Photo Credit: Prime Video, Shuttershock, Jael Rucker for Decked Out

By Jael Rucker: Published: January 16, 2026

LOS ANGELES, CA — NBA this, NBA that, but what about the ABA? Well, that’s exactly the question Prime Video intends to answer with its upcoming four-part documentary series Soul Power: The Legend of the American Basketball Association, which chronicles the rise and fall of the American Basketball Association. This league defined one of America’s most turbulent eras and shaped the NBA as we know it today. As the 2026 NBA season reaches its mid-point, the design language of the league is increasingly looking backward to the American Basketball Association (ABA).

While the NBA absorbed the ABA in 1976, the 50-year legacy of ‘The Red, White, and Blue’ is more than just a retro aesthetic—it’s the technical blueprint for the ‘Fast-Break’ economy we see in today’s positionless basketball. In this audit, we analyze the ABA’s 2026 impact on jersey physics and the high-velocity branding that still dominates the hardwood

In This Article

• The Power Players
• The Culture Audit: Why the ABA Still Matters
• Release Date and Watch Information

RELATED: The AO 2026 Tech-Check: Inside the 200-Camera Matrix Redefining Tennis

The Power Players

Directed by Kenan Kamwana Holley and executive produced by Common, Julius “Dr. J” Erving, Todd Lieberman and Coach George Karl, the docuseries will premiere exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide and is the latest addition to the Prime membership. Additionally, Prime members can enjoy savings, convenience, and entertainment all in one membership.

The Culture Audit: Why the ABA Still Matters

Per the official synopsis, Soul Power is the definitive story—and first docuseries—of the American Basketball Association, chronicling the 1967 launch of the enterprising league and explores how a collection of franchises—the majority of which relocated or folded—challenged the NBA on and off the court for nine riveting seasons. The series will also highlight  the lasting impact of the ABA on the sport of basketball, including the introduction of the 3-point shot; the All-Star Game slam dunk competition; the addition of former ABA franchises like the Brooklyn Nets, Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, and San Antonio Spurs to the NBA; empowering women to play a more substantial role in the business of sports; and the rise to fame of superstar players and pro hoops contributors like Julius Erving, Moses Malone, Spencer Haywood, George Gervin, Rick Barry, and George Karl. 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the ABA’s merger with the NBA.

 “The ABA wasn’t just a league—it was a movement,” adds ABA superstar and Soul Power executive producer Julius Erving via press release. “It gave players freedom, creativity, and opportunity at a time when none of that was guaranteed. This series tells that story honestly and it educates people that the game we see today exists because of what we started back then.”

Release Date and Watch Information

Presented by Prime Video Sports, Soul Power will make its debut on February 12. Also included in the production is Founder and CEO of Lana Sports and Co-Founder and CEO of the Dropping Dimes Foundation, which has helped provide for the financial and health needs of retired ABA players over the past decade. The docuseries is a co-production from Prime Video Sports, Truth+Media, Hidden Pictures, and Holley Films.

Author Bio

Jael Rucker is the founder of Decked Out Magazine. She has previously worked as the Associate Commerce Editor at PureWow, focusing on analytics and trends to pitch stories and optimize articles that build and engage their audience. Her work has also been seen in Footwear News and WWD. Prior to 2024, she was the style and pop culture editor at ONE37pm for over three years, contributing numerous product reviews, brand profiles and fashion trend reports, which included interviewing Steph Curry, Snoop Dogg and more.