ABA Basketball Tryouts 2027: Latest Updates

As of November 4, 2026, ABA teams have published several tryouts for the 2026–27 season, but a comprehensive calendar of calendar-year 2027 open tryouts is not yet available.

The ABA operates through independently managed teams across the United States.

Rather than relying on a single league-wide tryout, players should monitor individual organizations for announcements.

The league's current team directory is organized into four regions:

• ABA East Region

• ABA Central Region

• ABA South Region

• ABA West Region

Official ABA team directory: https://www.realabaleague.com/teams

ABA Basketball Teams That Announced Open Tryouts for 2026–27

The following teams published tryout information for the 2026–27 basketball season.

Important: The dates below have already passed. They are included as verified examples to help players identify teams that have recruited through open evaluations. They are not upcoming 2027 events.

1. Southwest Warriors — Fayetteville, Georgia

The Southwest Warriors announced open tryouts for their 2026–27 ABA roster.

Tryout details

• Date: September 13, 2026

• Check-in: 3:00 PM

• Location: Fayetteville Christian Church

• Address: 114 Hickory Road, Fayetteville, GA 30215

• Registration fee: $75 in advance or $100 at the door

• Status: Completed

The event was advertised as an opportunity for players to compete for a roster position with the Southwest Warriors.

Players interested in future opportunities should monitor the organization for additional announcements.

Official event listing: https://tickets.passagesports.com/events/southwest-warriors-aba-basketball-tryouts

2. Arizona Gila Monsters — Phoenix, Arizona

The Arizona Gila Monsters are an ABA basketball organization based in the Phoenix area.

Tryout details

• Date: October 1, 2026

• Location: Phoenix, Arizona

• Registration fee: $60 per session

• Status: Completed

• Additional opportunity: Private workout requests advertised

The Gila Monsters have promoted an alternative evaluation pathway for players unable to attend their scheduled open tryout.

Their website also describes player development support, game footage, statistics, and a team revenue-sharing arrangement.

Players should confirm current roster openings and any future workout availability directly with the organization.

Official tryout page: https://azgilamonsters.org/tryouts

3. Miami Waves — Miami, Florida

The Miami Waves advertised open tryouts for athletes interested in joining their ABA basketball program.

Tryout details

• Dates: September 12–14, 2026

• Location: Miami, Florida

• Venue: Listed as to be determined

• Registration fee: $150 per athlete

• Status: Completed

The team's recruitment page advertised combine testing and live evaluations by its coaching staff.

The Miami Waves also maintain a recruitment inquiry form for prospective players.

Team recruitment page: https://miamiwaves.com/join-team

4. Imago Dei S.C. — Colorado

Imago Dei S.C. announced player evaluations for its ABA basketball program.

Tryout details

• Date: September 21, 2026

• Time: 8:00 PM Mountain Time

• Location: Colorado

• Advertised early-bird fee: $75

• Status: Completed

The organization promotes its program as an opportunity for players to compete, develop, and pursue additional basketball exposure.

Official team page: https://imagoball.org/ABAProTeam

5. Hawthorne Hurricane — Hawthorne, Florida

The Hawthorne Hurricane announced two open tryout sessions ahead of their inaugural 2026–27 ABA season.

Tryout details

• Date 1: June 19, 2026

• Location 1: Hawthorne Recreation Park

• Date 2: June 20, 2026

• Location 2: Hawthorne High School

• Time: 1:00–4:00 PM for both sessions

• Registration: $75 in advance or $100 at the door

• Status: Completed

The Hawthorne Hurricane compete in the ABA South Region.

Their announcement demonstrates how individual teams can organize evaluations several months before the season begins.

Published announcement: https://minotaurmediallc.com/hawthorne-hurricane-announce-tryouts-schedule/

Are There ABA Basketball Tryouts in 2027?

ABA teams recruit on different schedules, so tryout announcements may appear throughout the year.

Some organizations hold evaluations during the summer, while others recruit closer to the start of their basketball season.

The ABA's regular season generally runs from October through early March, followed by postseason competition.

For players preparing for the 2027–28 season, it makes sense to begin researching teams during spring and summer 2027.

However, the specific dates, venues, and fees for future events must be confirmed with each organization.

Do not assume that a team will repeat its previous tryout schedule.

What Is the American Basketball Association (ABA)?

The American Basketball Association is a basketball league operating across the United States.

The modern ABA was established in 1999, following the legacy of the original American Basketball Association that operated from 1967 until its merger with the NBA in 1976.

Today's ABA is a separate competition from the NBA and NBA G League.

The league describes itself as a professional basketball organization with more than 100 teams across four regions.

However, individual ABA organizations may operate at different financial and competitive levels.

Some teams describe themselves as professional, while others explicitly use the term semi-professional.

Athletes should verify compensation, roster obligations, and operating arrangements with each team.

Official league website: https://www.realabaleague.com/

How Much Do ABA Basketball Tryouts Cost?

ABA tryout registration fees are set by individual teams.

Published examples from the 2026–27 recruiting cycle include:

• Arizona Gila Monsters: $60 per session

• Southwest Warriors: $75 in advance or $100 at the door

• Hawthorne Hurricane: $75 in advance or $100 at the door

• Miami Waves: $150 per athlete

• Imago Dei S.C.: Advertised $75 early-bird registration

These are historical examples, not confirmed prices for 2027.

Players should also budget for transportation, accommodation, meals, and other expenses.

Before paying a tryout fee, verify the team's identity, the event organizer, the venue, and the refund policy.

How to Join an ABA Basketball Team

Step 1: Find ABA Teams in Your State

Start with the ABA's official team directory.

The league organizes its teams into regional divisions, making it easier to identify organizations near you.

You can also research teams in neighboring states if you're willing to travel or relocate.

ABA team directory: https://www.realabaleague.com/teams

Step 2: Research Each Team's Recruitment Process

Not every ABA team uses the same recruiting system.

Some organizations publish open tryouts.

Others advertise private workouts, player inquiry forms, or team-specific evaluations.

Visit the team's official website and social media pages to find current recruiting information.

Step 3: Prepare Your Basketball Player Profile

Before contacting a coach or registering for a tryout, prepare:

• Full name

• Age

• Height and weight

• Primary playing position

• Previous college or club teams

• Recent basketball statistics

• Highlight video

• Full-game footage

• Current city and state

• Email address and phone number

Your profile should make it easy for a coach to understand your experience and evaluate your playing ability.

Step 4: Contact the Appropriate Team Personnel

ABA organizations may have head coaches, general managers, owners, and other personnel involved in recruiting.

When a team publishes a player recruitment contact, use that channel first.

Keep your message short and specific.

Mention your position, previous experience, and whether you're seeking an open tryout or private evaluation.

Step 5: Attend the Tryout or Evaluation

Depending on the organization, tryouts may involve:

• Shooting drills

• Ball-handling evaluations

• Defensive assessments

• Conditioning

• Five-on-five scrimmages

• Position-specific basketball drills

Coaches may evaluate not only individual skills but also basketball IQ, effort, communication, and how a player performs within a team.

Step 6: Confirm the Opportunity Before Committing

If a team offers you a roster position, ask for written details about the arrangement.

Find out whether the team pays players, provides housing, covers travel expenses, or requires player contributions.

An ABA roster position does not automatically mean a salaried professional contract.

Can You Join the ABA Without Playing College Basketball?

Potentially, yes.

ABA teams may evaluate players from a variety of basketball backgrounds.

These can include former NCAA players, NAIA athletes, junior college players, overseas players, and competitive players without a traditional college basketball résumé.

However, individual organizations determine their own recruitment standards.

A player without college experience may need particularly strong game footage and competitive references to demonstrate readiness.

The most important step is finding an organization willing to evaluate your basketball ability.

Do ABA Basketball Players Get Paid?

Some ABA teams may compensate players, but payment is not guaranteed across the league.

Compensation structures can vary significantly between independently operated organizations.

Some teams may offer financial compensation, revenue sharing, travel assistance, or other benefits.

Others may function primarily as semi-professional development programs.

Before joining, ask:

• Is there a guaranteed salary?

• Are payments made per game, per month, or per season?

• Is housing provided?

• Are travel expenses covered?

• Does the player need to pay any team fees?

• Is there a written contract?

• What happens if games are canceled?

Players should not assume that the word "professional" guarantees a full-time salary.

ABA Basketball Teams by Region

The American Basketball Association maintains teams across the United States.

The following are examples of teams appearing in ABA directories. Inclusion does not mean they currently have roster openings.

ABA East Region

Examples include:

• Binghamton Bulldogs

• Buffalo eXtreme

• Carolina Kings

• Philly Thunder

• Rochester Reapers

• New England Lightning

ABA Central Region

Examples include:

• Akron Aviators

• Steel City Yellow Jackets

• Indiana Legends

• Louisville Pros

• Missouri Capitals

• St. Louis Spirits

• Chicago Fury

ABA South Region

Examples include:

• Atlanta Aliens

• Southwest Warriors

• Austin Bats

• Miami Waves

• Florida Tropics

• Hawthorne Hurricane

ABA West Region

Examples include:

• Arizona Gila Monsters

• Las Vegas Royals

• San Diego Suns

• Antelope Valley Bulls

• San Jose Knights

Because ABA membership and team activity can change, always verify an organization's current status before contacting it or registering for an event.

Browse ABA teams: https://www.realabaleague.com/teams

Can You Contact ABA Coaches Directly?

Yes. Many ABA teams operate independently and maintain their own websites, recruitment forms, and contact channels.

Players can research appropriate team personnel and inquire about future evaluations.

A direct message does not guarantee a response or an invitation.

However, targeted outreach can help players learn whether a team is actively recruiting.

Example Email to an ABA Basketball Coach

Subject: Basketball Player Inquiry — [Position] — [Your Name]

Hello Coach,

My name is [Your Name], and I'm a [height] [position] currently playing for [team or school].

I'm interested in learning whether your ABA team is holding open tryouts or evaluating players for upcoming roster opportunities.

I've included my basketball highlights, recent statistics, and playing background below.

Highlights: [Link]

Full-game footage: [Link]

Thank you for your time. I'd appreciate any information about your recruitment process.

Best,

[Your Name]

ABA vs. NBA G League: What's the Difference?

The NBA G League is the NBA's official developmental league, with a structured player acquisition system and teams affiliated with NBA organizations.

The ABA is a separate basketball league consisting of independently operated organizations.

The two leagues differ in competitive structure, recruiting processes, player compensation, and their relationships with NBA franchises.

ABA teams may offer more accessible public evaluations, but that does not mean selection is guaranteed.

Playing in the ABA also does not automatically create a pathway into the NBA G League or NBA.

Players should evaluate each opportunity based on its actual competitive level, coaching, playing time, compensation, and exposure.

Other Basketball Leagues With Tryout Opportunities

If you're looking for opportunities beyond the ABA, consider researching these leagues.

NBA G League Tryouts

The NBA G League organizes local open tryouts through individual teams.

These events provide a possible pathway to training camp, although roster opportunities are limited.

The Basketball League (TBL) Tryouts

TBL organizes professional basketball combines and team-specific recruiting opportunities.

Its 2026–27 combine series includes officially announced events in multiple U.S. cities.

East Coast Basketball League (ECBL) Tryouts

The ECBL offers competitive basketball opportunities through individual teams and organized evaluations.

Players should monitor official league and team announcements for current dates.

Find ABA Basketball Coaches and Team Contacts With Cancha Labs

You don't have to wait for a public tryout announcement to start researching basketball opportunities.

ABA teams have coaches, general managers, owners, and other personnel involved in player recruitment.

Cancha Labs is expanding beyond soccer to help basketball players discover team contacts and reach out directly.

We're exploring basketball contacts across:

• NBA

• NBA G League

• American Basketball Association (ABA)

• The Basketball League (TBL)

• East Coast Basketball League (ECBL)

• Other professional and semi-professional basketball organizations

Join the Cancha Labs Basketball Waitlist

Be among the first to learn when the basketball contact directory becomes available.

Join the early-access list to receive launch updates and information about the founding-member offer.

Learn more at: https://www.canchalabs.com/

Cancha Labs is an independent platform and is not affiliated with the American Basketball Association, NBA, or other leagues mentioned. Contact information does not guarantee a tryout, roster position, salary, or professional contract.

Frequently Asked Questions About ABA Basketball Tryouts

Are there ABA basketball tryouts in 2027?

ABA teams may announce tryouts throughout 2027. As of November 4, 2026, there is no comprehensive confirmed calendar of calendar-year 2027 events. Check individual teams for announcements.

How do you try out for an ABA basketball team?

Find an active ABA team, review its recruitment process, register for an official tryout if available, or contact its basketball personnel through an appropriate official channel.

How much does an ABA tryout cost?

Fees vary by organization. Published 2026 examples ranged from $60 to $150, with some teams offering different advance and walk-up prices.

Can you join the ABA without college basketball experience?

Some teams may consider competitive players without college basketball experience. Eligibility and selection decisions are determined by individual organizations.

Is the ABA a professional basketball league?

The ABA describes itself as a professional league, but individual teams may operate with professional or semi-professional arrangements. Compensation is not uniform.

Do ABA basketball players receive salaries?

Some may receive compensation, but a salary is not guaranteed. Players should confirm payment and contractual terms directly with the organization.

When does the ABA basketball season start?

The league describes its regular season as running from October through early March, followed by postseason play.

Can ABA basketball lead to the NBA G League?

Players can pursue opportunities in other leagues, but ABA participation does not guarantee NBA G League recruitment or eligibility.

Where can I find ABA basketball teams near me?

Start with the official ABA team directory and browse organizations by region. Verify current team activity before traveling.

Do ABA teams accept basketball highlight videos?

Recruitment practices vary. Contact the team's official recruiting channel to ask whether it accepts player profiles and game footage.

Official ABA Basketball Resources

American Basketball Association — Official Website

https://www.realabaleague.com/

ABA Team Directory

https://www.realabaleague.com/teams

Southwest Warriors — Published 2026 Tryout

https://tickets.passagesports.com/events/southwest-warriors-aba-basketball-tryouts

Arizona Gila Monsters — Tryouts

https://azgilamonsters.org/tryouts

Miami Waves — Player Recruitment

https://miamiwaves.com/join-team

Imago Dei S.C. — ABA Team

https://imagoball.org/ABAProTeam

Hawthorne Hurricane — 2026 Tryout Announcement

https://minotaurmediallc.com/hawthorne-hurricane-announce-tryouts-schedule/

This article will be updated as ABA teams publish additional basketball tryouts and recruitment opportunities for 2027.