The Basketball Association of America was formed with teams to play in 13 cities: Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Indianapolis, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Providence, St Louis, Toronto, and Washington.

The Philadelphia franchise was awarded to the Philadelphia Arena corporation with Peter Tyrrell as general manager. The team would call themselves the Warriors, adopting a name well-known in local basketball lore. Tyrrell announced that Philadelphia Sphas coach Eddie Gottlieb would be the team’s head coach. Gottlieb would continue coaching the Sphas while also coaching in the BAA.