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September 28, 2005 - American Basketball Association (ABA) News Release


Question from Many: "Any word from the NBA yet? (referring to NBA/ABA Katrina game).

Answer: These questions are coming in from so many people. Here's what we've heard, courtesy of Sam Amico, publisher of www.probasketballnews.com. (I'll reprint this courtesy of Mr. Amico.).

Source: NBA discussing charity game vs. ABA

A high-ranking NBA source told ProBasketballNews.com late Tuesday that league officials are discussing a proposal from the ABA to play a charity game to aid Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

"We have heard about the ABA's suggestion and we are discussing it," the source said. "Just like many organizations around the country, the NBA is always looking for a way to continue to provide money and assistance for relief efforts."

When asked whether the NBA appears close to agreeing to a game against the ABA, the source said, "That's too early to say. (The NBA) isn't leaning one way or the other at this point. For the most part, the discussions have only centered around the fact the proposal is out there."

The source added he would like to see a game pitting players from the two leagues work out.

"There are a few drawbacks, such as timing...especially with NBA teams beginning training camp next week," the source said. "But there would be plenty of positives to such a game too."

ABA CEO Joe Newman proposed the idea of an ABA-NBA charity game on the league website Sep 20 (the story was also posted on PNB.com.). Newman even offered to host the game at an ABA venue and "pay the full cost of the venue and all of the promotion involved."

Newman also stated, "We would include all of the sponsorship money in the proceeds if the NBA could use its vast contacts to have the game televised, we would include all of the revenue from that in the relief fund."

With all proceeds going to hurricane relief efforts, the ABA would not profit financialluy, but Newman doesn't deny that such a game would benefit the ABA greatly from a public relations standpoint.

"Yes, this would benefit the ABA with good publicityu just as it would benefit the NBA with good publicity," Newman said. "But the real beneficiaries would be the victims of hurricanes Katrina and Rita."

NBA players have already played one game for hurricane lieft, Sept 11 in Houston. A written release on the league's media site stated, "The combined relief efforts of the NBA family, which includes individual players, the NBPA and WNBPA, individual owners, teams and both the NBA and WNBA league offices has exceeded $10 million to date and efforts will continue to donate money and provide assistance."

Thank you Sam for posting this on your fine website. And - to the NBA. You have been most generous - hopefully this benefit game will fit into..."efforts to continue to donate money and provide assistance. We appreciate your consideration.

Note: OurSports Central no longer actively covers the American Basketball Association (ABA) as a professional league due in part to its inability to publish and play a schedule and the transitory nature of many of its teams. For information on professional minor leagues, please see OSC's basketball section.

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American Basketball Association Stories from September 28, 2005


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.


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