American Basketball League (1925-1955)
Encyclopedia
The American Basketball League was an early professional basketball
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 Orioles
    Baltimore 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 Whirlwinds
    Boston Whirlwinds
    The 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 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:...

     (1925/26-26/27, replaced by New York 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...

     after 5 games)
  • 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....

     (1927/28-30/31)
  • Buffalo Bisons
    Buffalo 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 Bruins
    Chicago Bruins
    The 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 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...

     (1925/26-30/31, also known as the Rosies)
  • Detroit Lions
    Detroit Pulaski
    The 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 Cardinals
    Detroit Cardinals
    The 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 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:...

     (1925/26-30/31, as Fort Wayne Caseys in 1925/26)
  • New York 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...

     (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 Hakoahs
    New York Hakoahs
    The 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 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...

     (1928/29-30/31, as Paterson Whirlwinds in 1928/29; dropped out in December, 1930)
  • Philadelphia Warriors
    Philadelphia 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 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:...

     (1925/26-30/31)
  • Syracuse All-Americans
    Syracuse All-Americans
    The 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 Tobaccos
    Toledo Red Men Tobaccos
    The 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 Bengals
    Trenton 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 Five
    Washington Palace Five
    The 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 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....

    )

American Basketball League teams, 1933/34 to 1954/55

  • Baltimore Bullets (1944/45-46/47) joined the BAA
    National Basketball Association
    The 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 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....

     (1933/34-38/39, as Paterson Visitations
    Paterson Visitations
    The 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 Trojans
    Boston Trojans
    The 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 Roesslers
    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:...

     (1948/49-51/52, as Bridgeport Newfield Steelers in 1948/49; as Bridgeport Aer-A-Sols in 1949/50)
  • Bronx Americans
    Bronx Americans
    The 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 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....

     (1940/41, as Troy Haymakers in 1938/39; as Troy Celtics
    Troy 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 Colonials
    Kingston Colonials
    The 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 Indians
    Brooklyn Indians
    The 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 Indians
    Camden Indians
    The 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 Gothams
    Brooklyn Gothams
    The 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 Indians
    Westchester Indians
    The 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 Gothams
    New 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 Aces
    Carbondale Aces
    The 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 Colonels
    Elmira Colonels
    The 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-Saratoga
    Glens Falls-Saratoga
    Glens 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 Yankees
    Saratoga Harlem Yankees
    Glens 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 Yankees
    Saratoga Harlem Yankees
    Glens 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 Senators
    Harrisburg 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 Hurricanes
    Hartford Hurricanes
    The 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 Braves
    Elizabeth Braves
    The 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 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:...

     (1933/34-39/40, as Union City Reds
    Union City Reds
    The 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 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...

     in January, 1940)
  • Kingston Colonials
    Kingston Colonials
    The 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 Celtics
    Troy 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 Roses
    Lancaster Roses
    The 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-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:...

     (1951/52-52/53)
  • Middletown Guards
    Middletown Guards
    The 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 Mules
    New Britain Mules
    The 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 Thourots
    Hoboken Thourots
    The 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 Brewers
    Camden Brewers
    The 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 Mules
    Newark 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 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...

     (1933/34-42/43, as Brooklyn Jewels
    Brooklyn Jewels
    The 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 Jewels
    Brooklyn Jewels
    The 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 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:...

     in January, 1940; dropped out in 1st half of 1941/42)
  • New York Yankees
    New 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 Yankees
    Bronx Yankees
    The 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 Americans
    New 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 Mules
    Newark 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 Mules
    New Britain Mules
    The New Britain Palaces were an American basketball team based in New Britain, Connecticut that was a member of the American Basketball League....

    )
  • Passaic Red Devils
    Passaic Red Devils
    The 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 Panthers
    Paterson Panthers
    The 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 Bengals
    Trenton 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 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...

     (1944/45-50/51, as Washington Capitols in 1944/45; moved to Paterson in January, 1945)
  • Pawtucket Slaters
    Pawtucket 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 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...

     (1933/34-48/49, also known as the Hebrews)
  • Schenectady Packers
    Schenectady Packers
    The 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 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...

     (1946/47-52/53, as Jersey City Atoms in 1946/47-47/48; moved to Scranton in January, 1948)
  • 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:...

     (1933/34)
  • 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...

     (1941/42-49/50)
  • Troy Celtics
    Troy 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 Pros
    Utica Pros
    The 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 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...

     (1938/39-41/42, as Washington Heurichs in 1938/39, as Washington Heurich Brewers in 1939-40)
  • Washington Capitols
    Washington Capitols
    The 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 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...

     (1938/39-39/40, dropped out in February, 1940)
  • 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...

     (1947/48-52/53)
  • 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:...

     (1941/42)
  • 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:...

     (1943/44-46/47)
  • Yonkers Chiefs
    Yonkers Chiefs
    The 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.
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