American Basketball Association (1968-1976)
National Basketball Association (1976-1977)
Born: July 15, 19681First It Was Mets, Now It’s The Nets, AP via The Herald Journal, Jul.16, 1968
Relocated: July 26, 1977 – The New York Nets receive permission to relocate to New Jersey2Nets Receive Permission to Move to New Jersey, AP via The Argus Press, Jul. 27, 1977
Arenas
Arenas:
Commack Arena
Opened: October 20, 19593Knicks Open Arena, The New York Times, Sep. 24, 1959
Closed: July 31, 19964Remembering Long Island Arena, New York Newsday, Jul. 31, 2021
Island Garden, West Hempstead, New York
Opened: 1958
Demolished: 19745At Island Garden, New Life for Old Arena, The New York Times, Nov. 8, 1998
Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum
Opened: February 11, 19726Nets Win New Home Debut 129-121, AP via The Evening News, Feb. 12, 1972
Marketing
Team Colors:
1978-1997 Blue, White, and Red
1997-2012 Navy, Red, Dark Silver, Silver, White
Ownership
Owners:
- 1968-1969: Arthur J. Brown
- 1968-1977: Roy Boe, et al. (remained owner after relocation)
ABA Championships: 2 (1973-74, 1975-76)
NBA Championships: None
Background
New York was to be the home of one of the first eleven teams to play in the American Basketball Association (ABA) in 1967, the year that league debuted. However, the franchise, awarded to trucking magnate Arthur J. Brown, had trouble finding a home in the Big Apple.
Our Favorite Gear
new york ABA Jersey
When it comes to T-Shirts and replica jerseys, we turn to our friends at Royal Retros, who put extraordinary detail into their fully customizable basketball apparel, including those for New York’s ABA team. Jerseys feature:
Free Customization Included
Each jersey individually handmade
Any name and number
Sewn tackle twill crest, numbers & letters
100% polyester
Heavyweight fabric made to game standards
Remember New York’s days in the wild and crazy ABA in New York apparel from Royal Retros. Multiple styles and colors available.
Before the start of the season, the team moved across the Hudson River to Teaneck, NJ and were known as the New Jersey Americans. After one season, they moved to Long Island and became the New York Nets. They eventually moved back to New Jersey, before relocating to Brooklyn. [READ MORE about the Nets entire history]
Links
National Basketball Association Media Guides
National Basketball Association Programs
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