Indianapolis, IN.

The American Basketball Association (ABA) today announced that it has added theAlaska SeaSonics to its record-setting expansion for the 2020-2021 season. “We are especially excited to welcome this team to the ABA,” stated ABA CEO Joe Newman. “Not only because we are returning to the great state of Alaska, but because this will be our first fully-owned and operated Native American team, something that is long overdue. A great addition to the ABA.”

The team will be owned by the not-for-profit Native Alaskan Regional Network, an organization formed by a group of native leaders around the state who will use their new ABA team as a vehicle to help accomplishfighting statistical plagues in their metro and rural areas.

The GM of the SeaSonics will be Tariek Oviok, an Alaskan Native from the nation’s oldest knowncommunity, a small rural village called Point Hope. He is the owner/CEO of AK2K Network, the leader of a native cultural dance group and the author of several books. “Obviously, everything involves a process, whether in life or in business,” added Oviok. “And orchestrating an endeavor with a mission to do better while providing sports and entertainment to what we know is a proven market in Anchorage is every fan’s dream. Domestic violence, suicide, cultural loss and bullying are serious problems here,and we hope to be able to help impact them in a positive way.”

The Alaska SeaSonics are working with local entities to secure games for the 2020 season and hope to revive and maintain bringing professional basketball back to Alaska. “Hopefully for Alaska, the 3rd time is a charm and we’re just beyond thankful that Mr. Newman and the ABA has allowed a platform where minorities can be afforded opportunities such as this, especially on a level of the ABA and its storied history.”

For more information, email[email protected]or visitwww.abaliveaction.com.

Thanks,

Joe Newman

ABA CEO