MISSION STATEMENT
For over three decades we have witnessed the habitual failure of minor league basketball in America. Each fledgling league, full of empty promises and business models that simply could never achieve longevity. As a result, “Market Reservation Fees”, uncontrolled expansion and abhorrent executive leadership have eroded the minor league basketball system in America today.
By providing certified referees, uniforms and a carefully coordinated regional inter-conference schedule, participating teams will enjoy a substantial decrease in operating costs currently realized by teams in other minor basketball leagues. “playing a road game eight hours from your home base and incurring the costs associated with lodging, food, gas and ground transportation is a recipe for certain economic disaster” says ABL CEO Steven A. Haney “our business model would reduce operating costs of current organizations upwards of 50% a season, making otherwise bankrupt teams operationally successful and profitable. At the end of the season, we will have divisional playoffs where teams from around the country can compete with one another without bearing the risk of bankruptcy”.
In addition to each team playing a regionally structured guaranteed schedule, an ABL Final Four will be held at the conclusion of the regular season in Fort Lauderdale, Florida with a “winner take all” $10,000 purse for the inaugural league Champion. “To see two ABL teams playing a single " winner take all" game would add to the excitement of the league” says league representative Marlon Minifee “no other league in minor league basketball has ever offered such an opportunity to its member teams and players”.
As well as offering mentorship and guidance to its member franchises, the ABL will engage in profit sharing, a business model unprecedented in the history of minor league basketball. “If you pay a one time Market Reservation Fee to the league, quite obviously the league’s only way of making money is to hope you fail, so they can receive another Market Reservation Fee from the next expansion team” says Haney “We want long-term business partners whose doors stay open, not close at the end of the season. Ultimately, the model of slow and steady growth, with experienced veteran leadership, will allow owners to realize profits and be a part of basketball history”.
