American Basketball League (1925-1955)
Encyclopedia
The American Basketball League was an early professional basketball
league. During six seasons from 1925-26 to 1930-31, the ABL was the first attempt to create a major professional basketball league in the United States. Joseph Carr
, who was, in 1925, the president of the National Football League
, organized the ABL from nine of the best independent pro teams from the East and the Midwest. George Halas
of the NFL Chicago Bears
was the owner of the Chicago Bruins, and department store magnate Max Rosenblum, a part owner of the NFL's Cleveland Bulldogs
, financed the Cleveland Rosenblums. Future NFL (Washington Redskins
) owner George Preston Marshall
, the owner of a chain of laundries, was owner of the Washington Palace Five. Other teams were the Boston Whirlwinds, Brooklyn Arcadians, Buffalo Bisons, Detroit Pulaski Post Five, Fort Wayne Caseys, and Rochester Centrals. With the exception of 1927-28, the ABL season was divided into two halves, with the winner of the first half playing the winner of the second half for the championship. Five games into the 1926-27 season, the Original Celtics
were admitted to replace the Brooklyn franchise, and won 32 of the remaining 37 games, then shifted to New York the following season.
For the 1927-28 season, the ABL had an Eastern (New York, Philadelphia, Rochester and Washington) and Western (Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit and Fort Wayne) division, with the two best teams in each division going to playoffs, and a championship between the playoff winners. Playing in Madison Square Garden
, the New York Celtics had a 40-9 record in the regular season and won the championship. At season's end, the champions were voted out of the league by the other owners. The ABL played three more seasons and then, with only five teams playing at the end of 1930-31, folded during the Great Depression.
After more than two years, the league was reorganized in 1933, but as an East Coast league, with teams in Pennsylvania and New York City metro area.
Basketball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
league. During six seasons from 1925-26 to 1930-31, the ABL was the first attempt to create a major professional basketball league in the United States. Joseph Carr
Joseph Carr
Joseph "Joe" F. Carr was the president of the National Football League from 1921 until his death in 1939. Carr was born in Columbus, Ohio. As a mechanic for the Pennsylvania Railroad in Columbus, he directed the Columbus Panhandles football team in 1907 until 1922...
, who was, in 1925, the president of the National Football League
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
, organized the ABL from nine of the best independent pro teams from the East and the Midwest. George Halas
George Halas
George Stanley Halas, Sr. , nicknamed "Papa Bear" and "Mr. Everything", was a player, coach, owner and pioneer in professional American football. He was the iconic longtime leader of the NFL's Chicago Bears...
of the NFL Chicago Bears
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
was the owner of the Chicago Bruins, and department store magnate Max Rosenblum, a part owner of the NFL's Cleveland Bulldogs
Cleveland Bulldogs
The Cleveland Bulldogs was a team that played in Cleveland, Ohio in the National Football League. They were originally called the Indians in 1923, not to be confused with the Cleveland Indians NFL franchise in 1922...
, financed the Cleveland Rosenblums. Future NFL (Washington Redskins
Washington Redskins
The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,...
) owner George Preston Marshall
George Preston Marshall
George Preston Marshall was the owner and president of the Washington Redskins of the National Football League from 1932 until his death in 1969.-Contributions:...
, the owner of a chain of laundries, was owner of the Washington Palace Five. Other teams were the Boston Whirlwinds, Brooklyn Arcadians, Buffalo Bisons, Detroit Pulaski Post Five, Fort Wayne Caseys, and Rochester Centrals. With the exception of 1927-28, the ABL season was divided into two halves, with the winner of the first half playing the winner of the second half for the championship. Five games into the 1926-27 season, the Original Celtics
Original Celtics
The Original Celtics were a barnstorming professional basketball team in the 1920s. There is no relation to the modern Boston Celtics. The Original Celtics are often credited with extending the reach of basketball across America and for establishing the importance of aggressive defensive play...
were admitted to replace the Brooklyn franchise, and won 32 of the remaining 37 games, then shifted to New York the following season.
For the 1927-28 season, the ABL had an Eastern (New York, Philadelphia, Rochester and Washington) and Western (Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit and Fort Wayne) division, with the two best teams in each division going to playoffs, and a championship between the playoff winners. Playing in Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden, often abbreviated as MSG and known colloquially as The Garden, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in the New York City borough of Manhattan and located at 8th Avenue, between 31st and 33rd Streets, situated on top of Pennsylvania Station.Opened on February 11, 1968, it is the...
, the New York Celtics had a 40-9 record in the regular season and won the championship. At season's end, the champions were voted out of the league by the other owners. The ABL played three more seasons and then, with only five teams playing at the end of 1930-31, folded during the Great Depression.
After more than two years, the league was reorganized in 1933, but as an East Coast league, with teams in Pennsylvania and New York City metro area.
American Basketball League teams, 1925/26 to 1930/31
- Baltimore OriolesBaltimore Orioles (basketball)The Baltimore Orioles were an American basketball team based in Baltimore, Maryland that was a member of the American Basketball League.-Year-by-year:...
(1926/27) - Boston WhirlwindsBoston WhirlwindsThe Boston Whirlwinds were an American basketball team based in Boston, Massachusetts that was a member of the American Basketball League.The team was expelled after the 1st half of their only season.-Year-by-year:...
(1925/26, expelled after 1st half) - Brooklyn ArcadiansBrooklyn ArcadiansThe Brooklyn Arcadians were an American basketball team based in Brooklyn, New York that was a member of the American Basketball League.The team was replaced by the New York Celtics 5 games into their final season.-Year-by-year:...
(1925/26-26/27, replaced by New York CelticsOriginal CelticsThe Original Celtics were a barnstorming professional basketball team in the 1920s. There is no relation to the modern Boston Celtics. The Original Celtics are often credited with extending the reach of basketball across America and for establishing the importance of aggressive defensive play...
after 5 games) - Brooklyn VisitationsBrooklyn VisitationsThe Brooklyn Visitations were an American basketball team based in Brooklyn, New York City that was a member of the Metropolitan Basketball League and the American Basketball League....
(1927/28-30/31) - Buffalo BisonsBuffalo Bisons (basketball)The Buffalo Bisons were an American basketball team based in Buffalo, New York that was a member of the American Basketball League.-Year-by-year:...
(1925/26) - Chicago BruinsChicago BruinsThe Chicago Bruins were an American basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois that was a member of the American Basketball League. The Bruins later played in the National Basketball League and World Professional Basketball Tournament....
(1925/26-30/31) - Cleveland RosenblumsCleveland RosenblumsThe Cleveland Rosenblums was an American basketball team based in Cleveland, Ohio that was one of the original members of the American Basketball League...
(1925/26-30/31, also known as the Rosies) - Detroit LionsDetroit PulaskiThe Detroit Pulaski Post Five were an American basketball team based in Detroit, Michigan that was a member of the American Basketball League....
(1925/26-26/27, as Detroit Pulaski Post Five in 1925/26 and at beginning of 1926/27; dropped out after 6 games) - Detroit CardinalsDetroit CardinalsThe Detroit Cardinals were an American basketball team based in Detroit, Michigan that was a member of the American Basketball League.The team dropped out of the 1927/28 season on January 3, 1928.-Year-by-year:...
(1927/28, also known as the Olympians; dropped out in January, 1928) - Fort Wayne HoosiersFort Wayne HoosiersThe Fort Wayne Caseys were an American basketball team based in Fort Wayne, Indiana that was a member of the American Basketball League.After their first season the team became known as the Fort Wayne Hoosiers.-Year-by-year:...
(1925/26-30/31, as Fort Wayne Caseys in 1925/26) - New York CelticsOriginal CelticsThe Original Celtics were a barnstorming professional basketball team in the 1920s. There is no relation to the modern Boston Celtics. The Original Celtics are often credited with extending the reach of basketball across America and for establishing the importance of aggressive defensive play...
(1926/27-27/28, 1929/30, 1937/38, also known as the Original Celtics; as Brooklyn Celtics in 1926/27; dropped out in December, 1929) - New York HakoahsNew York HakoahsThe New York Hakoahs were an American basketball team based in New York, New York that was a member of the American Basketball League.-Year-by-year:...
(1928/29) - Paterson CrescentsPaterson CrescentsThe Paterson Whirlwinds were an American basketball team based in Paterson, New Jersey that was a member of the American Basketball League.After their first season, the team became known as the Paterson Crescents...
(1928/29-30/31, as Paterson Whirlwinds in 1928/29; dropped out in December, 1930) - Philadelphia WarriorsPhiladelphia Warriors (ABL)The Philadelphia Phillies were an American basketball team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that was a member of the American Basketball League....
(1926/27-28/29, also known as the Quakers; as Philadelphia Phillies in 1926/27) - Rochester CentralsRochester CentralsThe Rochester Centrals were an American basketball team based in Rochester, New York that was a member of the American Basketball League.-Year-by-year:...
(1925/26-30/31) - Syracuse All-AmericansSyracuse All-AmericansThe Syracuse All-Americans were an American basketball team based in Syracuse, New York that was a member of the American Basketball League....
(1930/31, dropped out in January, 1931) - Toledo Red Men TobaccosToledo Red Men TobaccosThe Toledo Redmen were an American basketball team based in Toledo, Ohio that was a member of the National Basketball League and the American Basketball League.For the 1930/31 season, the team was known as the Toledo Red Men Tobaccos.-Year-by-year:...
(1930/31) - Trenton BengalsTrenton Bengals-Trenton Bengals/Royal Bengals:The Trenton Bengals were an American basketball team based in Trenton, New Jersey that was a member of the American Basketball League.-Year-by-year:-Trenton Bengals:...
(1928/29, also known as the Royal Bengals) - Washington Palace FiveWashington Palace FiveThe Washington Palace Five were an American basketball team based in Washington, D.C. that was a member of the American Basketball League....
(1925/26-27/28, also known as the Laundrymen; dropped out in January, 1928 and replaced by Brooklyn VisitationsBrooklyn VisitationsThe Brooklyn Visitations were an American basketball team based in Brooklyn, New York City that was a member of the Metropolitan Basketball League and the American Basketball League....
)
American Basketball League teams, 1933/34 to 1954/55
- Baltimore Bullets (1944/45-46/47) joined the BAANational Basketball AssociationThe National Basketball Association is the pre-eminent men's professional basketball league in North America. It consists of thirty franchised member clubs, of which twenty-nine are located in the United States and one in Canada...
- Brooklyn VisitationsBrooklyn VisitationsThe Brooklyn Visitations were an American basketball team based in Brooklyn, New York City that was a member of the Metropolitan Basketball League and the American Basketball League....
(1933/34-38/39, as Paterson VisitationsPaterson VisitationsThe Paterson Visitations were an American basketball team based in Paterson, New Jersey that was a member of the American Basketball League....
in 1936/37; moved to Brooklyn in November, 1936) - Boston TrojansBoston TrojansThe Boston Trojans were an American basketball team based in Boston, Massachusetts that was a member of the American Basketball League.-Year-by-year:-Notable players:Notable players with the Original Celtics include:...
(1934/35) - Bridgeport RoesslersBridgeport RoesslersThe Bridgeport Newfield Steelers were an American basketball team based in Bridgeport, Connecticut that was a member of the American Basketball League. Before the 1949/50 season, the team became the Bridgeport Aer-A-Sols and for their final season was renamed the Bridgeport Roesslers.-Year-by-year:...
(1948/49-51/52, as Bridgeport Newfield Steelers in 1948/49; as Bridgeport Aer-A-Sols in 1949/50) - Bronx AmericansBronx AmericansThe Bronx Americans was an American basketball team based in the Bronx, New York that was a member of the American Basketball League.-Year-by-year:...
(1933/34) - Brooklyn CelticsBrooklyn CelticsThe Brooklyn Celtics were an American basketball team based in Brooklyn, New York that was a member of the American Basketball League.During the first half of the 1940/41 season, the Troy Celtics moved to Brooklyn to become the Brooklyn Celtics....
(1940/41, as Troy Haymakers in 1938/39; as Troy CelticsTroy Celtics-Troy Haymakers/Celtics:The Troy Haymakers were an American basketball team based in Troy, New York that was a member of the American Basketball League....
in 1939/40-40/41; absorbed Kingston ColonialsKingston ColonialsThe Kingston Colonials were an American basketball team based in Kingston, New Jersey that was a member of the American Basketball League.During the 1939/40 season, the team was merged into the Troy Celtics on December 19, 1939.-Year-by-year:...
in December, 1939; moved to Brooklyn during 1st half of 1940/41) - Brooklyn IndiansBrooklyn IndiansThe Brooklyn Indians were an American basketball team based in Brooklyn, New York that was a member of the American Basketball League.The team was previously known as the Camden Indians. The team moved to Brooklyn during the 1942/43 season on January 18, 1943. The team dropped out during the 1st...
(1942/43-43/44, as Camden IndiansCamden IndiansThe Camden Indians were an American basketball team based in Camden, New Jersey that was a member of the American Basketball League.During the 1942/43 season, the team became the Brooklyn Indians on January 18, 1943.-Year-by-year:...
in 1942/43; moved to Brooklyn in January, 1943; dropped out during 1st half of 1943/44) - Brooklyn GothamsBrooklyn GothamsThe Brooklyn Gothams were an American basketball team based in Brooklyn, New York that was a member of the American Basketball League.Before the 1946/47 season the team was known as the New York Gothams.-Year-by-year:...
(1944/45-48/49, as Westchester IndiansWestchester IndiansThe Westchester Indians were an American basketball team based in White Plains, New York that was a member of the American Basketball League.During the 1944/45 season, the team became the New York Gothams on January 20, 1945.-Year-by-year:...
in 1944/45; moved to New York in January, 1945; as New York GothamsNew York Gothams (basketball)The New York Gothams were an American basketball team based in New York, New York, that was a member of the American Basketball League.The team was previously known as the Westchester Indians. The team moved to New York during the 1944/45 season and became known as the New York Gothams. After the...
in 1944/45-45/46) - Carbondale AcesCarbondale AcesThe Carbondale Aces were an American basketball team based in Brooklyn, New York. It was a member of the American Basketball League.-Year-by-year:...
(1950/51) - Elmira ColonelsElmira ColonelsThe Elmira Colonels were an American basketball team based in Elmira, New York that was a member of the American Basketball League. It is, to date, the only major league sports team to have ever resided in the Southern Tier....
(1951/52-52/53) - Glens Falls-SaratogaGlens Falls-SaratogaGlens Falls-Saratoga, also known as Schenectady Yankees, Saratoga Harlem Yankees and New York Harlem Yankees was an American basketball team based in several New York State locations and was a member of the American Basketball League....
(1949/50-52/53, as New York Harlem Yankees in 1949/50; as Saratoga Harlem YankeesSaratoga Harlem YankeesGlens Falls-Saratoga, also known as Schenectady Yankees, Saratoga Harlem Yankees and New York Harlem Yankees was an American basketball team based in several New York State locations and was a member of the American Basketball League....
1950/51-51/52; moved to Schenectady during 1951/52; as Schenectady Yankees in 1951/52; moved to Saratoga during 1951/52; as Saratoga Harlem YankeesSaratoga Harlem YankeesGlens Falls-Saratoga, also known as Schenectady Yankees, Saratoga Harlem Yankees and New York Harlem Yankees was an American basketball team based in several New York State locations and was a member of the American Basketball League....
in 1951/52; dropped out in February, 1953) - Harrisburg SenatorsHarrisburg Senators (basketball)The Harrisburg Senators were an American basketball team based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, that was originally formed as a member of the American Basketball League, where it played for one season....
(1942/43) - Hartford HurricanesHartford HurricanesThe Hartford Hurricanes were an American basketball team based in Hartford, Connecticut that was a member of the American Basketball League.The team was previously known as the Elizabeth Braves who moved to Hartford during the 1947/48 season on December 19, 1947.-Year-by-year:...
(1946/47-49/50, as Elizabeth BravesElizabeth BravesThe Elizabeth Braves were an American basketball team based in Elizabeth, New Jersey that was a member of the American Basketball League.The team moved to Hartford to become the Hartford Hurricanes during the 1947/48 season on December 19, 1947....
in 1946/47-47/48; moved to Hartford in December, 1947) - Jersey RedsJersey RedsThe Jersey Reds were an American basketball team based in North Bergen, New Jersey that was a member of the American Basketball League.The team was previously known as the Union City Reds. During the 1939/40 season, the team was merged into the New York Jewels on January 26, 1940.-Year-by-year:...
(1933/34-39/40, as Union City RedsUnion City RedsThe Union City Reds was an American basketball team based in Union City, New Jersey that was a member of the Metropolitan Basketball League and the American Basketball League.After the 1933/34 season the team moved to North Bergen and became the Jersey Reds....
in 1933/34; merged into New York JewelsNew York JewelsThe New York Jewels were an American basketball team based in New York, New York that was a member of the American Basketball League.The team was previously known as the Brooklyn Jewels. For the 2nd half of the 1936/37, the team was renamed the Brooklyn Jewels. Before the 1937/38 season, the...
in January, 1940) - Kingston ColonialsKingston ColonialsThe Kingston Colonials were an American basketball team based in Kingston, New Jersey that was a member of the American Basketball League.During the 1939/40 season, the team was merged into the Troy Celtics on December 19, 1939.-Year-by-year:...
(1935/36-39/40, merged with Troy CelticsTroy Celtics-Troy Haymakers/Celtics:The Troy Haymakers were an American basketball team based in Troy, New York that was a member of the American Basketball League....
in December, 1939) - Lancaster RosesLancaster RosesThe Lancaster Roses were an American basketball team based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania that was a member of the American Basketball League.The franchise was terminated by the league on December 4, 1947.-Year-by-year:...
(1947/48, franchise terminated in December, 1947) - Manchester British-AmericansManchester British-AmericansThe Manchester British-Americans were an American basketball team based in Manchester, Connecticut that was a member of the American Basketball League.-Year-by-year:...
(1951/52-52/53) - Middletown GuardsMiddletown GuardsThe Middletown Guards were an American basketball team based in Middletown, Connecticut, that was a member of the American Basketball League.The team dropped out of the league on January 8, 1953.-Year-by-year:...
Mike Lee averaged 43.2 points in 1952 for the Guards(1952/53) - New Britain MulesNew Britain MulesThe New Britain Palaces were an American basketball team based in New Britain, Connecticut that was a member of the American Basketball League....
(1933/34-34/35, as Hoboken ThourotsHoboken ThourotsThe Hoboken Thourots were an American basketball team based in Hoboken, New Jersey that was a member of the American Basketball League.After 4 winless games, the team moved to Camden to become the Camden Brewers on November 23, 1933.-Year-by-year:...
in 1933/34; moved to Camden in November, 1933; as Camden BrewersCamden BrewersThe Camden Brewers were an American basketball team based in Camden, New Jersey that was a member of the American Basketball League.The team was previously known as the Hoboken Thourots who moved to Camden during the 1st half of the 1933/34 season. After 8 games, the team was taken over and became...
in 1933/34; taken over and moved to New Britain in January, 1934; as New Britain Palaces in 1933/34; as New Britain Jackaways in 1934/35; merged with Newark MulesNewark Bears (basketball)The Newark Bears were an American basketball team based in Newark, New Jersey that was a member of the American Basketball League....
to form New Britain Mules for the 2nd half of 1934/35) - New York JewelsNew York JewelsThe New York Jewels were an American basketball team based in New York, New York that was a member of the American Basketball League.The team was previously known as the Brooklyn Jewels. For the 2nd half of the 1936/37, the team was renamed the Brooklyn Jewels. Before the 1937/38 season, the...
(1933/34-42/43, as Brooklyn JewelsBrooklyn JewelsThe Brooklyn Jewels were an American basketball team based in Brooklyn, New York that was a member of the Metropolitan Basketball League and the American Basketball League....
in 1933/34; as New York Jewels in 1934/35-36/37; renamed Brooklyn JewelsBrooklyn JewelsThe Brooklyn Jewels were an American basketball team based in Brooklyn, New York that was a member of the Metropolitan Basketball League and the American Basketball League....
for 2nd half of 1936/37; as New Haven Jewels in 1937/38; moved to New York in November, 1937 and renamed New York Jewels; absorbed Jersey RedsJersey RedsThe Jersey Reds were an American basketball team based in North Bergen, New Jersey that was a member of the American Basketball League.The team was previously known as the Union City Reds. During the 1939/40 season, the team was merged into the New York Jewels on January 26, 1940.-Year-by-year:...
in January, 1940; dropped out in 1st half of 1941/42) - New York YankeesNew York Yankees (basketball)The New York Yankees was an American basketball team based in New York City, and a member of the American Basketball League for a brief period of time....
(1937/38, as Bronx YankeesBronx YankeesThe Bronx Yankees were an American basketball team based in the Bronx, New York that was a member of the American Basketball League.During the first half of their only season, the team became the New York Yankees.-Year-by-year:...
in 1937/38; renamed New York Yankees during 1937/38; dropped out in January, 1938) - New York AmericansNew York Americans (basketball)The New York Americans were an American basketball team based in New York, New York that was a member of the American Basketball League.The owners were "Martin L. Cohen and Phillip Fox & Associates"-Year-by-year:...
(1943/44) - Newark MulesNewark Bears (basketball)The Newark Bears were an American basketball team based in Newark, New Jersey that was a member of the American Basketball League....
(1933/34-34/35, as Newark Bears in 1933/34; also known as Newark Joe Fays in 1933/34; merged with New Britain Jackaways for the 2nd half of 1934/35 to become the New Britain MulesNew Britain MulesThe New Britain Palaces were an American basketball team based in New Britain, Connecticut that was a member of the American Basketball League....
) - Passaic Red DevilsPassaic Red DevilsThe Passaic Red Devils were an American basketball team based in the Bronx, New York that was a member of the American Basketball League.The team was previously known as the Trenton Bengals.-Year-by-year:...
(1935/36, also known as the Reds; as Paterson PanthersPaterson PanthersThe Paterson Panthers were an American basketball team based in the Paterson, New Jersey that was a member of the American Basketball League.During the 1st half of their only season, the team became the Trenton Bengals on December 13, 1935.-Year-by-year:...
in 1935/36; moved to Trenton in December, 1935; as Trenton BengalsTrenton Bengals-Trenton Bengals/Royal Bengals:The Trenton Bengals were an American basketball team based in Trenton, New Jersey that was a member of the American Basketball League.-Year-by-year:-Trenton Bengals:...
in 1935/36; moved to Passaic for 2nd half of 1935/36) - Paterson CrescentsPaterson CrescentsThe Paterson Whirlwinds were an American basketball team based in Paterson, New Jersey that was a member of the American Basketball League.After their first season, the team became known as the Paterson Crescents...
(1944/45-50/51, as Washington Capitols in 1944/45; moved to Paterson in January, 1945) - Pawtucket SlatersPawtucket Slaters (basketball)The Pawtucket Slaters were an American basketball team based in Pawtucket, Rhode Island that was a member of the American Basketball League.-Year-by-year:...
(1952/53) - Philadelphia SPHAsPhiladelphia SphasThe Philadelphia Sphas, also written SPHAs and SPHAS, were a team that competed in the Eastern Basketball League and then the American Basketball League 1925-55. They played their home games in social halls and, from 1938, in the ballroom of the Broadwood Hotel...
(1933/34-48/49, also known as the Hebrews) - Schenectady PackersSchenectady PackersThe Schenectady Packers were an American basketball team based in Schenectady, New York that was a member of the New York State Professional League and the American Basketball League....
(1949/50, dropped out in November, 1949) - Scranton MinersScranton MinersThe Scranton Miners were an Eastern Professional Basketball League basketball team based in Scranton, Pennsylvania that was a member of the American Basketball League. Arthur Pachter was the Owner and coach for many years...
(1946/47-52/53, as Jersey City Atoms in 1946/47-47/48; moved to Scranton in January, 1948) - Trenton MooseTrenton MooseThe Trenton Moose was an American basketball team based in Trenton, New Jersey that was a member of the Eastern Basketball League and the American Basketball League.-Year-by-year:...
(1933/34) - Trenton TigersTrenton TigersThe Trenton Tigers were an American basketball team based in Trenton, New Jersey that was a member of the American Basketball League.In the 1946/47 season, the team made it to the championship playoffs where they were to meet the Baltimore Bullets...
(1941/42-49/50) - Troy CelticsTroy Celtics-Troy Haymakers/Celtics:The Troy Haymakers were an American basketball team based in Troy, New York that was a member of the American Basketball League....
(1946/47) - Utica ProsUtica ProsThe Utica Pros was an American basketball team based in Utica, New York that was a member of the American Basketball League.-Year-by-year:...
(1950/51) - Washington BrewersWashington BrewersThe Washington Heurichs were an American basketball team based in Washington, D.C. that was a member of the American Basketball League.For the 1939/40 season, the team was known as the Washington Heurich Brewers and before the 1940/41 season the team became simply the Washington...
(1938/39-41/42, as Washington Heurichs in 1938/39, as Washington Heurich Brewers in 1939-40) - Washington CapitolsWashington CapitolsThe Washington Capitols were a charter Basketball Association of America team based in Washington, D.C. The team was coached from 1946 to 1949 by NBA Hall of Famer Red Auerbach....
(1951/52, dropped out in January, 1952) - Wilkes-Barre BaronsWilkes-Barre BaronsThe Wilkes-Barre Barons were a legendary basketball team from Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.The Barons played between 1933 and 1972 in different American leagues. The team won 11 titles during this time, and the most memorable are those were won while playing in the American Basketball League and the...
(1938/39-39/40, dropped out in February, 1940) - Wilkes-Barre BaronsWilkes-Barre BaronsThe Wilkes-Barre Barons were a legendary basketball team from Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.The Barons played between 1933 and 1972 in different American leagues. The team won 11 titles during this time, and the most memorable are those were won while playing in the American Basketball League and the...
(1947/48-52/53) - Wilmington Blue BombersWilmington Bombers-Wilmington Blue Bombers:The Wilmington Blue Bombers were an American basketball team based in Wilmington, Delaware that was a member of the American Basketball League.-Year-by-year:-Wilmington Bombers:...
(1941/42) - Wilmington BombersWilmington Bombers-Wilmington Blue Bombers:The Wilmington Blue Bombers were an American basketball team based in Wilmington, Delaware that was a member of the American Basketball League.-Year-by-year:-Wilmington Bombers:...
(1943/44-46/47) - Yonkers ChiefsYonkers ChiefsThe Yonkers Chiefs were an American basketball team based in Yonkers, New York that was a member of the American Basketball League.The team was previously known as the Newark Bobcats. The team folded during their only season.-Year-by-year:...
(1946/47, as Newark Bobcats in 1946/47; moved to Yonkers during 1946/47; dropped out during 1946/47 season)
League Championships
| Year | Winner | Result | Runner Up |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1925-26 | Cleveland Rosenblums Cleveland Rosenblums The Cleveland Rosenblums was an American basketball team based in Cleveland, Ohio that was one of the original members of the American Basketball League... |
3-0 | Brooklyn Arcadians Brooklyn Arcadians The Brooklyn Arcadians were an American basketball team based in Brooklyn, New York that was a member of the American Basketball League.The team was replaced by the New York Celtics 5 games into their final season.-Year-by-year:... |
| 1926-27 | Brooklyn Celtics Original Celtics The Original Celtics were a barnstorming professional basketball team in the 1920s. There is no relation to the modern Boston Celtics. The Original Celtics are often credited with extending the reach of basketball across America and for establishing the importance of aggressive defensive play... |
3-0 | Cleveland Rosenblums Cleveland Rosenblums The Cleveland Rosenblums was an American basketball team based in Cleveland, Ohio that was one of the original members of the American Basketball League... |
| 1927-28 | Brooklyn Celtics Original Celtics The Original Celtics were a barnstorming professional basketball team in the 1920s. There is no relation to the modern Boston Celtics. The Original Celtics are often credited with extending the reach of basketball across America and for establishing the importance of aggressive defensive play... |
3-1 | Fort Wayne Hoosiers Fort Wayne Hoosiers The Fort Wayne Caseys were an American basketball team based in Fort Wayne, Indiana that was a member of the American Basketball League.After their first season the team became known as the Fort Wayne Hoosiers.-Year-by-year:... |
| 1928-29 | Cleveland Rosenblums Cleveland Rosenblums The Cleveland Rosenblums was an American basketball team based in Cleveland, Ohio that was one of the original members of the American Basketball League... |
4-0 | Fort Wayne Hoosiers Fort Wayne Hoosiers The Fort Wayne Caseys were an American basketball team based in Fort Wayne, Indiana that was a member of the American Basketball League.After their first season the team became known as the Fort Wayne Hoosiers.-Year-by-year:... |
| 1929-30 | Cleveland Rosenblums Cleveland Rosenblums The Cleveland Rosenblums was an American basketball team based in Cleveland, Ohio that was one of the original members of the American Basketball League... |
4-1 | Rochester Centrals Rochester Centrals The Rochester Centrals were an American basketball team based in Rochester, New York that was a member of the American Basketball League.-Year-by-year:... |
| 1930-31 | Brooklyn Visitations Brooklyn Visitations The Brooklyn Visitations were an American basketball team based in Brooklyn, New York City that was a member of the Metropolitan Basketball League and the American Basketball League.... |
4-2 | Fort Wayne Hoosiers Fort Wayne Hoosiers The Fort Wayne Caseys were an American basketball team based in Fort Wayne, Indiana that was a member of the American Basketball League.After their first season the team became known as the Fort Wayne Hoosiers.-Year-by-year:... |
| 1931-32 | League suspended operations. | ||
| 1932-33 | League suspended operations. | ||
| 1933-34 | Philadelphia Sphas Philadelphia Sphas The Philadelphia Sphas, also written SPHAs and SPHAS, were a team that competed in the Eastern Basketball League and then the American Basketball League 1925-55. They played their home games in social halls and, from 1938, in the ballroom of the Broadwood Hotel... |
4-2 | Trenton Moose Trenton Moose The Trenton Moose was an American basketball team based in Trenton, New Jersey that was a member of the Eastern Basketball League and the American Basketball League.-Year-by-year:... |
| 1934-35 | Brooklyn Visitations Brooklyn Visitations The Brooklyn Visitations were an American basketball team based in Brooklyn, New York City that was a member of the Metropolitan Basketball League and the American Basketball League.... |
3-2 | New York Jewels New York Jewels The New York Jewels were an American basketball team based in New York, New York that was a member of the American Basketball League.The team was previously known as the Brooklyn Jewels. For the 2nd half of the 1936/37, the team was renamed the Brooklyn Jewels. Before the 1937/38 season, the... |
| 1935-36 | Philadelphia Sphas Philadelphia Sphas The Philadelphia Sphas, also written SPHAs and SPHAS, were a team that competed in the Eastern Basketball League and then the American Basketball League 1925-55. They played their home games in social halls and, from 1938, in the ballroom of the Broadwood Hotel... |
4-3 | Brooklyn Visitations Brooklyn Visitations The Brooklyn Visitations were an American basketball team based in Brooklyn, New York City that was a member of the Metropolitan Basketball League and the American Basketball League.... |
| 1936-37 | Philadelphia Sphas Philadelphia Sphas The Philadelphia Sphas, also written SPHAs and SPHAS, were a team that competed in the Eastern Basketball League and then the American Basketball League 1925-55. They played their home games in social halls and, from 1938, in the ballroom of the Broadwood Hotel... |
4-3 | Jersey Reds Jersey Reds The Jersey Reds were an American basketball team based in North Bergen, New Jersey that was a member of the American Basketball League.The team was previously known as the Union City Reds. During the 1939/40 season, the team was merged into the New York Jewels on January 26, 1940.-Year-by-year:... |
| 1937-38 | Jersey Reds Jersey Reds The Jersey Reds were an American basketball team based in North Bergen, New Jersey that was a member of the American Basketball League.The team was previously known as the Union City Reds. During the 1939/40 season, the team was merged into the New York Jewels on January 26, 1940.-Year-by-year:... |
4-2 | New York Jewels New York Jewels The New York Jewels were an American basketball team based in New York, New York that was a member of the American Basketball League.The team was previously known as the Brooklyn Jewels. For the 2nd half of the 1936/37, the team was renamed the Brooklyn Jewels. Before the 1937/38 season, the... |
| 1938-39 | New York Jewels New York Jewels The New York Jewels were an American basketball team based in New York, New York that was a member of the American Basketball League.The team was previously known as the Brooklyn Jewels. For the 2nd half of the 1936/37, the team was renamed the Brooklyn Jewels. Before the 1937/38 season, the... |
3-0 | Jersey Reds Jersey Reds The Jersey Reds were an American basketball team based in North Bergen, New Jersey that was a member of the American Basketball League.The team was previously known as the Union City Reds. During the 1939/40 season, the team was merged into the New York Jewels on January 26, 1940.-Year-by-year:... |
| 1939-40 | Philadelphia Sphas Philadelphia Sphas The Philadelphia Sphas, also written SPHAs and SPHAS, were a team that competed in the Eastern Basketball League and then the American Basketball League 1925-55. They played their home games in social halls and, from 1938, in the ballroom of the Broadwood Hotel... |
1-0 | Washington Heurich Brewers Washington Brewers The Washington Heurichs were an American basketball team based in Washington, D.C. that was a member of the American Basketball League.For the 1939/40 season, the team was known as the Washington Heurich Brewers and before the 1940/41 season the team became simply the Washington... |
| 1940-41 | Philadelphia Sphas Philadelphia Sphas The Philadelphia Sphas, also written SPHAs and SPHAS, were a team that competed in the Eastern Basketball League and then the American Basketball League 1925-55. They played their home games in social halls and, from 1938, in the ballroom of the Broadwood Hotel... |
3-1 | Brooklyn Celtics Brooklyn Celtics The Brooklyn Celtics were an American basketball team based in Brooklyn, New York that was a member of the American Basketball League.During the first half of the 1940/41 season, the Troy Celtics moved to Brooklyn to become the Brooklyn Celtics.... |
| 1941-42 | Wilmington Blue Bombers Wilmington Bombers -Wilmington Blue Bombers:The Wilmington Blue Bombers were an American basketball team based in Wilmington, Delaware that was a member of the American Basketball League.-Year-by-year:-Wilmington Bombers:... |
Won both halves to claim championship. | |
| 1942-43 | Philadelphia Sphas Philadelphia Sphas The Philadelphia Sphas, also written SPHAs and SPHAS, were a team that competed in the Eastern Basketball League and then the American Basketball League 1925-55. They played their home games in social halls and, from 1938, in the ballroom of the Broadwood Hotel... |
4-3 | Trenton Tigers Trenton Tigers The Trenton Tigers were an American basketball team based in Trenton, New Jersey that was a member of the American Basketball League.In the 1946/47 season, the team made it to the championship playoffs where they were to meet the Baltimore Bullets... |
| 1943-44 | Wilmington Bombers Wilmington Bombers -Wilmington Blue Bombers:The Wilmington Blue Bombers were an American basketball team based in Wilmington, Delaware that was a member of the American Basketball League.-Year-by-year:-Wilmington Bombers:... |
4-3 | Philadelphia Sphas Philadelphia Sphas The Philadelphia Sphas, also written SPHAs and SPHAS, were a team that competed in the Eastern Basketball League and then the American Basketball League 1925-55. They played their home games in social halls and, from 1938, in the ballroom of the Broadwood Hotel... |
| 1944-45 | Philadelphia Sphas Philadelphia Sphas The Philadelphia Sphas, also written SPHAs and SPHAS, were a team that competed in the Eastern Basketball League and then the American Basketball League 1925-55. They played their home games in social halls and, from 1938, in the ballroom of the Broadwood Hotel... |
2-1 | Baltimore Bullets |
| 1945-46 | Baltimore Bullets | 3-1 | Philadelphia Sphas Philadelphia Sphas The Philadelphia Sphas, also written SPHAs and SPHAS, were a team that competed in the Eastern Basketball League and then the American Basketball League 1925-55. They played their home games in social halls and, from 1938, in the ballroom of the Broadwood Hotel... |
| 1946-47 | Trenton Tigers Trenton Tigers The Trenton Tigers were an American basketball team based in Trenton, New Jersey that was a member of the American Basketball League.In the 1946/47 season, the team made it to the championship playoffs where they were to meet the Baltimore Bullets... |
Won forfeit, Baltimore Bullets could not play finals | |
| 1947-48 | Wilkes-Barre Barons Wilkes-Barre Barons The Wilkes-Barre Barons were a legendary basketball team from Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.The Barons played between 1933 and 1972 in different American leagues. The team won 11 titles during this time, and the most memorable are those were won while playing in the American Basketball League and the... |
2-1 | Paterson Crescents Paterson Crescents The Paterson Whirlwinds were an American basketball team based in Paterson, New Jersey that was a member of the American Basketball League.After their first season, the team became known as the Paterson Crescents... |
| 1948-49 | Wilkes-Barre Barons Wilkes-Barre Barons The Wilkes-Barre Barons were a legendary basketball team from Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.The Barons played between 1933 and 1972 in different American leagues. The team won 11 titles during this time, and the most memorable are those were won while playing in the American Basketball League and the... |
3-2 | Scranton Miners Scranton Miners The Scranton Miners were an Eastern Professional Basketball League basketball team based in Scranton, Pennsylvania that was a member of the American Basketball League. Arthur Pachter was the Owner and coach for many years... |
| 1949-50 | Scranton Miners Scranton Miners The Scranton Miners were an Eastern Professional Basketball League basketball team based in Scranton, Pennsylvania that was a member of the American Basketball League. Arthur Pachter was the Owner and coach for many years... |
1-0 | Bridgeport Aer-A-Sols Bridgeport Roesslers The Bridgeport Newfield Steelers were an American basketball team based in Bridgeport, Connecticut that was a member of the American Basketball League. Before the 1949/50 season, the team became the Bridgeport Aer-A-Sols and for their final season was renamed the Bridgeport Roesslers.-Year-by-year:... |
| 1950-51 | Scranton Miners Scranton Miners The Scranton Miners were an Eastern Professional Basketball League basketball team based in Scranton, Pennsylvania that was a member of the American Basketball League. Arthur Pachter was the Owner and coach for many years... |
1-0 | Wilkes-Barre Barons Wilkes-Barre Barons The Wilkes-Barre Barons were a legendary basketball team from Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.The Barons played between 1933 and 1972 in different American leagues. The team won 11 titles during this time, and the most memorable are those were won while playing in the American Basketball League and the... |
| 1951-52 | Wilkes-Barre Barons Wilkes-Barre Barons The Wilkes-Barre Barons were a legendary basketball team from Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.The Barons played between 1933 and 1972 in different American leagues. The team won 11 titles during this time, and the most memorable are those were won while playing in the American Basketball League and the... |
1-0 | Scranton Miners Scranton Miners The Scranton Miners were an Eastern Professional Basketball League basketball team based in Scranton, Pennsylvania that was a member of the American Basketball League. Arthur Pachter was the Owner and coach for many years... |
| 1952-53 | Manchester British-Americans Manchester British-Americans The Manchester British-Americans were an American basketball team based in Manchester, Connecticut that was a member of the American Basketball League.-Year-by-year:... |
1-0 | Wilkes-Barre Barons Wilkes-Barre Barons The Wilkes-Barre Barons were a legendary basketball team from Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.The Barons played between 1933 and 1972 in different American leagues. The team won 11 titles during this time, and the most memorable are those were won while playing in the American Basketball League and the... |
| 1953-54 | League suspended operations. | ||
| 1954-55 | League disbanded. | ||