The American Basketball Association is returning to Hawai'i, two years after its franchise folded here.

The new ABA franchise will be owned and operated by Hawai'i Basketball Inc. HBI's president is Andrew Moss, a former agent for basketball players in national and international leagues, as well as NFL players.

"Hawai'i has always been very supportive of an ABA team," said Joe Newman, ABA CEO, in a press release. "The problem has been the cost of transportation to and from the Mainland. That problem has been solved with a major airlines sponsorship."

The Hawai'i Mega Force folded in December 2005 after playing just two games at the Cannon Activities Center on the Brigham Young-Hawai'i campus.

The ABA, which is not affiliated with the NBA, opened play in 2000-01. Including the new Hawai'i franchise, there will be 58 teams in the league for the 2007-08 season.