The Spirits of St. Louis remain one of the most iconic and unforgettable franchises of the American Basketball Association (ABA). Though the team existed for only two seasons—from 1974 to 1976—their bold identity, vibrant color palette, creative branding, and unforgettable cast of players turned them into one of the most legendary defunct teams in professional basketball history.

The Spirits embodied the ABA’s purest energy: fast-paced offense, high scoring, colorful uniforms, and larger-than-life personalities who helped shape the culture of modern basketball. No player represented this era better than Marvin “Bad News” Barnes, whose combination of elite talent, powerful athleticism, and unforgettable personality made him one of the most fascinating figures in 1970s sports. His performances and off-court stories have become ABA folklore, cementing the Spirits’ place in basketball mythology.

The team also featured rising stars like Maurice Lucas, who would later become a cornerstone of Portland’s NBA championship culture; Moses Malone, who passed briefly through St. Louis on his way to an MVP career; and Gus Gerard, a versatile forward known for high-flying style and crisp mid-range scoring. Even the broadcast team made history—Bob Costas began his career calling Spirits games at just 22 years old, helping grow the team’s nationwide legacy.

Playing at the historic St. Louis Arena (known as “The Checkerdome”), the Spirits became famous for their aviation-themed branding, expressive basketball culture, and unforgettable home crowds. Their orange-and-maroon uniforms, winged aircraft logo, bold typography, and classic striping remain some of the most stylish designs of the ABA era and continue to influence modern retro basketball aesthetics.

The Royal Retros Spirits of St. Louis Collection brings that legacy forward with a wide range of apparel inspired by the team’s original 1970s look. Fans can shop:

• Performance basketball jerseys

• Premium tackle-twill collector jerseys

• Vintage-style T-shirts

• Soft fleece hoodies and crewnecks

• Embroidered hats (snapbacks, truckers, dad hats, flex-fit)

• Streetwear-inspired jackets

• Heritage accessories

Every piece blends historic ABA design language with modern comfort, making the collection perfect for everyday wear or heritage sports fashion.

Whether you’re a collector of defunct basketball teams, a fan of Marvin Barnes’ legendary personality, or someone who loves the colorful style of 1970s hoops, the Spirits of St. Louis represent one of the most fascinating stories in basketball history. Their legacy is a reminder of the ABA’s creativity, the city’s passion, and the players who helped push the sport into a new era.

This collection celebrates that history—reviving the bold look, cultural impact, and unforgettable energy of the Spirits through high-quality modern apparel.