The American Basketball Association (ABA) was a professional basketball league that operated from 1967 to 1976. It was known for its colorful teams, high-scoring games, and innovative rules, such as the three-point line. The league aimed to compete with the more established National Basketball Association (NBA) and attracted many talented players. In 1976, the ABA merged with the NBA, leading to the incorporation of four ABA teams into the NBA: the San Antonio Spurs, New Jersey Nets, Denver Nuggets, and Indiana Pacers. The merger helped to elevate the popularity of professional basketball in the United States.