History of the Dallas Chaparrals

The Dallas Chaparrals were one of the original franchises of the American Basketball Association (ABA), beginning play in 1967. Although the team never won an ABA championship, it helped establish professional basketball in Texas and laid the foundation for what would eventually become the San Antonio Spurs, one of the NBA's most successful franchises. During their six seasons in Dallas, the Chaparrals featured talented players such as Cliff Hagan, Ron Boone, and Glen Combs, while competing against many of the ABA's legendary teams.

The Birth of the ABA

The Dallas Chaparrals were one of eleven teams that launched the American Basketball Association in 1967.

The franchise was owned by a group of Dallas investors led by T. R. "Tom" Webb and played its home games at the Dallas Memorial Auditorium.

The team's nickname, "Chaparrals," referred to the roadrunner bird, a familiar symbol of the Southwest.

Former NBA star Cliff Hagan became the team's first player-coach and gave the young franchise immediate credibility.

Early Success

The Chaparrals quickly became one of the ABA's better teams.

In their inaugural 1967–68 season, Dallas posted a 46–32 record and qualified for the ABA playoffs.

The roster featured several talented players, including:

• Cliff Hagan
• John Beasley
• Bob Verga
• Jim Barnes

Although Dallas fell short of an ABA Finals appearance, the franchise established itself as a competitive club.

Competitive Seasons

Throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s, the Chaparrals remained regular playoff contenders.

The team developed a reputation for fast-paced, entertaining basketball that matched the ABA's freewheeling style.

Among the franchise's emerging stars were:

• Ron Boone
• Glen Combs
• Cincy Powell
• John Beasley

Dallas frequently battled powerhouse ABA teams such as the Indiana Pacers, Kentucky Colonels, Utah Stars, and Carolina Cougars.

Attendance Problems

Despite putting competitive teams on the floor, the Chaparrals struggled to attract fans.

The franchise often played before small crowds despite the quality of play on the court.

Financial difficulties became a recurring issue, making it increasingly difficult to compete with larger markets and more established ABA franchises.

The Move to San Antonio

Following the 1972–73 season, ownership sought ways to save the franchise.

The team was leased to a group of San Antonio businessmen led by Angelo Drossos, Red McCombs, and John Schaefer.

The franchise relocated to San Antonio for the 1973–74 season and was renamed the San Antonio Spurs.

Under the lease agreement, Dallas investors retained the right to reclaim the franchise if certain attendance goals were not met. Instead, basketball proved to be an overwhelming success in San Antonio, and the relocation became permanent.

The Spurs later joined the NBA during the 1976 ABA–NBA merger and went on to win multiple NBA championships.

Home Arena

Franchise Timeline

Franchise Greats

• Cliff Hagan
• Ron Boone
• Glen Combs
• John Beasley
• Bob Verga
• Jim Barnes
• Cincy Powell

Notable Coaches

• Cliff Hagan
• Max Williams

Accomplishments

• Original ABA franchise (1967).
• Multiple ABA playoff appearances.
• Foundation of today's San Antonio Spurs franchise.
• Helped establish professional basketball in Texas.

Legacy

Although the Dallas Chaparrals never captured an ABA championship, their importance to professional basketball history extends far beyond their six seasons in Dallas. As one of the ABA's founding members, the Chaparrals helped introduce the league's exciting style of play and showcased many outstanding players during the league's formative years.

More importantly, the franchise became the San Antonio Spurs, one of the NBA's model organizations and a five-time NBA champion. The Chaparrals remain an essential chapter in both ABA history and the story of professional basketball in Texas.