A Look at the Early History of the National Basketball Association

The Birth of the NBA

To fully appreciate the modern NBA, it's essential to look back at its beginnings. The National Basketball Association (NBA) was formed in 1949 through the merger of two competing leagues:

• The National Basketball League (NBL)
• The Basketball Association of America (BAA)

At first, basketball had not yet won the hearts of the American public, but over time, it became one of the most beloved sports in history.

Basketball After World War II

Following World War II, the United States saw a boom in business, particularly in the sports industry. At the time, the National Basketball League (NBL) was the largest basketball league, primarily focused on Midwestern cities.

Meanwhile, indoor sports arena owners sought to create a league in larger urban centers. This led to the formation of the Basketball Association of America (BAA). Initially, the BAA granted franchises to 13 cities, but two teams (Indianapolis and Buffalo) withdrew, leaving 11 teams:

• Boston Celtics
• New York Knickerbockers
• Philadelphia Warriors
• Providence Steamrollers
• Toronto Huskies
• Washington Capitols
• Chicago Stags
• Cleveland Rebels
• Detroit Falcons
• Pittsburgh Ironmen
• St. Louis Bombers

Despite gaining recognition, the BAA struggled in its first seasons. However, playing in larger cities helped boost its popularity.

The Road to NBA Formation

During its first two seasons, the BAA faced major challenges, including:

• A reduction in games from 60 to 48 per season
• The loss of four teams
• A decline in public interest

To stabilize, the league recruited the Baltimore Bullets from the American Basketball League (ABL). Meanwhile, the NBL faced its own struggles, especially when star player George Mikan left. Their inability to expand into bigger cities led to their decline in the 1948-1949 season.

By the end of the season, the NBL dissolved, paving the way for the creation of the NBA.

The Formation of the NBA

The NBA officially launched in 1949, with:

• Six NBL teams joining the BAA
• The Indianapolis Olympians added to the league
• The Indianapolis Jets and the Providence Steamrollers withdrew

This new league of 17 teams marked the beginning of the NBA as we know it today.