Get ready to have your mind blown: the American Basketball Association (ABA) wasn’t just a league—it was a revolution. Bold, brash, and unapologetically ahead of its time, the ABA challenged the NBA’s dominance and left an indelible mark on basketball culture. But here’s where it gets controversial: while the NBA was the establishment, the ABA was the rebel with a cause, pushing boundaries with style, innovation, and a roster of players who defied the odds. Now, Soul Power: The Legend of the American Basketball Association on Prime Video is here to tell its story—and trust me, it’s a wild ride.
This four-part docu-series, directed by Kenan Kamwana Holley, isn’t just a nostalgia trip; it’s a deep dive into a league that dared to be different. Holley assembled a team of young creatives who knew nothing about the ABA, and that’s exactly why it works. Their fresh perspective brings the league’s energy to life, making it feel as vibrant and relevant today as it did 50 years ago. And this is the part most people miss: the ABA wasn’t just a stepping stone to the NBA—it was a cultural phenomenon in its own right.
Remember Julius “Doctor J” Erving? Or Connie “The Hawk” Hawkins? These legends got their start in the ABA, alongside trailblazers like Spencer Haywood and George Karl. But the league wasn’t just about star power. It introduced the world to the slam dunk contest and the three-point shot—innovations the NBA eventually adopted. And let’s not forget the afros. Yes, the afros. Bob Costas, who cut his teeth broadcasting for the Spirits of St. Louis, points out that the ABA embraced Black culture in a way the NBA didn’t. “The ABA was a Blacker league,” he says. “They celebrated individuality, from the afros to the flashy playstyle.”
But the ABA wasn’t without its flaws. Shady owners, mismanagement, and financial struggles plagued the league. Take the botched attempt to sign Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, for example. A $1 million check meant for him was never delivered, leading to the dismissal of NBA Hall of Famer George Mikan. And then there were the constant team relocations—the Brooklyn Nets, for instance, were once the New Jersey Americans, then the New York Nets (based in Long Island), and back again. It was chaos, but it was beautiful chaos.
The ABA also gave us some of the game’s most unforgettable personalities. From the high-flying Hawkins and Erving to the gritty Warren Jabali and John Brisker, these players defined the league’s spirit. And let’s not forget the “little guys” like Mack Calvin and Louie Dampier, who proved size doesn’t matter when you’ve got heart. But here’s the real question: Was the ABA ahead of its time, or just a product of its era?
By the time the ABA merged with the NBA in 1976, it had already changed the game forever. Players like George “Iceman” Gervin, Artis Gilmore, and Moses Malone became household names, and the league’s innovations are still felt today. But as we celebrate its legacy, let’s not forget the controversies—the racist owners, the financial instability, and the constant struggle for legitimacy. Is the ABA’s story one of triumph, or a cautionary tale about what happens when ambition outpaces infrastructure?
One thing’s for sure: Soul Power doesn’t shy away from the messy, complicated truth. It’s a love letter to a league that dared to dream big, even if it couldn’t always sustain those dreams. So, here’s my question to you: Do you think the ABA was a revolutionary force, or just a footnote in basketball history? Let’s debate it in the comments—because one thing’s clear: the ABA’s story is far from over.
