in 1946, the basketball association of america (baa) was formed. its founders were owners of the major ice hockey arenas in the northeastern and midwestern united states and canada. on november 1, 1946, the toronto huskies hosted the new york knickerbockers. this was the first game played in nba history. there were earlier attempts at professional basketball leagues. examples are the american basketball league and the nbl. the baa was the first league to play in major cities. they played in large arenas. the level of play in the baa was not very good. competing leagues and other teams had similar talent. the harlem globetrotters are an example.