I admit, I’m not a big basketball guy. I’m really don’t get excited for the NBA. I’m sure much as to do with the fact that we don’t have an NBA team in Missouri, so my work forces me to focus on other sports. This coming from a guy who lived in Chicago while Michael Jordan was winning his first three of six NBA titles.
When I hear there is a new Champions League being developed featuring former NBA players, my reaction is to yawn. However, if you are a die hard hoops fan…this may be for you. The first exhibition game is going to be played at SLU’s Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis.
Here’s the rundown of the league that will start in the summer of 2016:
16 teams will be made up of players who have mostly played in the NBA during the last three years. Some of the rumored players include former NBA players Al Harrington, Rasheed Wallace and Maurice Ager. Teams in Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, Miami, Orlando, Atlanta and Cleveland are up next, with the goal to employ approximately 250 players in all (170 on teams, others as player-coaches or in other roles). Each team would have two former NBA All-stars on the roster and a Hall of Famer in the front office.
Approximately 30 games will be played in July and August, with 10 charity/marketing events in non-NBA markets during the non-season months also included as part of a player’s compensation package.
The first charity game will take place on Jan. 29 in Saint Louis University’s Chaifetz Arena.