United States Basketball League

"USBL" redirects here. For other uses, see USBL (disambiguation).
United States Basketball League (USBL)

Logo USBL
Sport Basketball
Founded 1985
Ceased 2008
Motto "The League of Opportunity"
Country USA
Continent FIBA Americas (Americas)
Last
champion(s)		 Kansas Cagerz (1st title)
Most titles Atlantic City Seagulls
Dodge City Legend
Miami Tropics (3 titles each)
Official website www.USBL.com

The United States Basketball League (OTCQB: USBL), often abbreviated to the USBL, was a professional men's spring basketball league. The league was formed in 1985.

History

The USBL started in 1985 as one of the first basketball leagues to play a late-spring to early-summer schedule. The league quickly became known as a development league for players, with many players moving up to the NBA and many more playing in Europe after stints here. In 1996, the league made a stock offering, a rarity among sports leagues. However, in later years, the league declined as rival leagues appeared and USBL had a tougher time replacing teams that folded. In the last two seasons, the league was mainly a midwestern league, with teams mainly in Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma.

After speculation that the USBL might fold after the 2007 season,[1] the league announced that it would sit out the 2008 season and consider its options for the future.[2] In January 2010, the league expressed hopes to resume play in April 2010.[3] However, no further news has surfaced from the league.

The final champions are the Kansas Cagerz, who won the title game on July 1, 2007.

Locations of final USBL teams and divisions

Complete team list

  • Albany Patroons (2006–07)
  • Atlanta Trojans (1991–99, as Atlanta Eagles in 1991–93)
  • Atlantic City Seagulls (1996–2001)
  • Brevard Blue Ducks (1988, 1990–2004, as Jacksonville Hooters in 1988, 1990–92; as Daytona Beach Hooters in 1993; as Jacksonville Hooters in 1994; as Jacksonville Shooters in 1995; as Jacksonville Barracudas in 1996–98; as Gulf Coast SunDogs in 1999–2000; as Lakeland Blue Ducks in 2001; back to being the Brevard Blue Ducks in 2002–2004)
  • Brooklyn Kings (1999–2007)
  • Camden Power (1997–98, as Philadelphia Power in 1997)
  • Carolina Cardinals (1996)
  • Cedar Rapids River Raiders (2004)
  • Connecticut Skyhawks (1985, 1988, 1990–2001, as Connecticut Colonels in 1985; as New Haven Skyhawks in 1988, 1990–92)
  • Delaware Stars (2007)
  • Dodge City Legend (2000–2007)
  • Empire State Stallions (1991)
  • Florida Sea Dragons (2000–02, as Tampa Bay Windjammers in 1996–99)
  • Florida Sharks (1995–97)
  • Florence Flyers
  • Gary Steelheads (2007)
  • Jackson Jackals (1995)
  • Jackson Wildcats (2007), as Adirondack Wildcats (2002–04)
  • Jersey Shore Bucs (1988)
  • Jersey Turnpikes (1995)
  • Kansas Cagerz (1998–2007, as Columbus Cagerz in 1998)
  • Long Island Surf (1985, 1987–88, 1991–2001, as Long Island Knights in 1985, 1987–88)
  • Maryland Mustangs (2001)
  • Memphis Fire (1994–95)
  • Miami Tropics (1987–88, 1991–1993)
  • Mississippi Coast Gamblers (1994)
  • Nebraska Cranes (2005–2006)

USBL Champions

Notable past players

This list is incomplete; you can help by expanding it.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on February 5, 2012. Retrieved February 8, 2016.
  2. ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on February 7, 2012. Retrieved February 8, 2016.
  3. ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on June 6, 2011. Retrieved February 2, 2010.
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