 |
|
|
The USBL at a glance.
Since its inaugural season in 1985, the USBL
has become known as the "League of Opportunity," launching the careers
of almost 150 NBA players. The USBL currently has 11 teams in two
divisions - the South and Midwest - with three new teams beginning
play during the 2002 season in addition to the Brevard Blue Ducks:
the St. Joseph Express, the St. Louis SkyHawks and the Adirondack
Wildcats
The USBL's season runs from late April through late
June, allowing players to finish their collegiate careers and attend
NBA rookie and free agent camps. The USBL also attracts pro athletes
from other leagues looking to play basketball during the summer
season. Minnesota Vikings Pro Bowl receiver Randy Moss of the NFL
played with the USBL Champion Pennsylvania Valley Dawgs during the
2001 season.
|
|
In 1996 the USBL become the first publicly traded sports
league, allowing fans to participate in League ownership. Team owners
past and present include familiar names in business, professional basketball
and entertainment. One of the league's newest owners is "Cedric the
Entertainer" (The Steve Harvey Show), part owner of the USBL's expansion
team in St. Louis. Other notable owners past and present include Roy Jones
Jr., the light heavyweight boxing champion of the world, former NBA pro
Artis Gilmore, and Computer Associates founder Charles Wang, owner of
the Long Island Surf.
USBL Talent in the NBA
Throughout its 16-year history, the USBL has earned
a reputation as a proving ground for future NBA stars. Past NBA all-stars
Mugsy Bogues, Manute Bol, Mario Elie and Spud Webb all got their start
with USBL teams. This season, the USBL can boast 27 former players on
NBA rosters, including stars Darrell Armstrong of the Orlando Magic, Milwaukee's
Anthony Mason and Charlie Ward of the New York Knicks.
USBL Commissioner
Daniel T. Meisenheimer, III founded the United States
Basketball League in December, 1984. At the time he founded the USBL,
Meisenheimer was the youngest Commissioner of any professional sports
league in history at age 33. Today, the USBL has over 1 million fans nationwide,
with attendance growing every year.
Over the past thirteen years, Meisenheimer has guided the
USBL through its early growth and has established new objectives for the
League. In 1996, Meisenheimer helped the USBL become the first publicly
traded sports league, allowing fans to participate in league ownership.
Other ambitious plans call for measured growth with expansion franchises
and consistent upgrading of every USBL franchise as they all become profitable
and appreciate over the next few years. As a spokesman for the League,
he has appeared on major television networks and has been featured in
numerous prominent publications.
Before founding the United States Basketball League, Meisenheimer
founded Meisenheimer Capital, the parent company of the USBL. The parent
company was brought public through an initial offering of public stock
in the fall of 1984. Meisenheimer Capital is a venture capital company
with interests in three different entities. Meisenheimer has served as
President and Chairman of the Board since the company was founded.
Home
| Tickets | Team
Store | Contact Us
©2001 Brevard County Sports Management
Group. All rights reserved. No portion of this site may be duplicated
or redistributed without express permission.
|
|
 |
 |