The JBA was first announced on December 20, 2017, when media personality LaVar Ball said to Slam magazine that he would create a professional league targeted at high school graduates and fully funded by his sports apparel company Big Baller Brand.

[1][2] The league held tryouts in Chicago in April 2018, attracting 100 prospects but initially selecting only two players to its Chicago Ballers team: former Simeon Career Academy standout Kezo Brown and junior college player Antonio Singleton.

[6] However, Dildy was replaced by Eddie Denard, who had been his assistant at Chicago State, before the season began.

[7][8] Singleton, on the other hand, struggled academically in high school and later played for Dakota College at Bottineau.

[8] On July 13, coach Eddie Denard drew widespread criticism after shoving and verbally berating Montrell Dixson.