Sports org. in a 1976 merger

Answer:

ABA

Hint:

This league featured a red, white, and blue ball and merged with its bigger rival after nine seasons.

Explanation:

This clue refers to the American Basketball Association, or ABA, which merged with the NBA in 1976. The abbreviation "org." is short for "organization," and the merger is a key historical detail that points directly to the ABA. It’s a straightforward reference—no wordplay, just a nod to basketball history.

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General solving tip

If the clue shows an abbreviation (org., dept., inits.), the answer usually does too. Mirror the clue's form with initials or a shortened form.

More tips → General Hints