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Comment: Page deleted in mainspace twice and declined in draftspace once, but author has shown zero sign of fixing the tone. Rejecting to save time and warning author of WP:Disruptive editing. ABG (Talk/Report any mistakes here) 01:38, 11 October 2024 (UTC)
- Comment: Lines like
Offering comprehensive coverage through the PBATV app and various platforms, including Roku, Amazon Fire, Android, iOS, and YouTube, the PBA by A&T Sports sets itself apart as the premier destination for semi-professional basketball, providing unparalleled access to complete box scores, game recaps, graphics, and full game videos with expert commentary
are in no way encyclopedic. JTP (talk • contribs) 04:42, 29 July 2024 (UTC)
 | |
| Sport | Basketball |
|---|---|
| Founded | November 2020 |
| Founder | Chris Terrell |
| First season | 2021 |
| Commissioner | Angela Culliver |
| Motto | If You Want Pro - You Want The PBA |
| No. of teams | 19 |
| Country | United States |
| Most recent champion(s) | Columbus Ga Vipers (2023, 2023-2024) |
| Most titles | 3x (Fort Worth F.I.R.M) |
| Official website | https://pbaplayers.com/ |
The Pro Basketball Association (PBA) by A&T Sports is a semi professional basketball league operating in the United States. The league features teams from across the nation and conducts its season during the summer months. By maintaining year-round basketball activity, the PBA provides players with ongoing opportunities to develop their skills while engaging with their communities.
History
editFounding and Early Years (2020-2022)
editThe PBA was founded in 2020 by Chris Terrell, a coach with extensive experience in various prestigious leagues across four continents..[1]. Terrell's vision was to create a competitive environment for semi-professional basketball at a professional level. Under his leadership, the league grew steadily, attracting numerous teams and players. The league initially held a single season annually during the summer months (May to September).
Expansion and Winter Season Introduction (2022)
editIn 2022, the league introduced a winter season (October to March) to provide additional opportunities for teams not engaged in other leagues. This expansion aimed to increase player exposure and engagement throughout the year.
Rebranding and Leadership Change (2023)
editIn the summer of 2023, the league underwent rebranding, changing its name from PBA by 1891 to PBA by A&T Sports. This rebranding aimed to enhance the league's identity and expand its reach within the basketball community, emphasizing its partnership with A&T Sports Inc. During this period, Angela Culliver, who had served as the PBA National Director of League Operations, assumed the role of Commissioner following Chris Terrell's decision to step down[2][3]
Return to Single Summer Season (2024)
In 2024, Commissioner Culliver decided to revert to the original format of a single summer season, citing financial stability and operational efficiency as key reasons. This decision aligns with the financial realities faced by many minor league teams, allowing for greater stability in operations. By focusing on a single season, teams and the league can dedicate adequate time to promotion and securing sponsors, vital for sustaining operations.
Current Teams
edit| Northwest Division | Teams | 1st Season |
| Base Hill Bullies | Tacoma, Washington | 2021 |
| PNW Vets[4] | Federal Way Washington | 2021 |
| South Division | Teams | 1st Season |
| Tulia Bulls[5] | Tulia, Texas | 2023 |
| Plainview Knights | Plainview, Texas | 2022 |
| Dallas Gamblers | Dallas, Texas | 2021 |
| Louisiana Kingdom Riders | Shreveport, Louisiana | 2021 |
| B.L.T.N. Ballers | Arlington, Texas | 2021 |
| Southeast Division | Teams | 1st Season |
| Columbus Ga Vipers[6] | Columbus, Georgia | 2021 |
| Dothan Snipers[3] | Dothan, Alabama | 2021 |
| River Region Generals | Montgomery, Alabama | 2021 |
| Mississippi Raptors[7] | Jackson, Mississippi | 2023 |
| Tennessee Speed | Chattanooga, Tennessee | 2021 |
| Mobile Minners | Mobile, Alabama | 2023 |
| MidAtlantic Division | Teams | 1st Season |
| Trained To Eat | Nashville, Tennessee | 2022 |
| Pennsylvania Lighting | Connellsville, Pennsylvania | 2023 |
| Lancaster Thunder | Lancaster, Ohio | 2022 |
| Music City Jazz | Nashville, Tennessee | 2021 |
| D.C. Crank | Washington D.C. | 2023 |
| Nova Bulls | Manassas, Virginia | 2023 |
The Final Four
editThe pinnacle of the Pro Basketball Association is the esteemed PBA Final Four Tournament, which showcases the unparalleled skill and tenacity of the league's top four teams. Once hosted in Arlington, Texas, this event is now held in Columbus, Georgia. Notable teams include:
- Fort Worth F.I.R.M.: This team has been a dominant force in the league, winning multiple championships. They are known for their robust defense and strategic play, making them a formidable opponent in every tournament[8]
- Columbus Ga Vipers: Another powerhouse in the PBA, the Vipers have an impressive record with multiple appearances in the Final Four and several championship titles. Their ability to perform under pressure has earned them a strong fan base and respect within the league[9].
- Trained To Eat (TTE): Known for their high-energy play and resilience, TTE has made significant strides in the league. They have been consistently strong contenders in the Final Four, showcasing their skill and determination[9].
These elite teams compete for the prestigious Pearl Trophy, named in honor of Earl "The Pearl" Monroe. The tournament not only highlights the top talents in the league but also serves as a critical platform for players to gain national recognition and further their careers.
Champions
edit| Season | Winner | Runner-up | Results |
| 2021 Summer | Fort Worth F.I.R.M. | New York Generals | 84-76 |
| 2022 Summer | Fort Worth F.I.R.M. | NM Bluetails | 102-88 |
| 2022-2023 Winter | Fort Worth F.I.R.M. | Columbus Ga Vipers | 111-71 |
| 2023 Summer | Columbus Ga Vipers | PNW Vets | 116-110[10] |
| 2023-2024 Winter | Columbus Ga Vipers | Trained To Eat | 117-92[11] |
| 2024 Summer | TBD | TBD | TBD |
References:
edit- ^ "Chris Terrell - Commissioner of the Pro Basketball Association". Hoop Heads. September 1, 2022. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
- ^ Costen, Micahya (April 19, 2024). "When They Succeed, I Win: Angela Culliver's Ongoing Journey To Success In Sports Management". The Courier. p. 1. Retrieved April 25, 2024.
- ^ a b Jones, Briana (November 1, 2023). "Dothan-area Organization Provides Healthy Gateway For Athletes". WTVY News 4.
- ^ "PNW-Vets Join The Pro Basketball Association". PBAPlayers. March 22, 2021. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
- ^ Holland II, Ma'Rico (June 13, 2023). "Plainview Knights Cruise to First Win of New Season". Plainview Herald. p. 1. Retrieved April 23, 2024.
- ^ Armstrong, Dee (August 28, 2023). "Semi-pro Basketball Teams to Come to Columbus". WTVM News Leader 9. Retrieved April 23, 2024.
- ^ Davis, Bradley (August 28, 2023). "New Semi-Pro Basketball Team With Established Roots Starting in Jackson". WAPT.
- ^ Boone, Triston (November 20, 2022). "Opening Week In The PBA - Results, News, & Players Of The Game". USBasket. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
- ^ a b Culliver, Angela (March 30, 2024). "PBA National Championship Set". USBasket. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
- ^ "Columbus Vipers win Summer 2023 National Championship". USBasket. September 27, 2023. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
- ^ "Columbus Vipers Clinch 2024 Winter Season Title". USBasket. April 1, 2024. Retrieved April 20, 2024.