The AFL and ABA Leagues Live On Through Their Legacies

The defunct professional sports leagues have left lasting impacts decades after their demise.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The American Football League (AFL) and American Basketball Association (ABA) were two professional sports leagues that ceased operations decades ago, but their legacies continue to be felt today. The AFL played its final game in 1970, while the ABA folded in 1976. Though the leagues are long gone, their influence can still be seen in the sports world, with former players like Moses Malone and Charlie Joiner representing the last links to those bygone eras.

Why it matters

The AFL and ABA were innovative leagues that helped shape the modern landscape of professional sports in the United States. Their impact can be seen in rules changes, team relocations, and the integration of new talent that eventually made its way to the established major leagues. Even though these leagues no longer exist, their historical significance continues to be recognized and celebrated by sports fans.

The details

The AFL played its final championship game on January 4, 1970, with the Kansas City Chiefs defeating the Oakland Raiders 17-7. The ABA held its last Finals series in 1976, with the New York Nets defeating the Denver Nuggets 112-106 in Game 6. When Moses Malone retired in 1996, he was the last player to have ever played in the ABA, nearly 30 years after the league folded. Charlie Joiner, who played his final down for the San Diego Chargers in 1986, was the AFL's equivalent, with 40 years having passed since the league's demise.

  • The AFL played its final championship game on January 4, 1970.
  • The ABA held its last Finals series in 1976, with the final game played on May 13, 1976.
  • Moses Malone, the last ABA player, retired in 1996.
  • Charlie Joiner, the last AFL player, retired in 1986.

The players

Moses Malone

A former professional basketball player who was the last to have played in the ABA, retiring in 1996.

Charlie Joiner

A former professional football player who was the last to have played in the AFL, retiring in 1986.

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The takeaway

The AFL and ABA may be long gone, but their legacies continue to shape the world of professional sports. The innovative approaches and talent that emerged from these leagues have had a lasting impact, with their former players representing the final links to these bygone eras.