The Spirits of St. Louis history tells the remarkable story of a short-lived but unforgettable Spirits of St. Louis basketball team in the ABA. Known for their flashy play and loyal fanbase, the ABA Spirits of St. Louis captured attention across the league, leaving behind a lasting impact on basketball despite their brief time in the sport’s spotlight.
Established
1967
City
Houston – Greensboro, Charlotte, Raleigh – St. Louis – Salt Lake City
League History
1967 – 1976 / American Basketball Association
Team History
1976 / Utah Rockies (Never Played a Game)
1974 – 1976 / Spirits of St. Louis
1969 – 1974 / Carolina Cougars
1967 – 1969 / Houston Mavericks
Nickname
Spirits – The Spirits of St. Louis is a nickname for the American Basketball Association (ABA) team from 1974-1976. This historic franchise was one of the most successful teams in ABA history, reaching the playoffs every year they were active and even winning an ABA championship in their inaugural season. But many fans don’t know how this unique nickname came about.
The story starts with owner Ozzie Silna, who purchased a majority stake in the franchise shortly before it began play during its first season in 1974–75. Silna’s idea was to name his new team after St Louis’s famous monument – The Gateway Arch – which stands tall over downtown as a symbol of city pride and progressivism since 1965 when it opened as part of America's bicentennial celebration project. Thus, he named them “Spirits Of Saint Louis."
Spirits of St. Louis Origin
It wasn't just an homage to local architecture, though; for Ozzie Silna had another goal: To capture some intangible spirit inherent within St Louis itself—a sense that anything could be accomplished with hard work and determination regardless if you're born rich or poor - something he felt strongly about having grown up on Missouri's rural side himself before making his fortune through real estate investments back east near New York City. He wanted this sentiment reflected within his basketball team, too, so they'd represent success and resilience against all odds while inspiring others around them simultaneously!
So there you have it: The origins behind why our beloved Spirits Of Saint Louis are called what they are today! We may no longer have our professional basketball club here anymore. However, we can still take pride in knowing how much passion went into giving birth to such an iconic moniker almost 50 years ago...and cheer for those brave few players who put their hearts out on the court each night wearing these colors proudly across the country!
Championship
ABA Championships 0
Arena
*St. Louis*
1974 – 1976 / St. Louis Arena
*North Carolina*
1969 – 1974 / Greensboro Coliseum
1969 – 1974 / Bojangles’ Coliseum
1969 – 1974 / J.S. Dorton Arena (Raleigh)
*Houston*
1967 – 1969 / Sam Houston Coliseum
Owner
1974 – 1976 / Ozzie Silna and Daniel Silna
1969 – 1974 / Southern Sports Corporation
1967 – 1969 / T. C. Morrow
- 1974
- 1976
-
Move to St. Louis – Spirits
The Spirits (who took their name from the Atlantic Ocean-crossing plane flown by Charles Lindbergh) were the third incarnation of a franchise that began as the Houston Mavericks and later the Carolina Cougars. However, only a few players from the 1973–74 Cougars followed the team to St. Louis, so the Spirits were essentially an expansion team. -
The Worst Deal Ever Signed
After a slow start in their inaugural season, 1974 – 1975, the Spirits reached the playoffs with a late rush, then upset the defending ABA champion New York Nets in the first round of the playoffs. But the team squandered this good start the following year. Despite inheriting several players (including Malone) from the Utah Stars after that franchise failed ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Spirits of St. Louis History
The Spirits of St. Louis history is one of the most fascinating chapters in professional basketball. Formerly known as the Carolina Cougars, the Spirits of St. Louis basketball team competed in the American Basketball Association (ABA) from 1974 to 1976. The franchise was owned by brothers Ozzie and Daniel Silna, who were passionate about bringing major league basketball back to St. Louis, Missouri, after the Hawks had left for Atlanta in 1968. Their ambition helped shape the legacy of the ABA Spirits of St. Louis and made the city a temporary but exciting hub for basketball fans.
During their short but memorable stint, the Spirits of St. Louis basketball team made a strong impression with stars such as Marvin Barnes, Maurice Lucas, Ron Boone, and a young Moses Malone. Their fast-paced and electrifying style drew attention across the ABA, making them one of the most entertaining teams in the league. The Spirits of St. Louis history also includes the contributions of broadcaster Bob Costas, who got his professional start calling their games — a moment that would later become a piece of basketball broadcasting legend.
In the 1975–76 season, under head coach Bob MacKinnon Sr., the ABA Spirits of St. Louis achieved one of their best records, finishing with 48 wins and 34 losses. They were nearly unbeatable at Kiel Auditorium, losing only five home games that season while playing in front of passionate, near-capacity crowds. Despite this success, financial instability constantly loomed over the organization. The Spirits of St. Louis basketball team often struggled to pay player salaries, leading to frequent roster changes and frustration among star players. This instability prevented them from building long-term championship success, even though they consistently showed the potential to compete with the league’s best teams.
St. Louis Achievements
Even with the financial issues, the Spirits of St. Louis history remains a vital part of ABA basketball. The team helped popularize an energetic and entertaining brand of basketball that influenced the modern NBA. Their willingness to take risks, such as adopting innovative offensive strategies and showcasing the three-point shot, made the ABA Spirits of St. Louis a team ahead of its time. The Spirits’ brief presence also left an enduring legacy in St. Louis sports culture, inspiring future generations of fans.
When the ABA merged with the NBA in 1976, the Spirits of St. Louis basketball were left out of the merger. However, Ozzie and Daniel Silna negotiated one of the most remarkable deals in sports history — a lifelong share of television revenue from the NBA teams that joined the merger. This decision turned out to be incredibly lucrative, and it remains one of the most famous business stories in basketball history.
1974–75 Season Success
In their inaugural year, the Spirits of St. Louis basketball team made a stunning playoff run by upsetting the defending champion New York Nets, led by Julius Erving. This victory became one of the most memorable moments in Spirits of St. Louis history, proving that even a new team could challenge the ABA’s elite.
Cultural and Historical Impact
Beyond the court, the ABA Spirits of St. Louis played a pivotal role in shaping basketball culture. Their innovative play style, showmanship, and strong community connection left a lasting impression on fans. The franchise’s legacy continues to influence modern basketball discussions, ensuring that the Spirits of St. Louis history remains celebrated among both ABA enthusiasts and historians.
Sports Fan Products
Coaches
1976 / Joe Mullaney
1975 / Rod Thorn
1974 – 1975 / Bob MacKinnon
1972 – 1974 / Larry Brown
1971 – 1972 / Tom Meschery
1971 / Jerry Steele
1970 – 1971 / Bones McKinney
1968 – 1969 / Art Becker and Jim Weaver
1967 – 1968 / Slater Martin and Art Becker
*Blue is this team’s history