Alberta Basketball announces 50th Anniversary celebrations
Alberta Basketball Association (ABA) announced today a host of initiatives marking its 50th anniversary, celebrating the game’s rich history in the province while establishing legacy projects that ensure this storied past will continue being honoured.
Beginning this weekend with the 2025 ABA Club Invitational in Edmonton, festivities will take place provincewide throughout the summer, highlighted by the 50 Greatest Moments in Alberta Basketball, the ABA 50th Anniversary Gala, and the launch of the Alberta Basketball Hall of Fame.
“Basketball is woven into the fabric of our province,” says Dave Drabiuk, ABA Executive Director. “The 50th anniversary is about honouring those who paved the way, while laying foundations for the future.”
Albertans will have extensive opportunity to not only be part of the celebration, but to help shape it as well. The submission period for the 50 Greatest Moments in Alberta Basketball opens Friday on the ABA website.
“Our game has been uniting people from all walks for generations,” Drabiuk says. “Whether you’ve played, coached, volunteered, or cheered from the stands, this celebration is for you.”
Please see below to learn more about ABA’s 50th anniversary initiatives. Further information and additional activities will be announced in the weeks to come.
2025 ABA Club Invitational
May 30 - June 1, Saville Community Sports Centre and EYBA Centre (Edmonton)
Following a successful inaugural edition last year in Lethbridge, the second ABA Club Invitational will see top girls and boys club basketball teams from across Alberta battle for provincial supremacy. Complete details, including schedules, are available on the ABA Club Invitational website.
50 Greatest Moments in Alberta Basketball
May 30 - June 30 (nomination period)
The 50 Greatest Moments recognizes an occasion or achievement related to the sport of basketball that has either taken place in Alberta, or happened outside the province involving Albertans, between 1975 and 2025. Over the next month, the public can submit nominations via the ABA website at www.abbasketball.ca for a chance to win an ABA 50th Anniversary prize pack. The 50 Greatest Moments in Alberta Basketball will be announced later this summer.
Alberta Basketball Hall of Fame
July 1 - October 31 (nomination period)
The Alberta Basketball Hall of Fame will recognize athletes, builders, coaches, officials and teams for their significant contributions or accomplishments through basketball in the province. Beginning on Canada Day, nominations for the inaugural class of the Alberta Basketball Hall of Fame can be made by visiting the ABA website. The nomination window closes on Oct. 31.
ABA 50th Anniversary Gala
September 6, Edmonton Expo Centre
ABA will mark half a century with an unforgettable evening on the court inside Hall D at the Edmonton Expo Centre, featuring very special guests, ‘fireside chats’, award presentations, a silent auction, and much more. The fully-catered gala includes dinner. Tickets for this once-in-a-lifetime event will go on sale soon.
Beginning this weekend with the 2025 ABA Club Invitational in Edmonton, festivities will take place provincewide throughout the summer, highlighted by the 50 Greatest Moments in Alberta Basketball, the ABA 50th Anniversary Gala, and the launch of the Alberta Basketball Hall of Fame.
“Basketball is woven into the fabric of our province,” says Dave Drabiuk, ABA Executive Director. “The 50th anniversary is about honouring those who paved the way, while laying foundations for the future.”
Albertans will have extensive opportunity to not only be part of the celebration, but to help shape it as well. The submission period for the 50 Greatest Moments in Alberta Basketball opens Friday on the ABA website.
“Our game has been uniting people from all walks for generations,” Drabiuk says. “Whether you’ve played, coached, volunteered, or cheered from the stands, this celebration is for you.”
Please see below to learn more about ABA’s 50th anniversary initiatives. Further information and additional activities will be announced in the weeks to come.
2025 ABA Club Invitational
May 30 - June 1, Saville Community Sports Centre and EYBA Centre (Edmonton)
Following a successful inaugural edition last year in Lethbridge, the second ABA Club Invitational will see top girls and boys club basketball teams from across Alberta battle for provincial supremacy. Complete details, including schedules, are available on the ABA Club Invitational website.
50 Greatest Moments in Alberta Basketball
May 30 - June 30 (nomination period)
The 50 Greatest Moments recognizes an occasion or achievement related to the sport of basketball that has either taken place in Alberta, or happened outside the province involving Albertans, between 1975 and 2025. Over the next month, the public can submit nominations via the ABA website at www.abbasketball.ca for a chance to win an ABA 50th Anniversary prize pack. The 50 Greatest Moments in Alberta Basketball will be announced later this summer.
Alberta Basketball Hall of Fame
July 1 - October 31 (nomination period)
The Alberta Basketball Hall of Fame will recognize athletes, builders, coaches, officials and teams for their significant contributions or accomplishments through basketball in the province. Beginning on Canada Day, nominations for the inaugural class of the Alberta Basketball Hall of Fame can be made by visiting the ABA website. The nomination window closes on Oct. 31.
ABA 50th Anniversary Gala
September 6, Edmonton Expo Centre
ABA will mark half a century with an unforgettable evening on the court inside Hall D at the Edmonton Expo Centre, featuring very special guests, ‘fireside chats’, award presentations, a silent auction, and much more. The fully-catered gala includes dinner. Tickets for this once-in-a-lifetime event will go on sale soon.
ABOUT ABA:
Established in 1975, the Alberta Basketball Association (ABA) is a not-for-profit, provincial sport organization that serves as the provincial governing body for the sport. ABA’s mission is to provide leadership for the development of coaches, athletes, and referees. As the driving force behind the growth and development of basketball in Alberta, ABA plays a vital role in the national landscape as a full member of Canada Basketball. From organizing provincial teams, youth championships, and development programs to hosting 3x3 tournaments and Alberta Summer Games, ABA continues to inspire and unite communities through the love of the game helping players develop essential life skills and habits that enrich their lives far beyond the court.
