Detroit, MI – A historic milestone in professional basketball is set to unfold as LaMont “ShowBoat” Robinson, former Harlem Clowns star and 2019 American Basketball Hall of Famer, announces the return of the American Basketball League (ABL). This bold and exciting new venture is poised to rekindle the energy and vibrancy of the legendary ABA era of the late 1970s, offering players the chance to compete at the highest professional level.
The ABL, which originally ran from 1925 to 1931, was the first major professional basketball league in the United States. Now, after nearly a century of anticipation, the ABL is making its highly anticipated comeback with a vision to establish a premier basketball organization that will captivate both players and fans alike.
“I am passionate about returning the ABL to its rightful place in history,” said Robinson, emphasizing that the league will not be a minor league but a top-tier basketball league. “We are creating a league that will be a stage for players to show their talent and make a significant impact on the game,” Robinson said. “The ABL will bring together high-level competition, passion, and an electrifying brand of basketball that will entertain and inspire both players and fans.”
The ABL plans to feature 16 to 24 teams, with a dynamic 10-round draft and player salaries ranging from $100,000 to $750,000, ensuring players have ample opportunity for growth and financial success. Moreover, the ABL will provide a platform for players and coaches to cement their legacies in the sport, with recognition on par with NBA legends.
The league will operate a 50-game regular season, culminating in an intense playoff series, and will run from January to May. The highly anticipated ABL All-Star Weekend will be held in Honolulu, providing fans with unforgettable experiences and celebrating the league’s brightest stars.
“We’re building a league that will attract the best players, including former NBA stars, and offer them a platform to continue their careers,” Robinson continued. “This is about showcasing talent, elevating skill, and honoring the deep culture of basketball in the U.S.”
Len Krichko, Vice President of Basketball Operations, further revealed that the ABL will provide an opportunity for players from Division 2, Division 3, NAIA, and HBCU programs to be drafted and play at the highest level. “The ABL will give aspiring players a chance to transition into professional basketball and take their game to new heights,” Krichko said.
The ABL is currently in discussions with potential cities, team owners, investment firms, corporate sponsors, and major TV networks. With an ambitious funding target of $500 million to $1 billion, the league aims to tip off its inaugural season in January 2028.
Potential Target Cities for the ABL Include:
- Seattle-Tacoma, WA
- Tampa, FL
- Flint, MI
- St. Louis, MO
- Pittsburgh, PA
- Nashville, TN
- Baltimore, MD
- San Diego, CA
- Columbus, OH
- Kansas City, MO
- Hartford-New Haven, CT
- Austin, TX
- Cincinnati, OH
- Las Vegas, NV
- Jacksonville, FL
- Grand Rapids, MI
- Norfolk, VA
- Birmingham, AL
- Louisville, KY
- Albuquerque, NM
- Providence, RI
- Fresno, CA
- Buffalo, NY
- Richmond, VA
- Wilkes Barre-Scranton, PA
- Little Rock-Pine Bluff, AR
- Knoxville, TN
- Tulsa, OK
- Honolulu, HI
- Des Moines-Ames, IA
- Wichita, KS
- Omaha, NE
- Columbia, SC
- Long Island, NY
- Shreveport, LA
- Jackson, MS
- Boise, ID
- Frisco, TX
- Raleigh, NC
- Ft. Lauderdale, FL
The American Basketball League promises to be an exhilarating and groundbreaking chapter in the history of basketball. Fans, players, and stakeholders alike can look forward to a high-energy and fast-paced league that celebrates the passion, athleticism, and legacy of basketball in America.
