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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), Dothan Sniper (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 Pro Basketball Association (PBA) was founded in 2020 by Chris Terrell, a coach with experience in various basketball leagues across four continents[1]. Terrell's objective was to establish a competitive environment for semi-professional basketball. Under his leadership, the league experienced steady growth, attracting multiple teams and players. Initially, the league hosted one season per year, held during the summer months (May to September).

Expansion and Winter Season Introduction (2022)

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In 2022, the Pro Basketball Association (PBA) introduced a winter season, running from October to March. This expansion provided additional opportunities for teams not participating in other leagues, allowing players to compete and develop their skills 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 PBA Final Four Tournament is the championship event of the Pro Basketball Association (PBA), featuring the league's top four teams. Originally hosted in Arlington, Texas, the tournament later took place in Columbus, Georgia, for two seasons before relocating to Dothan, Alabama. The event provides an opportunity for fans in different regions to observe the competition among the league’s leading teams. Notable teams include:

  • Fort Worth F.I.R.M. is a team in the Pro Basketball Association (PBA) recognized for its success, including multiple championship victories. The team is noted for its strong defensive strategies and tactical gameplay, consistently performing as a competitive contender in league tournaments.[8]
  • Columbus Ga Vipers is a prominent team in the Pro Basketball Association (PBA), known for their consistent performance, including multiple appearances in the Final Four and several championship victories. The team's success and ability to excel in high-stakes games have contributed to their recognition and respect within the league.[9]​.
  • Trained To Eat (TTE) is a team in the Pro Basketball Association (PBA) recognized for their energetic playing style and resilience. They have been consistent contenders in the league's Final Four, demonstrating skill and determination in their performances.[9]​.

The Pearl Trophy is awarded to the champion of the Pro Basketball Association (PBA) Final Four Tournament. Named in honor of basketball legend Earl "The Pearl" Monroe, the trophy represents the pinnacle of achievement in the league.

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 Dothan Sniper Louisiana Kingdom Riders 130-78[12]

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.
  12. ^ "Dothan Snipers clinch 2024 Summer Championship title". USBasket. September 4, 2024.