NEW YORK, Feb. 11, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- The United States Basketball League, Inc. (USBL) held its annual League Meeting at the Harvard Club yesterday.
USBL Founder Daniel T. Meisenheimer III considered the meeting "a success, as the League operations and policies were improved." The USBL is currently in discussions with five groups who are seeking franchises for the 2005 season. All of these franchises are located in strategic locations that will strengthen the League and its existing franchises.
Also discussed were four rule changes that serve to streamline the operations of the teams and the League. Teams will now carry 11 players on an active roster. Teams will also be required to carry one rookie on their rosters starting on May 12th. Team Rosters are now due into the League office by 1:00 PM EST. Team Rosters will now be frozen on June 7th for player participation in the Post-Season Festival. Teams will be allowed to appeal to the League Office for roster exemptions. June 7th will also serve as the USBL trading deadline.
The League has also notified teams that the Annual League Draft will be held on April 13th. The Draft will now consist of four rounds and will be held via conference call disseminating from the League Office at 6:30 PM EST. The Cedar Rapids River Raiders will have the first pick overall, followed by the Florence Flyers.