Initially looking to play in New York, but blocked by the Knicks, the Americans first season was played in a converted armory in Teaneck, New Jersey. The Americans took the floor on October 23rd against the Pittsburgh Pipers in front of 3,000 fans with a group of semi-pro players as a new league known as the American Basketball Association tried to challenge the NBA, for professional basketball superiority.

However, the Americans were a huge failure for the league as the team closes to New York drew less than 1,000 fans per game while posting a 36-42 record. Despite their poor record, the Americans faced the Kentucky Colonels in a one-game playoff to make to qualify for the playoffs.

However, the circus left the Teaneck Armory in poor condition, and the Colonels were awarded a forfeit win.