What happened: NBA Properties applied June 23 for two “ABA Challenge Series” marks, both listed as live and pending. One application
Why it matters: The filing comes 50 years after the New York Nets won the ABA’s final championship and as Brooklyn prepares its 60th-season celebration. A shared series could provide a common banner for programming around the NBA’s surviving ABA franchises.
By the numbers: Four current NBA franchises originated in the ABA: Brooklyn, Denver, Indiana and San Antonio. The applications span trademark Classes 25 and 41.
What to watch: Brooklyn plans a Julius Erving bobblehead giveaway for ABA Night. League scheduling or event details will determine whether the mark extends beyond the franchise’s celebration.