The American Basketball Association (ABA) today announced that it has added a team in Jefferson Parrish LA to the ABA’s record-setting expansion for the 2025-2026 season. “This is quite an unusual team,” stated ABA CEO. “It is an offshoot of The Rickey League and the Rickey Jackson Community Hope Center in Jefferson Parrish that helps support at risk youths in the community. The Rickey League has received national and international recognition for its work.

The team is owned by Tyler R.A. Jackson, a native of New Orleans. Tyler played collegiate basketball for Hinds Community College and MUW and holds two Associate Degrees and a BA in business. He is no stranger to sports as he is the son of NFL Hall of Famer and legend Rickey A. Jackson who played with the New Orleans Saints and the San Francisco 49ers. Tyler is a teacher, mentor and Director of the Rickey Jackson Community Hope Center.

Dr. Veleria C. Stevens, PhD is Vice President of Operations. She has over 20 years of sports operation experience and is a former NFL Cheerleader. In 1996, Valeria worked as an Account Executive for the New Orleans Saints. In 2005 she owned a semi-pro football team in New Orleans and in 2012 she was a Financial Advisor and VP of Operations for Tulane University. Currently Veleria is a College Professor and Business Teacher for Southern University and Rooted High School, holds a Real Estate License and has a PhD in Strategic Management, MBA in business. She will bring a wealth of knowledge to the team and to the ABA.

For more information, call 504 452 0942 or email rickeyjacksonandfriends@gmail.com