ABA League: 2016/2017 clubs and schedule
The Adriatic ABA League was disowned by FIBA last year but still put on an excellent 2015/2016 season. After a meeting, the ABA League has concluded on a number of changes and decisions that will move the competition forward through the 2016/2017 campaign.
During the session held on July 14th in the Maestral Hotel in Przno-Budva, the ABA says that it has “strengthened its position as a powerful brand and driving force or development of basketball in the (Adriatic) Region.”
The meeting also afforded the organization the chance to detail the new teams that will compete in the competition through next season. 14 clubs were announced to participate in the competition through 2016/2017, Helios Suns, Krka, Cedevita, Cibona, Zadar, Igokea, Crvena zvezda MTS, Partizan NIS, Mega Leks, Budućnost VOLI and MZT Skopje Aerodrom. Union Olimpija has received a wildcard and the other two positions are filled by Mornar and FMP.
2015/2016 proved to be a successful year for the Adriatic League. The organization says attendances rose, as did the number of visits to the official ABA page and social media output. Clubs will continue to be protected by the league as the ABA fights for clubs to have the freedom of choice to play in the competition.
The schedule for the 2016/2016 ABA League will see the competition get underway on October 1st, 2016. The Regular Season will run until March 11th, 2017 and Playoffs will start on March 18th, 2017. The season finale will conclude on April 15th, 2017 when the 2017 ABA champion is named.