A New League of Their Own

by Chris Fells
May 11, 2007 - Premier Basketball League (PBL)

Minor league basketball has been floundering recently. The American Basketball Association (ABA) has struggled to field teams, and the United States Basketball League (USBL) has seen two teams fold this season. The Premier Basketball League hopes to change the pattern of failure in minor league basketball when it makes its debut in January of next season.

Currently, the league has three teams that have committed to play in the 2007-2008 season with franchises in Maryland; Rochester, New York and Wilmington, North Carolina. Many other cities are rumored to be leaving the ABA in favor of the PBL, including Minnesota, Buffalo, Bellingham, and the defending ABA champion Vermont Frost Heaves. Final plans, including a full list of teams and corporate sponsors will be released during a news conference in June.

The PBL seems to have the right idea when it comes to starting the league. According to Wilmington co-owner Mark Janas, the league has some ambitious plans to compete with other minor leagues for the minor league basketball dollar. Janas says there is a plan in place for revenue sharing among teams, corporate sponsorships, and a website that will stream all of the league's games on the internet. This is an ambitious plan, one that minor league basketball has not seen from other leagues.

The one thing the PBL is doing that the ABA has not done, which many say has led to its numerous problems, is the fact the PBL will be conducting extensive background checks and due diligence on prospective team owners.

According to Maryland Nighthawks owner Tom Doyle, "When it comes to prospective owners, we will be taking a hard look at the population of an area, and past success or failures in minor league sports. Owners must have business plans in place. Once we are satisfied there, we will move on to visit venues, see what infrastructure is, and check letters of credit. This is not a process we are taking lightly."

The league plans on an initial schedule of 24 games, but this is a number Doyle says the league isn't "married to." Doyle says the current number is based on market studies and the history of past leagues. "We want to ensure early success, and to make sure sponsors fans, and the players are happy."

Making the fans happy is something Doyle and the PBL are making one of their first priorities. In minor league sports, fans need to be drawn to the arena. Drawing fans to the arenas isn't just about a low ticket price, but it is the experience fans receive while at games. Doyle added that players will be available to fans to sign autographs and talk with after games.

According to Doyle, "Fans are the customer. We cannot forget who the ultimate user is. Mothers, fathers, and kids are who our customers are. We must touch every sense and have it be a good experience. This isn't a theory, it is fact."

The other thing the PBL already has going for it is the fact they plan to be affiliated with FIBA and USA Basketball. Not only is this a sound decision for the credibility of the league, but it is a sound business move as well. Leagues that are affiliated with FIBA are entitled to transfer fees when a player in their league signs with another affiliated league. The result is additional revenue for teams and increases the marketability and potential exposure for the league. If granted membership by USA Basketball, FIBA membership is automatic. According to the USA Basketball website, the only minor leagues in the country to be affiliated with FIBA and USA Basketball are the NBA Development League and Continental Basketball Association. Doyle says they have applied for membership and are awaiting word on their acceptance.

To his credit, despite his problems with the American Basketball Association, Doyle did not have a negative word to say about CEO Joe Newman and the ABA. Maryland, along with current PBL members Rochester and Wilmington, pulled out of the ABA to join the PBL. Doyle did acknowledge there were problems with the ABA, but said the decision made by his franchise to change leagues was strictly a business decision and did not have anything to do with past issues. Doyle also said the PBL will not try to recruit ABA teams to join his league. It has been rumored that Bellingham, Minnesota, Buffalo and defending ABA champion Vermont would be moving to the PBL. Those are rumors Doyle could not confirm.

The PBL is a league that seems to understand the bigger picture when it comes to minor league basketball, and minor league sports as a whole. Minor league basketball has suffered over the years, and much of that has to do with the ABA and the way it has been run. Although Doyle and Janas would not make comparisons to the ABA, I believe it is a fair comparison. The PBL is working towards an interactive website that will stream all of its games, and will have up to date player stats and standings. Revenue sharing plans are in place, and other plans are in place to help to not only ensure the financial viability of the league, but will make its teams strong and profitable. The PBL seems to get the bigger picture; for the sake of minor league basketball, I hope other leagues will follow the example being set by the PBL.

Chris Fells is the Sports Director for ESPN 1240 WSKI in Montpelier, Vermont; ESPN 1390 Burlington/Plattsburgh(NY); ESPN 1420 in Saint Albans and ESPN 1490 WFAD in Middlebury. Fells is a contributing writer for Varsity Magazine, OurSports Central, the Vermont Guardian and d3football.com, and is the play-by-play voice of Middlebury College football. Chris can be reached via e-mail at chris.fells@gmail.com.

Premier Basketball League Stories from May 11, 2007

• A New League of Their Own - OSC Original by Chris Fells

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.