Soul Power: The Untold Story of the League That Changed Basketball

On February 12th, Prime Video premieres Soul Power, a four-part docuseries that finally gives the American Basketball Association (ABA) the spotlight it deserves. More than a basketball league, the ABA was a cultural movement, one that reshaped the game forever.

And at the center of that story is a symbol as bold and unforgettable as the league itself: the red, white, and blue ABA basketball.

Out of the spotlight for decades, the iconic 1970’s red, white and blue ABA basketball is back, this time with a leading role in Amazon Prime Video’s Soul Power.

The League That Changed Basketball Forever

The ABA emerged in the late 1960s and quickly distinguished itself with fearless creativity, cultural swagger, and innovation. It introduced elements that define today’s NBA game: the three-point shot, a faster pace, high-powered offense, and a new relationship between players, fans, and personal expression.

“From the 3-point shot and high-powered offense, to elevating the slam dunk to an art form, the ABA didn’t just play basketball,” said Hall of Famer Julius “Dr. J” Erving. “It reimagined it.”

At the heart of that reimagination was the ABA basketball itself, vibrant, unapologetic, and instantly recognizable. It became a symbol of innovation on the court and individuality off it.

Soul Power: A Story Finally Told

Soul Power explores the electric intersection of 1970s basketball and culture, chronicling how the ABA challenged convention and permanently altered the sport. The series dives deep into the players, personalities, and moments that defined an era and whose impact still echoes through today’s NBA.

Hall of Famers Julius Erving and George Karl served as Executive Producers of Soul Power, helping ensure the story was told with authenticity, depth, and respect for the players who lived it.

“The ABA had a huge impact on today’s NBA, and I’m proud to have played a big part in that,” said Hall of Famer Rick Barry. “The red, white and blue ABA ball had a certain magic to it, and I’m very happy to see it making a comeback as an NBA-licensed product, exclusively available from Lana Sports.”

Lana Sports and the Official Basketball of Soul Power

Indianapolis based Lana Sports, a family-owned business, owns the rights to the licensed original design ABA basketball. As part of its ongoing commitment to honoring ABA history, Lana Sports proudly served as an Associate Producer of Soul Power.

That partnership elevated the authenticity and soul of the docuseries and led to the Lana Sports Original ABA Basketball being recognized as the “Official Basketball” of Soul Power.

“The red, white and blue ball represents more than nostalgia. It represents innovation, freedom, and the best of basketball’s past, present, and future” said Lana Sports COO Caylor Tarter.

With Soul Power, the original ABA basketball is placed back where it belongs, at the center of the story.

More Than a Product. A Commitment to Legacy

For Lana Sports, preserving the ABA’s legacy goes beyond storytelling. The company actively supports the players and community that built the league by:

Donating ABA basketballs to youth organizations and charities

Supporting former ABA players directly

Donating a portion of ABA basketball sales to the Dropping Dimes Foundation

The Dropping Dimes Foundation worked alongside the NBA to secure a $24.5 million recognition benefit for former ABA players in July 2022, helping right decades of overlooked contributions.

The Spirit Lives On

The ABA’s influence is everywhere in today’s NBA, from long-range shooting and fast-paced offenses to player individuality and cultural impact. Soul Power brings that history to life for a new generation, while honoring those who built it.

With the premiere of Soul Power on February 12th and the Lana Sports Original ABA Basketball leading the way as the Official Basketball of the series, the spirit of the ABA isn’t just remembered, it lives on.