Oldest minor-league basketball teams

kth
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Oldest minor-league basketball teams

Post by kth » Fri May 08, 2015 5:20 pm

The Vermont Frost Heaves team was a very interesting story to read. They won games, and seemed to really want to survive. But they are gone now. And I liked the more recent articles about the Brooklyn Skyrockets owner, but that team appeared 1 bad break away from being out of business, so maybe they are gone now too. Teams come and go every year in all the leagues. But some teams have been around long enough to win multiple titles, and play in multiple leagues.

I could start creating a database of this info, but was hoping someone on here could save me some time and rattle off a list of current, long-standing minor league or semi-pro basketball teams?

Rochester Razorsharks (2005-present) - Anyone know how they survived this long? Fans or deep-pocket owner?

Other teams?

turbocamyes
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Post by turbocamyes » Fri May 08, 2015 7:37 pm

This is a start:

http://basketball.indoorfootballencyclopedia.com/

Also, the various leagues and teams are routinely up dated on Wikipedia.

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Post by drtuba » Fri May 08, 2015 9:11 pm

The Sioux Falls Skyforce has been around since 1989, playing in the CBA, IBL and now the D-League.

kth
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Post by kth » Mon May 11, 2015 4:42 pm

Thank you guys. I have been starting on league websites to find the current teams, and then, for each team, checking wikipedia, and team websites & fb pages, google news, etc. to find their age.

I'm not trying to record a complete history of every team and league, mostly interested in finding current independent teams that have been around for at least 3 seasons.

kth
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Post by kth » Mon May 11, 2015 4:43 pm

[quote=""drtuba""]The Sioux Falls Skyforce has been around since 1989, playing in the CBA, IBL and now the D-League.[/quote]

Wow, yes the Skyforce history is very impressive. They currently receive ops funding from Heat, but quite an accomplishment to last so long.

26 seasons, 1424 games played (751-673)
CBA: 1989-2006 (2x champion)
IBL: 2000-2001 (when CBA was unavailable)
NBADL: 2006-present (Affiliates: Pistons, Timberwolves, Bobcats, Magic, 76ers, Heat)

Owners:
Kemper Lesnik Organization 1989-1993
4 local business owners (Bob Correa, Greg Heineman, Roger Larsen, Tom Walsh): 1993-present

Notes:
1st game attendence: 5,125
currently single affiliate of Miama Heat

http://siouxfalls.dleague.nba.com/news/team-history/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sioux_Falls_Skyforce
http://www.nba.com/dleague/news/miami_h ... 06_10.html

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zeke41
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Post by zeke41 » Thu Jul 13, 2017 9:43 pm

I've been doing some reflecting lately, and realized that outside of the D-League teams absorbed from the old CBA, my Florida Flight just might be the longest standing active minor league team in the United States next to the Rochester Razorsharks. Anyone know of any teams that have us beat (started in 2010).

Our staff was talking about this, and...we did some brief searches, and were pretty shocked by this. Anyone able to help with this? Clearly (transparency here), that's a pretty solid bragging/selling point for us. It really proves longevity and stability. Wanted to add to the fact-checking sources on this before I state something to one of the big time sponsors we'll be pursuing going forward for 2018. Thoughts?
http://www.thecrossoverbasketball.com
http://www.flighthoops.com
http://www.iamsecond.com

"What do your daily actions say about the pursuit of your dreams?"

"Our Dreams are the roadmap that God uses to get us to where He intends for us to be!"

"When I stand before God at the end of my life
I would hope that I would have not a single bit of talent left and could say, 'I used everything you gave me.'"

"Delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart."
--- Psalm 37:4

turbocamyes
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Post by turbocamyes » Sat Jul 15, 2017 12:43 am

Mark, I hesitate to even to write this because of the effort you’ve made over the years. So many teams and leagues have crumbled around you. That any team is still standing after seven years is an accomplishment to be admired. But…

Chicago Steam, Jersey Express and, wait for it…the Gwizzlies.

Tim

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Post by suge night » Sat Jul 15, 2017 3:33 am

Down in Texas the Dallas Diesel started in 2002 as part of the RDBL and continue to play in 2017.

There are probably more teams around.

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zeke41
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Post by zeke41 » Fri Aug 04, 2017 7:04 am

[quote=""turbocamyes""]Mark, I hesitate to even to write this because of the effort you’ve made over the years. So many teams and leagues have crumbled around you. That any team is still standing after seven years is an accomplishment to be admired. But…

Chicago Steam, Jersey Express and, wait for it…the Gwizzlies.

Tim[/quote]

Ahhhhh...totally forgot about the Jersey Express. The Steam and Gwizzlies have had starts and stops though (Gwizzlies missed almost 2 years after being booted from the CBL I believ, no?). I'm pretty sure we've competed more years/seasons then those 2 teams though. As for Dallas Diesel, what league are they even in now? I respect what they do of course, but I'm not aware of them being in any league. Besides, we started in 2009 (first game in the WBA was in 2010 though). I believe they started playing in pro leagues in 2010 as well. Same with the Steam. I know the Diesel has been a formed company for quite some time, but have they been playing professionally? I don't know. I do respect their vision though (obviously, given I see what I do with the Flight as ministry as well).

Regardless, as I thought about it, I sounded like the Jay-Z line about being the tallest midget (no offense to midgets f course...I love all people). The point is, while it sounds exciting and noteworthy, I guess it's sad that it's noteworthy as well. I am, however, proud of what we have accomplished, and I love how our vision expands year to year. I just wish people would wise up and do things the right way. Be transparent. Value credibility. Show leadership and accountability. Wishful thinking I presume.

On a side note, I can't go into details just yet, but the Flight will likely birth a 2nd off-shoot team next season (1st was the former Flight player Corey Williams-led Space Coast Stars). One thing is certain: our blueprint is working.

Great detective work fellas. Thanks for sharing the info.
Last edited by zeke41 on Fri Aug 04, 2017 7:09 am, edited 1 time in total.
http://www.thecrossoverbasketball.com
http://www.flighthoops.com
http://www.iamsecond.com

"What do your daily actions say about the pursuit of your dreams?"

"Our Dreams are the roadmap that God uses to get us to where He intends for us to be!"

"When I stand before God at the end of my life
I would hope that I would have not a single bit of talent left and could say, 'I used everything you gave me.'"

"Delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart."
--- Psalm 37:4

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