NBA.

The original founders of the ABA acquired back the rights from the NBA in 2000 and re-built the ABA. The ABA now boasts the biggest sports league in the United States in terms of reach with 50 teams and with presence in all cities.

Last year, the Singapore based Filipino sports philanthropist Paul Monozca acquired a majority stake in a global joint venture and a seat in the listed US entity as part of his Spirit program, which advocates athletes competing on the world stage.