Soul Power Docuseries Celebrates ABA's Lasting Impact on NBA

New Prime series explores how the rebellious ABA league revolutionized professional basketball

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A new docuseries titled "Soul Power: The Legend of the American Basketball Association" is set to debut on Prime on February 12, 2026. The series examines the broader impact the ABA had on the present-day NBA, particularly on style of play and entertainment value. The ABA was responsible for innovations like the 3-point shot and slam dunk contest, and featured legendary players like Julius "Dr. J" Erving who became the face of the league.

Why it matters

The ABA hit at a pivotal moment when black popular culture was making significant inroads, and the league's improvisational, rebellious style of play resonated with the sensibilities of Urban America. The docuseries aims to preserve the legacy of the ABA, which served as a spark that lit the fuse for the modern NBA.

The details

The ABA ran from 1967 to 1976 before merging with the NBA. It featured notable teams like the New York Nets, Kentucky Colonels, Spirits of St. Louis, and Virginia Squires, and produced greats such as George "Ice Man" Gervin, Spencer Haywood, David Thompson, Rick Barry, and Artis Gilmore. Julius Erving, known as "Dr. J", became the face of the league with his trademark dunks, Afro, and nickname.

  • The ABA existed from 1967 to 1976.
  • The "Soul Power" docuseries is set to debut on Prime on February 12, 2026.

The players

Julius Erving

Also known as "Dr. J", he was the definitive star of the ABA and became legendary for his dunks, Afro, and nickname.

Nelson George

A writer and producer who provided historical context about the ABA's impact in an exclusive interview with ClutchPoints.

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What they’re saying

“Julius Erving was the definitive star of the ABA. With his trademark dunks, huge Afro, and great nickname, Dr. J was a legend before he stepped on an NBA court. He made the slam dunk a work of art.”

— Nelson George, Writer/Producer (ClutchPoints)

“Watch clips of the games and check out Artis Gilmore, Rick Barry, David Thompson, and the style they played with. The ABA also had fun jerseys worth collecting. I keep an ABA ball autographed by the great David 'Skywalker' Thompson on my desk for inspiration.”

— Nelson George, Writer/Producer (ClutchPoints)

What’s next

The "Soul Power: The Legend of the American Basketball Association" docuseries is set to debut on Prime on February 12, 2026.

The takeaway

The ABA's rebellious style of play, innovative rules, and legendary players like Julius Erving helped revolutionize the game of basketball and paved the way for the modern NBA. This new docuseries aims to preserve the legacy of a league that left an indelible mark on the sport.