Pro Basketball League asks fans to name it

In a move believed to be unprecedented in professional sports, the United States Basketball League announced Feb. 5 the launch of “Name The League,” a nationwide contest that gives fans the opportunity to rename an entire professional basketball league.

While individual franchises have previously held “Name The Team” contests, league officials say this is the first time fans will be empowered to name a professional league itself.

“This is truly unprecedented,” said a league spokesperson. “We want to come up with a name that captures the essence of who we are—community-focused, high-level, entertaining basketball. Who better to help us achieve that than the fans themselves?”

The contest is open to fans across all eight USBL markets—Baltimore Rhythm, Capital Seahawks, Frederick Flying Cows, Jersey Shore Breaks, New York Phoenix, Reading Rebels, San Diego Sharks, and Virginia Valley Vipers—as well as basketball fans nationwide.

Fans may submit name ideas from Feb. 5–19 at www.nametheleague.com or via Instagram
@nametheleague. The league will then select the top eight submissions, one from each team market. Fan voting will run from Feb. 21 through March 4, with the winning name and new league logo unveiled at the season opener on March 6.

The top eight finalists will each receive two season tickets for two years to the team of their choice. The grand prize winner will receive two free tickets for life to any league game in any market.

The rebranding effort is part of a broader initiative to modernize the league’s identity and distinguish it from a previous version of the USBL that operated in the 1990s. The current league is focused on delivering the highest level of professional basketball in the United States outside of the NBA, while providing family-oriented community entertainment.

“The USBL name comes from another era,” said team owner Tayvon Jackson. “What we are building today deserves a brand that matches our vision, our energy, and our future.

Opportunities like this don’t come often. This is about creating something that lives far beyond today.”
Players and coaches across the league have embraced the initiative as a way to deepen fan engagement.

“I played in this league last year, and this is so exciting to me as a player. I can’t wait to see the creativity of our amazing fans be unleashed,” said Dante Greene, former 7-year NBA Player and leader of the expansion Baltimore Rhythm.

Greene’s enthusiasm was echoed by Frederick native Zach Thomas, a former Bucknell and Euroleague standout entering his first season in the league after recently spending time with the coaching staff of the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets.

“I can’t wait to get back on the court, compete against the amazing talent our league has to offer, and engage with our local communities. The family-first orientation of this league is special and unlike anything I have seen in any other league around the world,” Thomas said.

“I’ve been fortunate to be part of championship teams and to coach players who went on to compete at the highest levels, including the NBA,” said Ed Corporal, the longest-tenured and championship-decorated head coach of the Virginia Valley Vipers. “What excites me most is seeing our fans help define a name that will represent the culture we are building with the Vipers and throughout the league.”

Fans are encouraged to submit creative and imaginative ideas inspired by the league’s values, level of play, and coast-to-coast footprint stretching from San Diego to New York.

For more information, visit www.nametheleague.com or email info@nametheleague.com.

The USBL is a professional basketball league featuring eight teams across the United States, from Baltimore to San Diego and will open its season March 6.