My interest in the ABA is...

[U2Fan]

is for basic sports collectibles. The basic fundamental way to promote your franchise/league is through pocket schedules or the distribution of them. "Skeds" let people know when you are playing as they're placed around town. With the uncertainty of a schedule, most ABA teams can not or will not promote their games, home and/or abroad.
This is so simple, that most ABA teams are doomed for failure as they can not get this basic thing down! Secure venues, print a schedule [in pocket size format], distribute them, create interest, and watch attendence build [ along with other marketing ideas].

[Houston Caldwell]

The ABA team in my city (the Nashville Rhythm) did exactly as you proposed, with good results.
I personally placed stacks of these in 7 or 8 retail businesses, where they got some distribution, and have passed out many more personally.
The ABA rules, style of play, and quality of players are worthwhile to watch, even if they have not been competently promoted in many ABA cities. If there is a team near you (it sounds like you are near the Snowbears, a VERY good team), go see them; you won't be bored, even if the crowd you are a part of is not big.
The Nashville Rhythm have drawn decent crowds even though they have not had huge advertising bucks; they have done this because the "hand to hand" contact in promotion has been persistent and good. And what you mentioned is a large part of this.
If you'll e-mail me your US mailing address, I'll be glad to mail you some pocket Rhythm schedules for your collection.