In this Aug 3, 1949, file photo, representatives of the National Basketball League and Basketball Association of America, shake hands after agreeing to a merger of the two circuits into an 18-team organization to be known as the National Basketball Association New York. Grouped around Maurice Podoloff, center, are left to right, Ike Duffey, Leo Ferris, Ned Irish and Walter Brown. (John Lent, File/AP Photo)