The Birth of the National Basketball Association: The Commodore Hotel Meeting in 1946
Photo Credit: John Lent/AP
The National Basketball Association is undoubtedly one of the most prestigious and popular professional sports leagues in the world. It has a rich history that traces back to a pivotal moment in 1946 when a group of basketball enthusiasts gathered at the Commodore Hotel in New York City. This meeting happened exactly 77 years ago today.
Setting the Stage:
In the aftermath of World War II, basketball was gaining traction as a beloved sport across the United States. Several professional basketball leagues existed at the time, such as the Basketball Association of America (BAA) and the National Basketball League (NBL). Recognizing the potential for a unified league, a meeting was convened at the Commodore Hotel on June 6, 1946.
The Commodore Hotel Meeting:
Representatives from eleven basketball teams, namely the Boston Celtics, Cleveland Rebels, New York Knicks, Chicago Stags, Philadelphia Warriors, Providence Steamrollers, Pittsburgh Ironmen, St. Louis Bombers, Toronto Huskies, Washington Capitols, and Detroit Falcons, gathered to discuss the formation of a centralized league. At the forefront of this discussion were Maurice Podoloff, the president of the BAA, and Walter Brown, the owner of the Boston Celtics.
The Birth of the NBA:
After intense negotiations and deliberations, the decision was made to merge the BAA and the NBL, forming the National Basketball Association. On August 3, 1949, the NBA was officially recognized as the premier professional basketball league in the United States. Maurice Podoloff was elected as the first NBA commissioner, and the league began its inaugural season with 17 teams.
Significance and Impact:
The Commodore Hotel meeting marked a turning point in the history of professional basketball, as it laid the groundwork for a unified league that would shape the sport for generations to come. The formation of the NBA not only brought stability and structure to the game but also paved the way for increased professionalism and global recognition.
