Barre Basketball Returns: Vermont Coyotes Set to Launch in ABA

The American Basketball Association officially announced that the Vermont Coyotes will begin play in 2025, marking the return of professional basketball to Barre and the state after the Vermont Frost Heaves ceased operations. The Frost Heaves, based in Burlington, were last affiliated with the Premier Basketball League before folding. Owner Anthony Marques brings direct institutional knowledge to the venture, having served as a staff member under former Frost Heaves head coach Jeff Strohm.

The new franchise will call Barre Auditorium home, positioning central Vermont as the hub for professional basketball in the state. This location carries symbolic weight—Barre has deep basketball roots and represents a geographic shift from the Frost Heaves' Burlington base. The move reflects both the ABA's expansion strategy and local enthusiasm for professional sports in mid-Vermont communities that have lacked such opportunities in recent years.

Marques' appointment as owner suggests continuity with Vermont basketball's recent professional history. His previous role within the Frost Heaves organization provided him with operational insight into running a professional team in the state, understanding both the opportunities and challenges unique to Vermont's market. The transition from the Premier Basketball League to the ABA represents a structural change in the competitive landscape Vermont's professional basketball will operate within.

The Vermont Coyotes' launch comes as the ABA continues to expand its footprint across smaller markets. The league's willingness to establish a franchise in a state of Vermont's size underscores confidence in the region's basketball appetite and Marques' vision for the organization. Details regarding coaching staff, roster construction, and the full schedule remain to be announced as the team continues preparations for its inaugural season.