1967 ABA Founding

Lore & Background

The Indiana Pacers were born from the vision of a group of Indianapolis businessmen who saw the ABA as a chance to bring professional basketball to a state already mad for the game. The team's name, chosen by fan contest from over 1,000 submissions, referenced the state's rich history of harness racing—the 'pace' being a horse's gait—and the fast tempo of the sport itself. From the start, the Pacers embraced the ABA's flair, wearing iconic red, white, and blue uniforms that popped like a Fourth of July parade. Their home court was the Indiana State Fairgrounds Coliseum, a barn-like arena that smelled of livestock and sweat, where the crowd's roar could rattle the rafters. Under the guidance of coach Bob 'Slick' Leonard, a former NBA player and Indiana University legend, the Pacers built a dynasty. Leonard preached relentless defense and an up-tempo attack, a style that turned games into track meets. The roster featured legends like Mel Daniels, a bruising center with soft hands who won two ABA MVP awards (1969 and 1971), and Roger Brown, a silky-smooth forward whose story of overcoming a college betting scandal to become a star epitomized the Pacers' grit. Other key players included Freddie Lewis, a clutch guard who hit big shots in the biggest moments, and Bob Netolicky, a versatile forward who could score from anywhere. Together, they won ABA titles in 1970, 1972, and 1973, making the Pacers the league's most decorated team—a three-peat of glory that no other ABA franchise could match. The Pacers' ABA era was marked by intense rivalries, particularly with the Kentucky Colonels and the New York Nets. The 1972 Finals against the Nets, which the Pacers won in six games, was a classic showdown of speed and power. The team's success helped legitimize the ABA, proving it could produce champions worthy of respect, and paved the way for the merger with the NBA in 1976. The Pacers' three championships remain a source of pride, and the legacy of that era—the fast break, the red-white-blue ball, and the roar of the Coliseum—is woven into the fabric of the franchise, a reminder of when Indiana ruled the rebel league.

In Their Own Story

The lights dimmed at the Indiana State Fairgrounds Coliseum on October 13, 1967. The air smelled of popcorn, cigars, and the faint must of hay from the livestock pavilion next door. A crowd of 7,000 had gathered—farmers in flannel, factory workers in denim, and kids clutching pennants—to witness the birth of something new: the Indiana Pacers, taking the court for their first ABA game. The players, in their crisp red and gold jerseys, looked almost nervous as they warmed up under the glow of the arena lights. But when the ball was tossed, the nervous energy turned to fire. Roger Brown drove the lane, his first basket sending a jolt through the stands like a lightning strike. As the final buzzer sounded, the fans rose, their cheers echoing off the rafters and spilling into the cold October night. In that moment, Indiana had its team—and the team had its soul.

Reader's Guide

**The ABA Founding Era (1967–1976)**

This era defined the Indiana Pacers as a championship-caliber franchise and established their identity as a blue-collar, hard-nosed team. The Pacers were one of 11 original ABA teams, and their immediate success—winning three titles in six years—set them apart. The era was characterized by the ABA's innovative rules, including the three-point line and a faster pace, which the Pacers embraced. Coach Slick Leonard's leadership and the play of stars like Mel Daniels and Roger Brown created a winning culture that resonated with Indiana's basketball-loving fans. Why it matters: The ABA founding era is the foundation of the Pacers' legacy. It gave the franchise its first championships, its first legends, and its place in basketball history. The team's success helped ensure the ABA's viability and later facilitated the merger with the NBA. For fans, this era is a source of nostalgia and pride, a reminder that the Pacers were once the kings of a league that dared to be different. The red-white-blue ball, the Coliseum's roar, and the three championship banners are enduring symbols of this golden age.

Did You Know?

• The Pacers' name was chosen from over 1,000 fan submissions, referencing Indiana's history of harness racing and the pace of the game.