3 Forgotten Facts About The ABA and Their New Converse Collab

You might be familiar with the NBA, aka the National Basketball Association, but how familiar are you with the ABA, aka the American Basketball Association? Let’s look at 3 facts about the ABA that will help you appreciate the perfect pairing of this week’s Converse collaborative release. Although it might be seen as a long-lost cousin of the global brand that is the NBA, we actually wouldn’t even have the NBA if it weren’t for the ABA. As Rohit pointed out on the latest episode of the Sneaker History Podcast, the ABA was the swagged out, basketball league. When you think of NBA basketball back in the day, think of mundane chest passes of perfect form with little-to-no style. While the ABA featured players like Dr. J flying above defenders on his way to a picturesque slam dunk.

The 3-point shot was first implemented by the ABA.

The red, white, and blue “money ball” is the same design as the original ABA basketball.

The Slam Dunk Contest was invented by the ABA.

Thank you, Dr. J.

The NBA’s Brooklyn Nets, Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, and San Antonio Spurs, all began as ABA teams.

Converse collaborating with the ABA is quite possibly the most authentic partnership we’ve seen in sneakers this year. Being an early sponsor of the legendary Dr, J, it’s almost automatic to think about Converse and the ABA in the same breath.

If old school is your vibe, the Converse Chuck 70 is the best option from this trio. It features the iconic red and blue accents on white, with team logos from some of the ABA’s most storied franchises. If you’re looking for a hoop shoe, the ABA x Converse All Star BB EVO comes in a two-tone red and blue low top version, and the Converse G4 has a classic color blocking that looks to be prepped for the second coming of Dr. J himself.

Scroll down for detailed photos, hear us discuss these releases on the latest podcast below, and when. you’re ready to cop, head to Converse.com to grab your favorite pairs.

More about this release from Converse:

Formed in 1967, the ABA (American Basketball Association) made its presence known in the world of professional hoops. With the introduction of the three-point line, a flashier style of play, and a patriotic-colored basketball, the league served as the perfect canvas for the expressive game of the high-flying Julius “Dr.” Erving.

At the ABA All-Star Game on January 27, 1976 – the final season before the ABA merged into the National Basketball Association – the league also pioneered the Slam Dunk contest. Erving, who would go on to win MVP that year (his third with the league) took off from the foul line to famously win the inaugural competition. Leading into the 45th anniversary of the NBA x ABA merger, Converse is releasing a new ABA capsule that aims to channel the soulful energy of its final plays and their lasting impact on the game today.

The All Star BB Evo, G4 and Chuck 70 all receive Enamel Red, White and Rush Blue color treatments – celebrating the league that defied convention.

Constructed for players with a fast-paced playing style, the All Star BB Evo welcomes an asymmetrical theme inspired by the league’s color concept, notably featured on its. The textile and synthetic upper features Enamel Red and Rush Blue split between each side with a dash of gold added to the signature Converse Star Chevron logo. Moving towards the outsole, the ABA logo appears on the forefoot as well as underneath – visible via the BB Evo’s transparent outsole.

The Converse G4 – tailored for players with an explosive game – continues the asymmetrical take on the performance models. Its high-cut iteration shares a white base with alternating Enamel Red and Rush Blue detailing across the left and right shoe.

The trio is completed by the Chuck 70, which is built off an original 1970’s design, celebrating a time when the sneaker had evolved to become the pinnacle of function and utility for basketball. Resting atop iconic Chuck Taylor detailing – inclusive of a rubber foxing tape and rubber toecap – the upper adds a repeat print graphic as a tribute to the ABA’s storied franchises through their logos.

The Converse ABA capsule will be available beginning November 12 at Converse.com and select global retailers with prices ranging from $85 to $120.