Kansas City Steers

The Kansas City Steers, based in Kansas City, Missouri, played in the American Basketball League from 1961 to 1962. The ABL was a rival to the top pro league and drew many players from the AAU ranks. Jack McMahon coached the Steers in the first season, and Kenneth Krueger owned the team. Home games were at Municipal Auditorium, with some at Memorial Hall in Kansas City, Kansas.

In 1961-62 the Steers finished first in the West and reached the final against the Cleveland Pipers. Cleveland won the series three games to two, taking the last game 106-102. That game was moved to Rockhurst University because the auditorium was booked. Sources disagree on the Steers' regular season record that year.

Johnny Dee coached the 1962-63 team, which was 22-9 when the league folded on December 31, 1962. The Steers were declared champions. Bill Bridges and Larry Staverman were among five Steers who went on to the big leagues.