Skywalkers and Sell-Offs: The Rise and Fall of the Virginia Squires

The Virginia Squires were one of the most colorful yet underappreciated teams in the history of the American Basketball Association (ABA). Known for their transient existence, financial instability, and for serving as a launchpad for future legends, the Squires’ legacy is one of promise unfulfilled—but also of critical influence on the growth of professional basketball.

Origins: From Oakland to Virginia

The Squires’ story actually began on the West Coast. The franchise originated as the Oakland Oaks, a charter member of the ABA in 1967. Owned in part by singer Pat Boone, the Oaks won the 1969 ABA Championship behind the legendary Rick Barry and coach Alex Hannum. However, due to poor attendance and financial woes, the team was sold and moved to Washington, D.C., becoming the Washington Caps for the 1969–70 season.

The Caps played just one season in the nation’s capital before relocating again in 1970, this time to Virginia, where they would become the Virginia Squires. This move marked the beginning of a turbulent but influential five-year run in the Commonwealth.

A Team Without a Home: The Regional Franchise Model

The Squires were unique in that they did not have a permanent home arena. Instead, they operated as a regional franchise, playing home games across several cities in Virginia, including:

• Norfolk (at the Scope)

• Richmond (Richmond Coliseum)

• Hampton (Hampton Coliseum)

• Roanoke and even Lynchburg

This regional strategy was designed to tap into multiple markets, but it ultimately prevented the team from building a strong, loyal fanbase.

Dr. J and the Golden Years (1971–73)

The early 1970s were the high point for the Virginia Squires, largely thanks to the emergence of a high-flying forward from UMass named Julius “Dr. J” Erving. Erving joined the Squires for the 1971–72 season and immediately became a sensation. Averaging 27.3 points and 15.7 rebounds per game in his rookie season, Dr. J’s aerial artistry and charisma helped the Squires to a 45-39 record and a playoff berth.

Teaming with Charlie Scott, another future NBA star who led the league in scoring in 1971–72 with 34.6 points per game, the Squires briefly had one of the most exciting duos in professional basketball. However, Scott left for the NBA’s Phoenix Suns after that season, and financial pressures would soon force the team to sell Erving as well.

In 1973, Julius Erving was sold to the New York Nets due to the Squires’ dire financial condition. It was a moment that effectively ended Virginia’s hope of ever fielding a championship contender.

1971/1973 Virginia Squires Dr J years

George Gervin and More Star Power (1973–74)

Despite the loss of Erving, the Squires continued to showcase high-level talent. In 1973, they signed a skinny shooting guard from Eastern Michigan University named George “The Iceman” Gervin. Gervin quickly established himself as a prolific scorer with his smooth finger rolls and silky jumper.

But in 1974, history repeated itself. With bankruptcy looming and player salaries due, the Squires sold Gervin to the San Antonio Spurs—another devastating blow to their competitive hopes and credibility with fans.

The ABA later tried to block the sale, leading to a legal battle that highlighted the league’s instability. Gervin eventually joined the Spurs and became an NBA legend, but the Squires never recovered from losing him.

Remember The ABA: Julius “The Doctor” Erving (Virginia Squires)

Decline and Collapse (1974–76)

After the departure of Gervin, the Squires entered a steep decline. They were regularly among the worst teams in the ABA, finishing the 1974–75 season with a 15-69 record and the 1975–76 campaign at 15-68. Attendance plummeted, and the franchise was plagued by unpaid bills and salary disputes.

As the ABA–NBA merger approached in 1976, the Squires were in no shape to be included. The NBA absorbed four ABA franchises—the Nets, Nuggets, Spurs, and Pacers—but the Virginia Squires had folded just weeks before the merger, on May 11, 1976, due to their financial collapse.

Legacy of the Virginia Squires

Though they never won a title or made a deep playoff run, the Virginia Squires played a pivotal role in basketball history:

• They introduced Julius Erving and George Gervin—two Hall of Famers—to the professional game.

• They symbolized the unpredictability and excitement of the ABA, a league that valued innovation, offense, and flair.

• They highlighted the challenges of sustaining professional basketball in non-traditional markets without solid financial backing.

The Squires also served as a cautionary tale about overextending a franchise without a stable home base or ownership structure. But their importance to the growth of the game—especially in the development of star power and entertainment value—can’t be overstated.

Remember Virginia Squires Basketball?

Final Thought

The Virginia Squires may be a footnote to some, but to basketball historians, they represent a key chapter in the evolution of the sport. Without them, the legends of Dr. J and The Iceman might have never taken flight—and the modern NBA would be missing some of its most iconic chapters.