History of Liga Española de Baloncesto (1957–1983) in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: August 16, 2025

The Liga Española de Baloncesto, or Primera División, was Spain's premier basketball league from 1957 to 1983. Organized by the Spanish Basketball Federation, it featured the country's top clubs. In 1983, clubs formed the Basketball Clubs Association and transitioned the league into the Liga ACB, though it retained the Primera División name until 1988. This marked a shift in the organization and management of professional basketball in Spain.

1957: Inaugural Season of Liga Española de Baloncesto

In 1957, the Liga Española de Baloncesto was created with the goal of promoting basketball in Spain. The first season featured six teams, including Real Madrid, Estudiantes, Barcelona, Joventut Badalona, Aismalíbar, and Orillo Verde, competing in a double round-robin format across 49 days at venues in Madrid and Barcelona.

1957: Liga Española de Baloncesto Founded

In 1957, the Liga Española de Baloncesto, later known as Primera División, was established as the top-tier basketball league in Spain. It was managed by the Spanish Basketball Federation and featured the country's best clubs.

1978: Segunda Division Name Change

In 1978, the Segunda División was renamed Primera División B.

1983: Liga ACB Transformation

In 1983, the basketball clubs decided to form the Basketball Clubs Association and transformed the Primera División into the new Liga ACB, marking a significant shift in the structure and management of professional basketball in Spain.