The secret is out! The City of Birmingham has been awarded an American Basketball Association (ABA) expansion team for 2005-06. As owner of the new team I wanted to officially notify each of you of this exciting new venture for Birmingham.

The new ABA, the league that forced a merger with the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 1976 is back with nearly 50 teams that will play this season. Birmingham and several other cities will start play in November 2005. Some of the cities Birmingham will be affiliated with in the ABA are; Atlanta, Nashville, Greenville MS, Charlotte, St. Louis, Louisville, Chattanooga, Cincinnati, Ft. Worth, and Miami just to name a few.

The ABA will be a win-win situation for Birmingham based on several factors. The ABA has already secured a national radio deal with over 100 radio stations already on board. The league has finalized an international television deal that will reach much of the U.S., Europe and Africa. The national and international exposure for Birmingham will be tremendous.

Another important benefit will be the offering of a new and exciting professional sports and entertainment source for the metropolitan area that is located in the City of Birmingham. We will offer fast, fun, friendly, exciting and affordable entertainment with the Birmingham Magicians of the ABA team that will feature players with local and state ties.

We have formed an operations team that will produce a quality product. We are looking forward to working with the City of Birmingham, The Corporate and Business Community, and mostly, the people of the Magic City in making this venture one that will make Birmingham proud!

Sincerely,

Reginald D. McDaniel, Esq.