Goodbye, ABL: League bites the hardwoods
Editor's note: The American Basketball League, an all-women's league with local roots here in Los Altos, disbanded Dec. 23, less than two months into its third season. Jean Hollands, a huge supporter and participant in the league, shares her thoughts about the league's demise.
The American Basketball League was founded by three local folks: former Olympian, Anne Cribbs; and Los Altos residents Gary Cavalli and Steve Hams. I was privileged to be in the early planning meetings, held in my Mountain View office for nearly a year. Eventually the headquarters moved to Los Altos and finally to Palo Alto.
I had a close relationship with the officers, players and front office people in four of the league teams: Colorado, Portland Atlanta and San Jose. It was my distinct pleasure to do some team-building and support work for players and coaches, the front office programs that tried to adjust to start-up mentality and all the financial and social adjustments of a new product, and new job descriptions.
Like most start-ups, there was not enough capital for the noble cause. But there was plenty of enthusiasm. Jennifer Azzi led the way. Five-time Olympian Teresa Edwards became the co-charter player. We even had Jackie Joyner Kersee one year on a team. The league had great goals: college grads only, players who could play in front of home town fans, no celebrity player who could earn 10 times more than other players, and players to become shareholders. A big goal, and one that this and other communities benefited from, was that the players were hired for the whole year and would work in the communities during off season.
The San Jose Lasers, our local team, ended in a tie for first place in the western division, made up of Seattle, Denver and Portland. The eastern division had five more teams. The WNBA started a league in the second year of this program, urging TV rights and sponsorships to avoid the smaller league. The uphill battle for attention and tickets got steeper. The games, however, got more intense. The third-season players were scrappier, more physical and more defensive. Angela Beck, coach of the Lasers, was very impressed with her team this year.
Two days before Chnstmas, the players and coaches received the fatal call. So did I. The hottest little start-up, the San Jose Lasers, had lost the big game - the financial one.
The goodbye party for the team was full of pathos and pain. The 500 fans greeted the team with a 10-minute ovation. Even the normally cool Azzi and normally resilient coach Beck were moved and speechless. The Women's Center in San Jose throbbed with the end of an era and a dream.
Azzi, eventually regaining her voice, pronounced that she would not give up the possibility of a surprise purchase. The founder, Anne Cribbs, claimed that $10 million from a dedicated investor could save the season. Investor Joe Lacob had done his part. He had been man-of-the-hour and was the league's MVP. But more help was needed. The deadline for this extra investment is Jan. 15. What a bargain for a league in place and players who will dominate the world in basketball.
Each player gave a farewell speech. Many believed they would have to play overseas again. Some believed their basketball careers were over. All were grateful for the opportunity and responded that they would do the same thing all over again.
They proclaimed that a risk that has virtue is often worth the price paid. I am grateful for the coaches and players who shared my home as they came to town, for the uniforms washed in my basement, and for the opportunity to grow and know some superior women. The price was right. Now I hope the $10 million price will appeal to someone.
Jean A. Hollands, CEO, Growth & Leadership Center, author, "Silicon Syndrome: How to Survive a High-Tech Relationship," "Optimistic Organizations" and "Red Ink Behavior: Measure the High Cost of Problem Employees," was voted Business Woman of the Year in 1986 and 1996. Write to GLC, 1451 Grant Road, Mountain View, 94040.