Ask the CEO

Published on March 21, 2006 under American Basketball Association (ABA) News Release


Question from newspaper reporter in interview: "What do you think is the greatest strength of the ABA and its biggest weakness?

Answer: I thought this was a great question and it took some contemplating. I thought of dozens of strengths and also a few weaknesses. Naming one of each was difficult.

For the biggest single weakness, I chose from several including stablility of a few owners, some venues that were not up to good professional standards, too few teams in certain divisions making travel difficult, less than good marketing of some teams, sub-par game day operations in some cases to name a few.

For the greatest strength, I chose from the quality and diversity of our ownership, fan-friendly affordable prices, quality of players and coaches, exciting ABA rules, and the growth and size of the league.

For the biggest single weakness, I said that there were a few owners last season that were not ready to play and couldn't meet the standards and requirements set by the league. This had a definite negative effect on their fellow-teams (not meeting schedules, poor venues, poor marketing, etc). And it affected the league all season long. Most of these teams have been suspended. Our goal for next season will be to make sure that every ABA team that starts will play the full schedule and conduct operations to meet clearly defined ABA standards and requirements - and there will be better enforcement next season. All of the teams and the league agree this must be done.

For the greatest strength, I said that the quality and diversity of ownership is second to none. Our ownership group is composed of wonderful people - hardworking, dedicated, talented, intelligent, successful men and women from a variety of professions and disciplines who joined the ABA for the right reasons - to provide quality professional basketball and entertainment at affordable prices - to give players, coaches and refs a place to play, coach and ref - and were willing to make a substantial financial commitment to make this happen. Over 60% of the owners are made up of African-Americans, Hispanics, Asians and women, the most diversified group of professional sports team owners ever. I just wish the fans would have a chance to meet all of them up close and personal and get to know them. You would be as impressed as I am. It is a genuine pleasure to be associated with the ABA owners. We're very proud of them. It was good question. If you have a question, email joenewman@abalive.com.

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 March 21, 2006


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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