The league was formed when Harlem Globetrotters owner Abe Saperstein was not awarded the Los Angeles National Basketball Association (NBA) … See more

The Hawaii Chiefs drew well, but other teams felt the cost of air travel was prohibitive, resulting in scheduling that saw the Eastern teams playing all of their games in Hawaii … See more

• Chicago Majors (1961–62, 1962–63)
• Cleveland Pipers (1961–62)
• Kansas City Steers (1961–62, 1962–63)
• Long Beach Chiefs (1962–63 as Hawaii Chiefs in 1961–62) See more

List of ABL players:
• Jack Adams
• Dick Barnett
• See more

In Cleveland, Steinbrenner's coach was John McLendon, who became the first African-American coach of a major pro basketball team. He was hired by Pipers' general manager, … See more

Steinbrenner signed All-American Jerry Lucas to a contract worth $40,000. With the Lucas signing, Steinbrenner had a secret deal with NBA commissioner Maurice Podoloff. The Pipers would merge with the Kansas City Steers and join the NBA. A schedule … See more

Year | Winner | Result | Runner-up
• 1961–62 Cleveland Pipers 3 games to 2 games Kansas City Steers
• See more