New Docuseries 'Soul Power' Celebrates the Legacy of the ABA

Executive produced by Julius Erving, the series explores the innovations and impact of the long-defunct basketball league.

Feb. 11, 2026 at 4:31am

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A new four-part docuseries called 'Soul Power' premiering on Amazon Prime Video tells the story of the American Basketball Association (ABA), the upstart league that helped launch the career of basketball legend Julius 'Dr. J' Erving. The series, executive produced by Erving, goes beyond the typical tales of the ABA's wacky antics and focuses on the league's innovations, talent, and lasting influence on the modern NBA game.

Why it matters

The ABA is often relegated to footnote status, but the series aims to highlight the league's significant contributions to basketball, including the introduction of the slam dunk contest, the three-point shot, and a more racially integrated and fast-paced style of play that presaged the modern NBA. By centering the perspectives of ABA players, the docuseries seeks to correct the perception that the league was merely a collection of 'clowns' and showcase how its legacy lives on in today's game.

The details

Directed by Kenan Kamwana Holley, 'Soul Power' features interviews with young NBA stars like Tyrese Haliburton and RJ Barrett, who all cite Julius Erving as a key inspiration. The series goes beyond Erving's highlights to explore the ABA's business battle to merge with the established NBA, as well as the players' fight for respect and fair pay. Holley found that ABA teams often beat their NBA counterparts in exhibition games, challenging the perception of the league as an inferior product.

  • The four-part 'Soul Power' docuseries premieres on Amazon Prime Video on Thursday, February 11, 2026.

The players

Julius Erving

Also known as 'Dr. J', Erving was a three-time MVP in the ABA and is considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He is an executive producer on the 'Soul Power' docuseries.

Kenan Kamwana Holley

The director of the 'Soul Power' docuseries, who sought to shift the narrative around the ABA beyond just the league's wacky anecdotes.

Tyrese Haliburton

A young NBA player who was interviewed for the docuseries and cited Julius Erving as a key inspiration.

RJ Barrett

Another young NBA player who was interviewed for the docuseries and also spoke about the influence of Julius Erving.

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What they’re saying

“We knew in our hearts we were as good as the N.B.A. teams. It's big to share that with the public. And the negotiations that went on between A.B.A. and N.B.A. in terms of the merger is one of the key things in basketball history that was forgotten about.”

— Julius Erving

“The players who we interviewed all felt like they've been depicted like clowns' in earlier accounts, and no one really knows what they contributed to basketball history.”

— Kenan Kamwana Holley, Director, 'Soul Power'

What’s next

The 'Soul Power' docuseries will continue to generate discussion and interest in the legacy of the ABA, potentially leading to increased recognition and appreciation for the league's pioneering role in the evolution of professional basketball.

The takeaway

The 'Soul Power' docuseries provides a fresh and overdue perspective on the American Basketball Association, highlighting its significant contributions to the sport and challenging the long-held perception of the league as a mere sideshow. By centering the voices and experiences of ABA players, the series aims to cement the league's rightful place in basketball history.