Gary Steelheads

The Gary Steelheads was a professional basketball team that played in the International Basketball League. In the past they played in the International Basketball League, Continental Basketball Association, and the United States Basketball League. They were based in Gary, Indiana and played their home games at the Genesis Convention Center. The Steelheads were the 2006 CBA Eastern Conference champions.

History

Gary was awarded a franchise in the CBA in 2000. The league folded so the Steelheads joined the IBL. Former CBA franchise owners purchased the CBA name from the bancruptcy court. The IBL and IBA combined to reform the CBA in 2001. After playing five seasons in the CBA the team announced on July 21, 2006, that they would be sitting out the 2006–07 CBA season.

During that time former owner Jewell Harris Sr. was indicted on federal extortion and other charges unrelated to the team. Harris resigned from the team pending a sale.

On October 24, the new ownership, Showtime Sports and Entertainment, LLC (headlined by Jewell Harris Jr.), announced they would be moving to the USBL for 2007.