A Detailed History of the Utah Stars in the ABA (1970–1976)

The Utah Stars were one of the ABA’s most successful and beloved franchises, known for their passionate fan base, consistent on-court success, and role in legitimizing pro basketball in Salt Lake City. Though their existence was relatively brief, the Stars’ impact on the league and the region was profound.

Origins: The Los Angeles Stars (1968–1970)

The franchise began in Anaheim, California, as the Anaheim Amigos during the ABA’s inaugural 1967–68 season. Owned by Art Kim, the team suffered from low attendance and financial woes, finishing 25–53.

In 1968, the franchise was sold to Jim Kirst and relocated to Los Angeles, becoming the Los Angeles Stars. The team played at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena, competing for attention in a crowded sports market that already included the NBA’s Lakers.

Despite those obstacles, the Stars steadily improved. Under coach Bill Sharman, and behind talented players like Mack Calvin and Willie Wise, they made an improbable run to the 1970 ABA Finals, losing to the powerful Indiana Pacers in six games.

Move to Salt Lake City: The Birth of the Utah Stars (1970)

After the 1969–70 season, businessman Bill Daniels purchased the team and moved it to Salt Lake City, where they became the Utah Stars. The decision proved visionary: Utah had no major pro sports franchise at the time, and the team immediately became a local sensation.

They played their home games at the Salt Palace, which quickly developed into one of the ABA’s loudest and most energetic venues. Salt Lake City embraced the team wholeheartedly, and the Stars rewarded them with instant success.

Remembering the Utah Stars’ 1971 Championship

Championship Glory: 1970–71 ABA Champions

In the Stars’ first season in Utah, they put together a loaded roster led by:

• Zelmo Beaty, a former NBA All-Star center who had jumped to the ABA.

• Willie Wise, a rugged, two-way forward.

• Ron Boone, an ironman scorer and future ABA legend.

• Glen Combs, a sharpshooter from deep.

The Stars finished 57–27, second-best in the league, and stormed through the playoffs. They defeated Texas and Indiana to reach the ABA Finals, where they took on the Kentucky Colonels, led by Dan Issel and Louie Dampier.

Utah won the 1971 ABA Championship in seven games. Zelmo Beaty dominated the series and was named Playoffs MVP, giving Utah its first major pro sports title and instantly cementing the team in local lore.

Here Come the Stars: The story of the 1971 ABA Champion Utah Stars

Consistent Contenders: 1972–1974

Following their championship, the Stars remained one of the ABA’s premier teams.

• In 1971–72, they again reached the Western Division Finals but lost to the Indiana Pacers in a close seven-game series.

• The 1972–73 team, bolstered by rookie Moses Malone (from Petersburg, VA), once again contended but lost in the semis.

• By 1973–74, Utah remained dangerous, finishing with a 51–33 record, but were again eliminated in the playoffs by the Indiana Pacers.

Despite never repeating as champions, the Stars were a model of consistency, making the playoffs every season from 1971 to 1975.

1971 Utah Stars vs Phoenix Suns (EXTREMELY RARE FOOTAGE)

The Arrival of Moses Malone (1974–75)

One of the most significant moves in ABA history came in 1974, when the Stars signed Moses Malone, a high school phenom from Virginia. At just 19 years old, Malone skipped college and became the first player in modern professional basketball to go pro directly from high school.

Malone impressed immediately with his rebounding, toughness, and raw power. While still developing, he helped Utah remain competitive and showed flashes of the Hall of Fame career that awaited him in the NBA.

Financial Collapse and Disbandment (1975–1976)

Unfortunately, the financial realities of the ABA finally caught up with the Stars. Owner Bill Daniels ran into serious monetary trouble and could no longer fund the team’s operations. Midway through the 1975–76 season, the Utah Stars folded.

On December 2, 1975, the team ceased operations despite a solid 4–4 start and a talented roster that included Moses Malone and Ron Boone. Fans were heartbroken, as the Stars were not only competitive but deeply woven into the fabric of Utah’s sports identity.

Malone was later picked up by the ABA’s Spirits of St. Louis, and after the ABA–NBA merger, went on to a Hall of Fame career in the NBA.

Principled Leadership: Bill Daniels & the Utah Stars

Legacy of the Utah Stars

Though their tenure was short-lived, the Utah Stars left a profound impact:

• Professional basketball in Utah became viable because of the Stars’ success, paving the way for the NBA’s Utah Jazz, who moved to Salt Lake City in 1979.

• They were the only major pro team to bring a championship to Utah.

• They introduced Moses Malone, one of basketball’s most dominant big men.

• Their fans were among the ABA’s most passionate, often selling out the Salt Palace and turning games into rowdy events.

Notable Utah Stars Players

• Zelmo Beaty – 1971 Playoffs MVP, dominant center, ABA and NBA All-Star.

• Ron Boone – One of the most durable players in pro basketball history.

• Willie Wise – Elite defender and rebounder, ABA All-Star.

• Glen Combs – Long-range shooter, known as “The Kentucky Rifle.”

• Moses Malone – Hall of Famer and ABA-NBA bridge superstar.

• Jimmy Jones – Guard who made multiple ABA All-Star teams.

Final ABA Record (as Utah Stars, 1970–1975)

• Regular Season Record: 265–171

• Playoff Appearances: 5

• ABA Championships: 1 (1971)

Conclusion

The Utah Stars were one of the ABA’s shining stars—an elite team that brought a championship to Salt Lake City and played an outsized role in the league’s history. Their combination of talent, crowd support, and pioneering moves (like signing Moses Malone) ensured that even after their collapse, their legacy would live on in Utah basketball lore.