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Draft:Pro Basketball Association

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  • Comment: Lines like 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 are in no way encyclopedic. JTP (talkcontribs) 04:42, 29 July 2024 (UTC)

Pro Basketball Association
SportBasketball
FoundedNovember 2020
FounderChris Terrell
First season2021
CommissionerAngela Culliver
MottoIf You Want Pro - You Want The PBA
No. of teams19
CountryUnited States
Most recent
champion(s)
Columbus Ga Vipers (2023, 2023-2024)
Most titles3x (Fort Worth F.I.R.M)
Official websitehttps://pbaplayers.com/

The Pro Basketball Association (PBA) by A&T Sports is a semi professional basketball league operating in the United States. The league features teams from across the nation and conducts its season during the summer months. By maintaining year-round basketball activity, the PBA provides players with ongoing opportunities to develop their skills while engaging with their communities.

History

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Founding and Early Years (2020-2022)

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The PBA was founded in 2020 by Chris Terrell, a coach with extensive experience in various prestigious leagues across four continents..[1]. Terrell's vision was to create a competitive environment for semi-professional basketball at a professional level. Under his leadership, the league grew steadily, attracting numerous teams and players. The league initially held a single season annually during the summer months (May to September).

Expansion and Winter Season Introduction (2022)

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In 2022, the league introduced a winter season (October to March) to provide additional opportunities for teams not engaged in other leagues. This expansion aimed to increase player exposure and engagement throughout the year.

Rebranding and Leadership Change (2023)

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In the summer of 2023, the league underwent rebranding, changing its name from PBA by 1891 to PBA by A&T Sports. This rebranding aimed to enhance the league's identity and expand its reach within the basketball community, emphasizing its partnership with A&T Sports Inc. During this period, Angela Culliver, who had served as the PBA National Director of League Operations, assumed the role of Commissioner following Chris Terrell's decision to step down[2][3]

Return to Single Summer Season (2024)

In 2024, Commissioner Culliver decided to revert to the original format of a single summer season, citing financial stability and operational efficiency as key reasons. 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

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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 Fort Worth F.I.R.M. celebrates receiving the national championship trophy after securing their third consecutive title.

The Final Four

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The pinnacle of the Pro Basketball Association is the esteemed PBA Final Four Tournament, which showcases the unparalleled skill and tenacity of the league's top four teams. Once hosted in Arlington, Texas, this event is now held in Columbus, Georgia. Notable teams include:

  • Fort Worth F.I.R.M.: This team has been a dominant force in the league, winning multiple championships. They are known for their robust defense and strategic play, making them a formidable opponent in every tournament[8]
  • Columbus Ga Vipers: Another powerhouse in the PBA, the Vipers have an impressive record with multiple appearances in the Final Four and several championship titles. Their ability to perform under pressure has earned them a strong fan base and respect within the league[9]​.
  • Trained To Eat (TTE): Known for their high-energy play and resilience, TTE has made significant strides in the league. They have been consistently strong contenders in the Final Four, showcasing their skill and determination[9]​.

These elite teams compete for the prestigious Pearl Trophy, named in honor of Earl "The Pearl" Monroe. The tournament not only highlights the top talents in the league but also serves as a critical platform for players to gain national recognition and further their careers.

Champions

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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:

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  1. ^ "Chris Terrell - Commissioner of the Pro Basketball Association". Hoop Heads. September 1, 2022. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  2. ^ 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.
  3. ^ a b Jones, Briana (November 1, 2023). "Dothan-area Organization Provides Healthy Gateway For Athletes". WTVY News 4.
  4. ^ "PNW-Vets Join The Pro Basketball Association". PBAPlayers. March 22, 2021. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
  5. ^ Holland II, Ma'Rico (June 13, 2023). "Plainview Knights Cruise to First Win of New Season". Plainview Herald. p. 1. Retrieved April 23, 2024.
  6. ^ Armstrong, Dee (August 28, 2023). "Semi-pro Basketball Teams to Come to Columbus". WTVM News Leader 9. Retrieved April 23, 2024.
  7. ^ Davis, Bradley (August 28, 2023). "New Semi-Pro Basketball Team With Established Roots Starting in Jackson". WAPT.
  8. ^ Boone, Triston (November 20, 2022). "Opening Week In The PBA - Results, News, & Players Of The Game". USBasket. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  9. ^ a b Culliver, Angela (March 30, 2024). "PBA National Championship Set". USBasket. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  10. ^ "Columbus Vipers win Summer 2023 National Championship". USBasket. September 27, 2023. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
  11. ^ "Columbus Vipers Clinch 2024 Winter Season Title". USBasket. April 1, 2024. Retrieved April 20, 2024.