the league was formed in new york city on june 6, 1946. it was called the basketball association of america (baa). the league merged with the national basketball league (nbl) in 1949. they then were known as the national basketball association. the league's head offices are in the olympic tower at 645 fifth avenue in new york city. its international offices are in the same place. nba entertainment and nba tv studios are in atlanta, georgia.