American Basketball League 1996-98
The American Basketball League of 1996 was an attempt to establish an independent professional basketball league for women in the United States. At the same time the ABL was being formed, the National Basketball Association was creating the Women's National Basketball Association. The ABL got off the ground first, but was unable to compete against the WNBA, which was backed by the NBA. The ABL lasted two full seasons; 1996-97 and 1997-98. The Atlanta Glory and Long Beach folded prior to the start of the 1998-99 season. The ABL disbanded on December 22, 1998 with most teams having played about 12 games of the 1998-99 season.
ABL teams 1996-98 - Atlanta Glory
- Chicago Condors 1998
- Colorado Xplosion
- Columbus Quest
- Long Beach StingRays (expansion team in 1997-98)
- Nashville Noise 1998
- New England Blizzard
- Philadelphia Rage 1997-98
- Portland Power
- Richmond Rage 1996-97
- San Jose Lasers
- Seattle Reign
ABL Championship Best of Five Games Series - 1996-97 Columbus Quest 3-2 Richmond Rage
- 1997-98 Columbus Quest 3-2 Long Beach StingRays
Notable ABL players - Jennifer Azzi
- Debbie Black
- Teresa Edwards
- Tonya Edwards
- Nikki McCray
- Sheri Sam
- Katie Smith
- Charlotte Smith-Taylor
- Dawn Staley
- Kate Starbird
- Shanele Stires
- Natalie Williams
See also - Women's Pro Basketball League
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