F.B.A. Florida Basketball League [Archi<a href="http://www.devils-shadow.com/forums/wii-iso-downloads/47653-kiss-death-wii-iso-downloads.html" title="Free Wii ISO Downloads">v</a><a href="http://www.devils-shadow.com/forums/xbox-360-isos/" title="Free Xbox 360 ISO Downloads">e</a>] - OurSports Central Independent and Minor League Sports Forums

SignGuyDino

01-11-2012, 09:22 PM

The league logo works very well except the lettering matches the Flight's logo. Team logos might need revamping from the same logo company. Team websites need to be standardized.

Mainly, the new FBA needs to make sure there are no expansions outside of Florida, like what the Tobacco Road Basketball League is doing adding teams from South Carolina.

They would probably benefit by creating a league-wide non-profit group for their charitable work, for each team to be affiliated with, rather than haphazard work from the teams. They also should work on establishing booster clubs for each team, which would be helpful to get extra game ops staff for free, and to raise funds for travel expenses, which is esp. helpful for any games against teams from other leagues. These are things that need to be done by the end of this season for sure.

No small matter, semipro football should be dominating the local summer sports scene, but there is so much unprofessional conduct with people "doing their own thing" it's not taken seriously by local sports commissions and city councils. Just a bunch of 30-something year-olds who don't know when to quit playing, with the obligatory fighting, cussing, praying, and drinking later. There should be some 3 or 4 year limit for players playing semipro ball in any sport.

Wondering if the FBA was going to do some press conference or video statement?

Minor League Man

01-11-2012, 09:41 PM

Mainly, the new FBA needs to make sure there are no expansions outside of Florida, like what the Tobacco Road Basketball League is doing adding teams from South Carolina.

The South Carolina team (from Rock Hill) is only a half-hour away from Charlotte...so they're not really stretching beyond the Tar Heel State.

And I don't think the FBA will really stretch outside of Florida either...

SignGuyDino

01-11-2012, 10:45 PM

I would hope they don't have any teams outside of Florida, the state certainly is big enough to keep the league inside the border. Not inconceivable to grow the league to have two teams in the larger cities to play off some inner-city rivalries.

And sorry, I can't stand leagues that have league names like that and add a team outside the border. SC is different than NC. Just is. Don't make exceptions on something that. If something that simple can't be honored, what else won't be honored? The name "Tobacco Road Basketball League" is not a wise one anyway when NC schools banned tobacco.

Also noticed in the PR that they supposedly want to develop sports professionals. If they are looking to do that, they need to look at graduates at Sports Management universities. Major sports teams are not hiring fans off the streets anymore for management positions. But to hire any of those graduates requires that they HAVE to be paid, as in THEY are the GMs and THEY run the teams. It simply can't work with owners being the GM and/or coaches anymore if the aspiration is to be a serious minor league. So this and every other start-up really needs to start networking with universities that have Sports Management programs.

In a better world, the NBA teams themselves would sponsor a league for their teams as a "AA" summer affiliate. Miami and Orlando sponsoring the FBA as a feeder league for those teams; Charlotte sponsoring the TRBL (or hopefully some other name), etc. But they need to get a one-for-one relationship with the D-League teams for every NBA team first.

Since TRBL got listed on OSC I wonder if they are doing the same for FBA?

wellington

01-11-2012, 11:42 PM

And I don't think the FBA will really stretch outside of Florida either...
You are right. Florida is as big as some countries both geographically and in population. There's no doubt that the Sunshine State has the capacity to have a world class minor league basketball circuit. There are so many potential markets from Naples to Pensacola to Jacksonville... as Sign Guy Dino stated, it isn't out of the question for the larger markets to have more than one team.

JeffKuntz

01-12-2012, 09:04 AM

Great logo.

If they stay inside Florida the concept is very good.

Not sure about Mark King being a voice of any kind in league releases. If he's able to shut up, speak on behalf the the Flight only and let the Commissioner speak for the league they would benefit greatly. If they need a team to speak inside of a league release, use someone else.

Launching with a splash page as your website is typical amateur stuff we see at this level.

Like anything else it will depend on the people involved. If King can stay out of the league politics, not assert himself too much on league matters and just run his team the FBA has a much greater chance of success. But I do think it can be a success.

Would have been better if the league launched with at least one key corporate partner, even if it was just a cross-promotion/trade agreement where no money changed hands.

I wish them luck and whoever did the orange/bball logo is awesome.

LightningMan

01-12-2012, 09:46 AM

Mainly, the new FBA needs to make sure there are no expansions outside of Florida, like what the Tobacco Road Basketball League is doing adding teams from South Carolina.
I know you live down here, as I do, but I find it hard to believe given that you think the inclusion of SC teams is a mistake. NC and SC are two different states, but they consider themselves a region. The Panthers train in SC and play in NC. There are parts of SC that are further north than parts of NC. I don't think having a team or two in SC is a problem.

LightningMan

01-12-2012, 09:53 AM

And sorry, I can't stand leagues that have league names like that and add a team outside the border. SC is different than NC. Just is. Don't make exceptions on something that. If something that simple can't be honored, what else won't be honored? The name "Tobacco Road Basketball League" is not a wise one anyway when NC schools banned tobacco.
Lord have mercy, are we on this again? First of all, Tobacco Road as geography wouldn't include Wilmington, a founding team of the league, as the area referred to is north of here.

Next, the whole name thing is ridiculous. Tobacco Road means basketball around here. You should know that.

And yes, SC is different than NC. But the Carolinas regard themselves as more similar than different. And the Rock Hill club is just outside of Charlotte.

JeffKuntz

01-12-2012, 12:02 PM

Lord have mercy, are we on this again? First of all, Tobacco Road as geography wouldn't include Wilmington, a founding team of the league, as the area referred to is north of here.

Next, the whole name thing is ridiculous. Tobacco Road means basketball around here. You should know that.

And yes, SC is different than NC. But the Carolinas regard themselves as more similar than different. And the Rock Hill club is just outside of Charlotte.

Well TRBL will need to have their name explained from time to time. But they brought it on themselves.

Hopefully though it can be explained in their own forum rather than the FBA discussion area.

LightningMan

01-12-2012, 01:08 PM

Well TRBL will need to have their name explained from time to time. But they brought it on themselves.
I don't think anywhere but here will the name need to be explained or defended, to be honest.

Hopefully though it can be explained in their own forum rather than the FBA discussion area.
And hopefully posters in the FBA thread will not bring them up. :p

FBA

01-12-2012, 03:41 PM

This is the official user of the FBA. Feel free to ask us any questions! Thanks for your support and we look forward to an excellent opening season.

Minor League Man

01-12-2012, 04:12 PM

Hi, this is Minor League Man, and I'm a user who says it's about time this is happening!

My question is: Would you consider the Jacksonville Giants if they wanted to join? How about the Gainesville Galaxy or Heartland Heat?

FBA

01-12-2012, 04:39 PM

We hope to have FBA representation in all of the major cities within the state of Florida. New teams to the FBA will be given an evaluation season. The FBA will closely watch the branding & game day product of each team. Following the season a decision will be made if a team meets F.B.A. standards.

tops804

01-12-2012, 04:48 PM

Well TRBL will need to have their name explained from time to time. But they brought it on themselves.

Hopefully though it can be explained in their own forum rather than the FBA discussion area.

I don't think anywhere but here will the name need to be explained or defended, to be honest.

And hopefully posters in the FBA thread will not bring them up. :p

Let's face it. The FBA is "CBL-South" and TRBL is "CBL-North". Next, we are going to start hearing about "regional schedules to cut costs", "low cost venues", "strict budgets", and "community involvement".

IIRC - The TRBL has already shown an interest in playing under a bigger umbrella for a summer league championship.

It's the same old summertime set-up in the Southeast, which will probably be ending with the same results.

JeffKuntz

01-12-2012, 04:54 PM

FBA poster: Congratulations on your new league. This must be an exciting time for everyone involved in your project.

I commend you for taking up a presence on OSC, because as I explained to another league's CEO - nearly all minor league sports team owners and would-be owners are on OSC. As a league, your target demographic is team owners (for future recruiting), and this is where they are.

My question for you is who is the person handling the posting duties on OSC? If it's multiple people, please let us know who they all are - including their role within the league office.

Thank you, and once again congratulations.

JeffKuntz

01-12-2012, 04:56 PM

Let's face it. The FBA is "CBL-South" and TRBL is "CBL-North". Next, we are going to start hearing about "regional schedules to cut costs", "low cost venues", "strict budgets", and "community involvement".

IIRC - The TRBL has already shown an interest in playing under a bigger umbrella for a summer league championship.

It's the same old summertime set-up in the Southeast, which will probably be ending with the same results.

If TRBL is CBL North and FBA is CBL South .... then what is the CBL? :)

FBA

01-12-2012, 05:22 PM

My question for you is who is the person handling the posting duties on OSC? If it's multiple people, please let us know who they all are - including their role within the league office.

This account will be accessed by two people. Logan Sekulow (Me),Director of Brand Management for the FBA and John Weis, Director of Media and Public Relations.

John and I held these roles last season with the Florida Flight. Our roles will remain with the Flight, as well as help the all FBA teams that need assistance.

tops804

01-12-2012, 05:33 PM

If TRBL is CBL North and FBA is CBL South .... then what is the CBL? :)

I think most senior posters would agree.

At best, on life support; at worst, dead.

PrimeTimeplayers1991

01-12-2012, 06:58 PM

The South Carolina team (from Rock Hill) is only a half-hour away from Charlotte...so they're not really stretching beyond the Tar Heel State.

And I don't think the FBA will really stretch outside of Florida either...

The Rock Hill Team in the TRBL will be playing its games at The Pointe which is the Former Bobcats Traing Facility and is on Exit 88 in Fort Mill which is 2 miles from Charlotte.

FBA

01-12-2012, 08:45 PM

Come on guys - you know this thread is about the FBA. TRBL has its own section.

Wait a minute - any comments are better then none.. continue

LightningMan

01-13-2012, 11:59 AM

If TRBL is CBL North and FBA is CBL South .... then what is the CBL? :)
I think most senior posters would agree.

At best, on life support; at worst, dead.
If OSC had a like button, I would have used it here. Not that I am wishing ill on the CBL, but a lot of its most solid underpinnings are now gone and I think your statement accurate.

wellington

01-13-2012, 04:27 PM

The Rock Hill Team in the TRBL will be playing its games at The Pointe which is the Former Bobcats Traing Facility and is on Exit 88 in Fort Mill which is 2 miles from Charlotte.

Cool. Right off of Gold Hill Road. I will definitely have to check out some games when I am in Charlotte.

zeke41

01-16-2012, 09:13 PM

A couple of comments:

SignGuy

- We have no intention, whatsoever, to expand outside of Florida. We do intend to play teams outside of the region in different leagues (yes, even the CBL, if they somehow find a way to exist this year).

- We've had a Booster club since day one. I plan on personally investing in every FBA team to ensure that there is a sincere market development effort that takes place for each and every FBA teams.

- We've partnered with the Devos Sports Management School (UCF) 2 years ago. We have 3 interns already working for the Flight, with 3 more joining us soon. We've also extended the opportunity for those students to get some league experience as well via the FBA. We're in the process of finding similar schools in each FBA market to find the same level of quality in their interns as well. Development and charitable giving will always be at the core of the FBA.

Jeff

- I was chosen to be "a voice" for the FBA for a plethora of reasons, one of which is because out of our bunch, we are the team with the most history, experience and credibility. Quoting a non-existent team would just be stupid.

- As for staying out of league politics in order for the FBA to succeed...LOL. Sure man...I'll stay out of everything, because I clearly don't have a clue. LOL...go ahead buddy, take some more shots at me! If you haven't learned by now, my skin is pretty thick!

Everyone

Thank you for taking time to talk about our new venture. Unfortunately, this was inevitable. I'm not sure what will become of the CBL. Frankly, at this point, what happens to them is of no matter to me. I don't pay as much attention to what others are saying or doing (particularly when anonymous people are compelled to share a poor, misguided, biased opinion of me). I pay more attention to what I can do. Right now, I'm focused on helping to make the FBA into something that minor league fans want out of this business. We're all looking forward to building something strong, relevant, and honest here in Florida. It's exciting to have a clean slate to build something with a variety of people...people that have some excellent, high quality talent and experience (and passion). This should be a lot of fun, both to create and for onlookers to watch.

Thanks for chiming in folks! :)

SignGuyDino

01-16-2012, 10:48 PM

(particularly when anonymous people are compelled to share a poor, misguided, biased opinion of me).

Am I one of the "anonymous" people? I'm far from anonymous. I posted on your FB page already. I just state opinions whether they are liked or not.

Even if others are "anonymous" sometimes the points they make are perfectly valid. Until or unless OSC ever changes this board to a FB plug-in there will always be "anonymous" posters.

But thank you for answering the question about staying in Florida.

zeke41

01-16-2012, 11:01 PM

Am I one of the "anonymous" people? I'm far from anonymous. I posted on your FB page already. I just state opinions whether they are liked or not.

Even if others are "anonymous" sometimes the points they make are perfectly valid. Until or unless OSC ever changes this board to a FB plug-in there will always be "anonymous" posters.

But thank you for answering the question about staying in Florida.

The anonymous mention actually wasn't an inference about you at all. I felt like most of what you said was positive and supportive, with some critique involved as well. We expect that. In fact, we encourage good critique. It has been the appropriate critiques of minor league basketball that have helped shape the Flight into what we are.

However, I will say that there hasn't been a lot said from "anonymous" OSC posters that has been "perfectly valid" about me at all. In fact, a lot has been pretty slanderous, and posted with the intent to harm or discredit me. Like I said, I have thick skin. I knew that they'd be silenced eventually.

At the end of the day, my motives are (and have always been) sincere. I love this game with all of my heart, and I've done my part both experience-wise and educationally to enhance my position and ability to contribute some leadership to this business.

Thanks for the feedback, and please feel welcomed to continually share. We may not always take the opinions of others, but we will always be challenged by them.

SignGuyDino

01-16-2012, 11:14 PM

I'll leave it at that, then.

JeffKuntz

01-17-2012, 07:59 AM

Jeff

- I was chosen to be "a voice" for the FBA for a plethora of reasons, one of which is because out of our bunch, we are the team with the most history, experience and credibility. Quoting a non-existent team would just be stupid.

I apologize for the confusion.. I wasn't suggesting you quote a non-existent team.. I was suggesting you quote someone from the Miami Stars, Palm Beach Titans or Tampa Bay Rebels.. who do exist.

As for staying out of league politics in order for the FBA to succeed...LOL. Sure man...I'll stay out of everything, because I clearly don't have a clue. LOL...go ahead buddy, take some more shots at me! If you haven't learned by now, my skin is pretty thick!

And this is part of what people are concerned about, Mark.. Not everything is meant as a slight against your capabilities.. not everybody doubts you or wants you to fail..

But now that I see you'll be personally investing in every FBA team then I can understand how it would be impossible to stay out of league matters.. my concern was that you take constructive things, business things, etc personally.. I was just worried that if you adopted a my-way-or-the-hiway stance on small subjects too often then it would be harmful for your league partners..

That's all..

zeke41

01-17-2012, 01:05 PM

I apologize for the confusion.. I wasn't suggesting you quote a non-existent team.. I was suggesting you quote someone from the Miami Stars, Palm Beach Titans or Tampa Bay Rebels.. who do exist.

And as I said, quoting a team with history and experience (like us) as opposed to a team that is just starting makes better sense. It adds credibility. We have no intention (nor do I want) to see us being the only voice of the league, but we are the flagship - no question!

And this is part of what people are concerned about, Mark.. Not everything is meant as a slight against your capabilities.. not everybody doubts you or wants you to fail..

But now that I see you'll be personally investing in every FBA team then I can understand how it would be impossible to stay out of league matters.. my concern was that you take constructive things, business things, etc personally.. I was just worried that if you adopted a my-way-or-the-hiway stance on small subjects too often then it would be harmful for your league partners..

That's all..

Is that you or Lamont typing? LOL You see, this is exactly why I respond to stuff like this. People's perception can be easily swayed if silence is the response of the one being "critqued" (if that's even what you can call such a statement).

I've never had a "my way or the highway" stance. It just so happens that I have better leadership skills than the people who have owned leagues that we've played in. I've taken our league out of those poorly-performing leagues because I desire, expect and demand better league management. I've networked and connected with others who feel the same, and thus helped create the FBA. Time will tell whether we will do it any better. I have a hunch that we will.

That's all..

I certainly hope so. Let's talk about potential FBA markets. Let's talk about how to get the Giants in. Let's talk about having a retired NBA player committing to Commissioning the FBA. I don't like to make things about me, but others hijack things and force the issue. It gets old.

SignGuyDino

01-17-2012, 02:11 PM

The argument for the Giants is a simple one in theory: The ABA is awful. That's not debatable. I know you have one fan who wants the Giants in the D-League. Hell, I want Asheville back in the D-League. But that's not going to happen until or unless the NBA makes a major move to get a one-for deal with NBA teams. They didn't get to that in the last CBA. Supposedly the union and NBA is going to talk about player allocation so maybe that opens up a little. Clearly with all the injuries this year to top NBA stars having a one-for deal for NBA teams just makes too much sense. But it doesn't seem to be happening right now.

So the only other option offhand seems to be the FBA.

JeffKuntz

01-17-2012, 02:14 PM

I've never had a "my way or the highway" stance.

Really...

It just so happens that I have better leadership skills than the people who have owned leagues that we've played in. I've taken our league out of those poorly-performing leagues because I desire, expect and demand better league management.

With all due respect, the Flight are a poorly-performing team in every available accepted metric..

It's fine to demand better.. and you've no doubt noticed that I think it's fine to offer opinions and critiques, too.. but if you'll notice in my posts, I don't tend to critique people who have done a way better job than I have.. whereas you don't seem to have that threshold yet but I happily admit I feel in time you could grow into your role as league-builder..

Let's talk about potential FBA markets. Let's talk about how to get the Giants in.

I'd start by calling them..

Though I don't know how keen they'll be on your plan to be a stakeholder in their team if they join the FBA.. I'm sure they'll feel much better knowing the Florida Flight are there to ensure that there is a sincere market development by the Giants..

I don't like to make things about me, but others hijack things and force the issue

Like it or not, that comes standard with each FBA franchise.. part of the package, as they say..

Hey I really like the project, Mark.. I honestly do.. I'm just hopeful you don't always put your fists up and be ready to go every time people open their mouths..

People are going to come at you allllll the time with stupid ideas, stupid comments and stupid proposals.. your number one challenge as an executive is to learn how to absorb it professionally..

FBA

01-17-2012, 02:56 PM

Just to clarify what Mr. King had to say. He ,nor the league, are financially investing in teams. What he meant is that we want to invest personally in the market. For example we can help assistant them with web design, marketing, press releases and whatever the specific team requests.

zeke41

01-17-2012, 06:43 PM

Really...

With all due respect, the Flight are a poorly-performing team in every available accepted metric..

We've lost less than $10K as a franchise in our two years of operation. Most other teams lose everything and often shut down in a year (many times before the year ends). We are yet to miss a game we were responsible for attending or hosting. Can't say the same for most other teams. We missed the championship by one game our first year and played in our respective championship in year 2. That's gotta put us in the top 10% of teams in that category. We've increased our attendance by 40% last season...others are lucky to have 40 fans. We have a double digit number of sponsors (many of which gave us a check). We had four of our players in a position to vie for additional jobs after our season. One, Cordell Jeanty, is playing for the NBL right now. Two others were passed on, and one passed on a job in Uruguay because he and his wife were expecting their 2nd child.

But sure...we're a failure according to your available accepted metrics. It's funny how people try to get under my skin, and they resort to all sorts of judgments, name-calling, poorly constructed condescending remarks and under-researched comments only to have the reverse happen.

But as it is said...Never argue with a fool, lest onlookers grow unable to tell who the fool is. You're entitled to your opinion, but be wise...you're losing credibility with each post. Now you just sound like a couple of other posters who are just angry with Mark King for some unidentifiable reason.

Cheers!

tops804

01-17-2012, 07:30 PM

But as it is said...Never argue with a fool, lest onlookers grow unable to tell who the fool is. You're entitled to your opinion, but be wise...you're losing credibility with each post.

Pot....meet kettle.

You are making this thread more "Mark King versus JeffKuntz" and less about the FBA, which should be tipping off in about 90 days.

On a lighter note: Nice league logo, by the way.

zeke41

01-17-2012, 07:34 PM

Pot....meet kettle.

You are making this thread more "Mark King versus JeffKuntz" and less about the FBA, which should be tipping off in about 90 days.

On a lighter note: Nice league logo, by the way.

Oh trust me...I'm done.

Thanks for the comment on our league logo. We've gotten a great response from it. It's funny what a logo can do for a company. I wasn't convinced before...now I think we need to take our Flight logo to the next level as well.

JeffKuntz

01-17-2012, 07:40 PM

Pot....meet kettle.

You are making this thread more "Mark King versus JeffKuntz" and less about the FBA, which should be tipping off in about 90 days.

On a lighter note: Nice league logo, by the way.

It seriously is a great logo..

To be honest I've just been engaging Mark hoping that - at some point - he realizes that I'm just saying things in an effort to help him realize he's constantly being defensive.. messing with him..

But now that he's referred to himself in the third person I fear the observers of this thread will now conclude there may be a bit of ego in the man.. and that the defensive thing will take a back seat..

I can honestly tell everyone reading this thread that I haven't met very many people who have a greater sense of determination than Mark.. I hope the FBA does really well..

SignGuyDino

01-17-2012, 08:05 PM

In my eight years of customer service, and validated in the many years I have followed minor league sports, I learned one thing above all else:

The customer is NOT always right. But the customer is ALWAYS the customer.

The list of customers, in order of importance:

1. Taxpayers who pay for the venues you play in.
1a. The elected officials who decide if you get to play in them.
1b. The sponsors.
1c. Regular season ticket holders.
1d. Game day ticket buyers.
1e. The media.

Ruin a relationship with any of those groups and your venture is doomed.

Hubris kills an institution faster than anything. How many examples should I mention in minor league sports?

That's not directed at any one person. That's general advice.

Evad

01-20-2012, 07:43 PM

Home gym for the Palm Beach Titans.

http://seahawks.gonorthwood.com/sharedmedia/PHOTOS/ATHLETICS/FL/facilities/DSCF0463.jpg

zeke41

01-26-2012, 04:35 PM

Palm Beach and Tampa are playing an exhibition game in Palm Beach Saturday to kick off a preseason of sorts.

FBA

01-30-2012, 12:13 PM

The FBA had a great owners meeting in Orlando yesterday! We look forward to making more announcements regarding the league in the next week. Please let us know if you have any questions or comments.

JeffKuntz

01-30-2012, 02:05 PM

The FBA had a great owners meeting in Orlando yesterday! We look forward to making more announcements regarding the league in the next week. Please let us know if you have any questions or comments.

Where in Orlando was the owners meeting held?

FBA

01-30-2012, 04:03 PM

The meeting took place in an office building in downtown Orlando. Thanks for the question!

JeffKuntz

01-30-2012, 06:31 PM

Thanks for the answer.. Mark and his wife have some access to office space and stuff.. so that will come in very handy for league business.. the FBA has some resources they can tap in to to help the cause..

Actually I have another question.. can you please post the name of the graphic arts firm that did the FBA logo?

Just now when I looked at the FBA logo on your avatar then looked down at my iPhone and saw the Apple logo, they reminded me of each other quite a bit..

Not just because one is an apple and the other is an orange.. but the way the stems are separated the same, and on almost the same angle and stuff.. Both logos look really great..

If someone wanted to hire that firm to develop a team logo, how would they find them?

ABA_TampaBay

01-30-2012, 06:34 PM

I just got an email from one of the team owners in the FBL and this is verbatim:
The league we are entering is the Florida Basketball Association FBA and we play in the spring and summer not in the winter like the ABA. I personally think the league can work if for nothing else, they will have a schedule that comes from the league.

FBA

01-30-2012, 06:59 PM

Jeff - this is Logan Sekulow. My media company, out of Nashville, designed the logo. Feel free to email me at info@thefba.com. I will respond personally after that.

ABATampa - Though poorly worded, that is accurate. Our season is in the Summer.

Posted via Phone. I apologize for any grammatical errors.

zeke41

01-30-2012, 07:08 PM

Thanks for the answer.. Mark and his wife have some access to office space and stuff.. so that will come in very handy for league business.. the FBA has some resources they can tap in to to help the cause..

Jeff, we did use the board room at my wife's firm. They've been a strong sponsor for the Flight, and the Senior Partners are very supportive of this new initiative for a variety of reasons. We'll have several more meetings, in which we will visit each team's city. We want to understand each others market, and be real partners off the court. We want to ensure that the brand of the league is a priority as we build.

The meeting was good. We're already learning from each other, we have a group of owners with a diverse array of experiences, which I think is healthy, and the FBA vision is being clearly communicated for all of us to understand. This should be an exciting venture for everyone to watch. We aren't trying to be something we are not...just a solid, properly constructed minor league system in the state of Florida. I'm as excited as I've ever been about the outlook for minor league basketball as it pertains to Florida.

tops804

01-31-2012, 12:25 PM

The FBA can work for one reason.

It seems to have the sense to define itself, and stay regional. With the right infrastructure in place, with no strings attached (such as changing the concept without owner/fan approval) you could have a nice basis for a larger idea. Which if others follow (TRBL, East?, Midwest?, Ohio?, Texas?, anyone with a blueprint?) could lead to a bigger post-season and greater Spring/Summer following.

From the looks of things, it seems that the D-League has the pulse of the fall and winter. Spring and summer could be a good idea for players who want to improve, get noticed, or stay in shape.

Take note of the words in red. They are what Joe Newman, didn't do with the ABA. Which, in my opinion, buried it...

FBA

01-31-2012, 07:42 PM

Thanks Topps, we can't wait to share more information with you!

wellington

01-31-2012, 10:39 PM

Thanks Topps, we can't wait to share more information with you!
I know this may be a little premature since the FBA has not played its first game, but has there been any interest from other Florida markets? Expansion 2013?

FBA

01-31-2012, 10:54 PM

Wellington - Interest has been very strong in the FBA from other team owners, players and leagues. The 2012 season has been set and the details will be released shortly. At this time we are happy with our four inaugural teams for 2012, but we will expand in the future.

FBA

02-03-2012, 03:07 PM

Minor League Man

02-03-2012, 03:48 PM

We have just released a new page of our website describing team classifications and future expansion of the FBA. You can find that information at thefba.com/TeamClassifications (http://thefba.com/TeamClassifications) or straight from the home page.

Please let us know if you have any questions or comments!
At this point, from what I see, you have four teams with three classifications...is that how it's going to be?
If so, how do you plan to split them up? (Flight and Titans in FBA, Stars in E1, Rebels in E2?)
If not, what future teams will fill up all these classifications?

FBA

02-03-2012, 04:33 PM

At this point, from what I see, you have four teams with three classifications...is that how it's going to be?
If so, how do you plan to split them up? (Flight and Titans in FBA, Stars in E1, Rebels in E2?) If not, what future teams will fill up all these classifications?

The purpose of this system is to evaluate potential franchises without putting the FBA brand at risk. The FBA will carefully expand outside of the four teams in years to come.

To answer your questions:

As stated on the website - An announcement regarding the classification of each 2012 team will be announced at a later date.

Many teams have reached out to the FBA after our announcement. We are still in the beginning stages with these potential franchises, we just wanted to share our plan with all of you. We may have multiple evaluation teams this season, we may have none. Our standards are high, but we will continue to encourage league expansion within the state of Florida.

Evad

02-13-2012, 11:57 AM

Question? When will the Wikipedia page be updated with info about the Commissioner, schedule, and other news releases? Just wondering.

FBA

02-15-2012, 11:19 AM

tops804

02-15-2012, 06:26 PM

The Wikipedia pages were not created by us. Wiki has fairly strict guidelines on updates and creation by the controlling party. We will contact the creator if it isn't updated soon.

Nor are they to be taken as 100% serious, or accurate. While Wikipedia is a great source for information, it is far from perfect. As it can be altered by non-registered parties, and often is. In a case like the FBA's, which would have very little web traffic, it could go unnoticed for a long time.

I would suggest not encouraging Wiki to be "FBAlive", and leave that to your own webmasters. You would be better off to ask OSC, local radio and TV, and local newspapers to be your 'media outlet' rather than trouncing into waters where you don't even know who's editing your information.

FBA

02-15-2012, 09:37 PM

We do everything by the book. I'm happy someone started the Wikipedia page, I have seen plenty of pages taken down due to self-creation.

FBA

02-28-2012, 11:39 AM

We are happy to announce that we have added two already established franchises to the FBA. The Panama City Dream and Heartland Prowl will be joining the Florida Flight, Tampa Bay Rebels, Palm Beach Titans and Miami Stars.

More info can be found on our website at thefba.com (http://thefba.com).

Schedule and team classifications will be announced soon.

Evad

02-28-2012, 01:24 PM

Minor League Man

02-28-2012, 01:42 PM

FBA

02-28-2012, 01:52 PM

Question about team websites.

Will the FBA require the teams to have uniform and matching web site? The NBL Canada has done a great job in regards to their online presence and was wondering when we can see the changes?

http://nblcanada.pointstreaksites.com/view/nblcanada/home-page

We would love to get the websites unified, but I doubt that will happen this season. Every team is allowed to host their own website away from the FBA, however the FBA website will feature team portals that will be uniform.

If a market would like help in that department we will provide them with options.

FBA

03-27-2012, 03:10 PM

We have released our initial schedule on our website at thefba.com (http://thefba.com) !

FBA

04-23-2012, 10:45 PM

Our full website has launched - you will find more information added in the coming days. This is the beta launch.

zeke41

04-28-2012, 11:50 AM

Last pre-season game before the regular season launch: Palm Beach Titans visiting the Florida Flight. We're webcasting at ustream.tv. We're trying something different...going to mic our webcaster to bring a live TV feel to the game. We want to see how it works, and if it adds to the energy and experience. If you can check out the webcast and give us some feedback on that, that would be great!

I know we need a better camera...it's coming.