Louisville Catbirds

The Louisville Catbirds, based in Louisville, Kentucky, played in the Continental Basketball Association from 1983 to 1985. The name was meant to appeal to fans of the University of Kentucky (the "Cats") and the University of Louisville (the "Birds"). The team opened on December 1, 1983, with a 122-118 win over Toronto.

Two former college stars gave the roster local interest. Dirk Minniefield, a Kentucky guard and the state's high school Mr. Basketball in 1979, began his pro career with the Catbirds in 1983 and reached the big leagues in 1985. Tom Payne, the first Black player on Adolph Rupp's Kentucky team, joined in November 1983 and got a standing ovation at his home debut.

The Catbirds played the first season at Louisville Gardens, which held about 5,500. In 1984-85 they moved to Broadbent Arena at the state fairgrounds, and attendance fell by more than half. The team's last game was a 137-114 win over Cincinnati on March 11, 1985. It was sold that summer and moved to La Crosse, Wisconsin, where it became the La Crosse Catbirds.