Which league existed as a rival to the NBA between 1967 and 1976 and later merged with it?

Which league existed as a rival to the NBA between 1967 and 1976 and later merged with it?

• A. Continental Basketball Association
• B. American Basketball Association (ABA)
• C. World Basketball League
• D. Western Basketball Association

Answer: (B)

This question tests knowledge of a standout rival league to the NBA and how mergers shaped pro basketball history. The American Basketball Association emerged in 1967 to compete directly with the NBA, bringing a different style of play, a three-point line, and a distinctive marketing approach that drew talent and fans. In 1976, the ABA merged with the NBA, and four of its teams—Denver, Indiana, New York, and San Antonio—joined the NBA, effectively ending the ABA as a separate league while expanding the NBA’s footprint and history. The other options did not meet both parts of the clue: they either operated in different eras or did not merge with the NBA.

This question tests knowledge of a standout rival league to the NBA and how mergers shaped pro basketball history. The American Basketball Association emerged in 1967 to compete directly with the NBA, bringing a different style of play, a three-point line, and a distinctive marketing approach that drew talent and fans. In 1976, the ABA merged with the NBA, and four of its teams—Denver, Indiana, New York, and San Antonio—joined the NBA, effectively ending the ABA as a separate league while expanding the NBA’s footprint and history. The other options did not meet both parts of the clue: they either operated in different eras or did not merge with the NBA.