This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/6/2022
Things were contentious from the beginning with the upstart ABA, founded in 1967, and the more established NBA. However, by the preseason of 1971 the rival leagues had somehow agreed to play some exhibition games against each other.
The very first of these games involved the reigning NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks against the ABA's Dallas Chaparrals, and was played in Dallas, TX on September 21, 1971.
Presented here is the program from that historic "first NBA vs. ABA" game, with our consignor, Chaps star forward John Beasley, on the cover. Beasley has signed the colorful program, featuring him in action with the classic red, white and blue ball.
Here's your chance to own an important, original collectible from a key event in pro basketball history 50 years ago. An eventual merger of the leagues was still years away, but this was an early step in getting the leagues together.