In May 2004, the Gladiators were bought by current owner, NBA player Theo Ratliff.

Once again coached by Harold Ellis, the Gladiators won their first nine games before being stopped by the WBA's other powerhouse, the Mississippi HardHats, in a 120–115 loss.

The Gladiators then went on another nine-game winning streak, before being brought down by both the Magic City Court Kings and the Gulf Coast Bandits.

The team was so successful that the city of Rome threw a parade to honor the champs.

Rome ultimately showed itself to be the deeper squad, outscoring Cartersville 15–4 in the second quarter.