Continental Basketball Association (1969–1974)

The Continental Basketball Association (CBA) from 1969 to 1974 was an American professional basketball league, representing an early iteration of what would eventually become a more established and longer-lasting league under the same name. This initial CBA operated with varying degrees of success, providing a platform for players seeking to develop their skills and gain exposure. It served as a minor league of sorts, offering an alternative route to the National Basketball Association (NBA) for some athletes. The league's teams were typically located in smaller cities and towns, aiming to provide affordable and accessible basketball entertainment to those communities. Financial instability and organizational challenges contributed to its relatively short lifespan in its initial form. The teams and structure varied from season to season. While ultimately unsuccessful in the long-term, this early CBA laid some groundwork for the future evolution of professional minor league basketball in the United States.