UB Spotlight: ‘Soul Power: The Legend of the American Basketball Association’
Launching Tomorrow on Prime Video.
“Soul Power: The Legend of the American Basketball Association,” is a four-part docuseries about the rise and fall of the American Basketball Association—a league that defined one of America’s most turbulent eras and shaped the NBA as we know it today.
“Soul Power” tells the story of how the ABA helped create the modern day NBA.
Launching Tomorrow February 12th on Prime Video.
Directed by Kenan Kamwana Holley.
Soul Power is the definitive story—and first docuseries—of the American Basketball Association.
The series chronicles the 1967 launch of the enterprising league and explores how a collection of franchises—the majority of which relocated or folded.
Challenged the NBA on and off the court for nine riveting seasons, and examines the lasting impact of the ABA on the sport of basketball, including the introduction of the 3-point shot; the All-Star Game and slam dunk competition.
The addition of former ABA franchises like the Brooklyn Nets, Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, and San Antonio Spurs to the NBA; empowering women to play a more substantial role in the business of sports.
And the rise to fame of superstar players and pro hoops contributors like Julius Erving, Moses Malone, Spencer Haywood, George Gervin, Rick Barry, and George Karl.
This documentary is what Black History is based on, as stated in the doc “the ABA was the first integrated workplace in America.”
The documentary does an excellent job on showcasing the determination, struggle and battles these players endured.
One of the highlights is how the Indiana Pacers brought the city of Indiana together culturally.
Also spotlighted is Jabali Armstrong, who didn’t like white people, and everyone knew it including white people.
Plus Julius Winfield “Dr. J” Erving‘s coming out party is another peak.
Common does an excellent job of narrating the documentary on the sport of Basketball.
2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the ABA’s merger with the NBA.
“The ABA wasn’t just a league—it was a movement,” states ABA superstar and Soul Power executive producer Julius Erving. “It gave players freedom, creativity, and opportunity at a time when none of that was guaranteed. This series tells that story honestly and it educates people that the game we see today exists because of what we started back then.”
Soul Power showcases how a bold, short-lived league permanently reshaped professional basketball, player empowerment, and American sports culture.
Told through the voices of legends, cultural leaders, and historians, the series argues that modern basketball looks the way it does because the ABA existed.
