Need ABA Clarity

[HoopsFanatic]

This is my first time with you guys but I was directed here to get some objective opinions about the ABA league. I am looking into getting an ABA team but I am looking for honest and straightforward information about the league. I am reading about the ABA not having proper documents from the NBA about using the ABA acronym. Also about Joe and some legal issues. Please direct me so I can find any and all information needed to secure my market and investment.

I hear from some people to run the other way but no one has given me any proof at this point, it is just speculation. Thanks for all good and bad info.

[misenern]

Go for it. Fame and fortune await!

[robster2001]

Just read through the ABA board here at OSC.

Or, more simply, go to the ABA website and notice what's missing -- stats, a complete schedule, or news releases about current activities (most releases will be about 2010-11 teams or other pie-in-the-sky stuff).

The ABA is not a good choice. You'll only be as good as your partners... and once you've read this board, you'll understand why that's a bad thing.

[TEN]

Get to reading...there's enough information on this site...10 years worth...you don't need us to tell you anything...

[ABARedWhiteBlue]

You really need to do your own due diligence - the league will only paint the rosiest of pictures and push things like their World Basketball Classic (which should have started months ago, according to the ABA) and the "deal" with Versus (which has yet to show a game or even list the ABA on its schedule).

Most of the league's failings are detailed here, often with links and letting the ABA CEO's own words and actions show how poorly executed the league has been.

But, if you are still looking to get involved with this league:
- Write a check for all the money you plan to invest
- Burn the check
- Mail the ashes to Joe Newman on Holliday Dr. in Indianapolis, IN

You will get the same return on your investment.

[LightningMan]

This is my first time with you guys but I was directed here to get some objective opinions about the ABA league. I am looking into getting an ABA team but I am looking for honest and straightforward information about the league. I am reading about the ABA not having proper documents from the NBA about using the ABA acronym. Also about Joe and some legal issues. Please direct me so I can find any and all information needed to secure my market and investment.

I hear from some people to run the other way but no one has given me any proof at this point, it is just speculation. Thanks for all good and bad info.
What would constitute proof? What do you want to prove?

That said, let me help you a little. Did Joe Newman's board of directors fire him, only to have themselves removed by him (as a majority stockholder) and him reinstate himself? Yes!

http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1332044/000114420407005571/v064649_8k.htm

Was Joe Newman sued by his former business partners for cutting them out of due revenues and found guilty? Yes!

http://www.oursportscentral.com/pdf/sDesignationofEvidenceinSupportofTheirSecondMotion forPSJ.pdf

If this isn't evidence for you that there's something rotten in Denmark, then maybe you don't want to see evidence.

[Paul S]

Go for it. Fame and fortune await!

Boy thats cold.



To be honest Hoops Fanatic, I'd personally say to avoid this league. However some (and I do mean some teams have done alright in this league.

If you can answer YES to any of the following questions, then the ABA might be a good fit for you.

1/ are you a delusional idiot?
2/ do you want to simply create a tax loss?
3/ are you wanting to own a team solely to impress your friends/family/others?
4/ are you ONLY buying a team to say you (or your son, nephew etc) played pro?
5/ are you looking to see how a team works before you invest in a real league?
6/ are you writing a book, doing a documentary or an article?
7/ are you running some inner-city outreach type of program and believe pro hoops will be a great outlet for young men?
8/ do you buy into business ventures costing thousands of dollars after a 5-10 minute call?
9/ are you thinking being an owner will simply help your 'name' in the community?
10/ is this a scam to meet somewhat attractive girls via a dance team tryout?
11/ do you own some sort of gym, stadium, facility and need a tenant? any old tenant?
12/ are you looking for a free trip to Singapore and stay in a brothel?

The above are all reasons why previous people have bought into this league within the past 5 years. In the beginning (2000) the league was trying to establish itself as a legit minor league. Joe managed to tick off Jim Clark and other serious investors and has been on a tear ever since.


Other than (6) writing a expose' or testing the waters before you commit to a real league (5) there are no to next to no business reasons to invest in this league, in my opinion. I think Fells has it pegged at 267 failed franchises' in this league. Sadly under the tutelage of one Joe 'the Magpie' Newman the word is out on the street that the ABA is to be avoided, by players, arena's, scouts, fans, sponsors you name it....

Please, if you do decide to invest keep us abreast of the situation.

[HoopsFanatic]

I guess I got what I asked for, thanks everyone for the links and information. I will definitely be running the other way!!