The end of the previous era was marked with the first-ever NBA broadcast deal for the 1953-54 season (Fischer, 2024). The beginning of this era is marked by the birth of the longest-lasting dynasty in NBA history. 

The Boston Celtics catapulted to dominance during the 1956-57 season winning the championship through key contributions from rookie Bill Russell and veteran guard play by Bob Cousy. This championship began a dynasty that won 11 championships from 1955 to 1969 (Reynolds, 2010).

Also featured during this era was the birth of one of the NBA's first rivalries between two of the biggest monoliths of the game, Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell. Chamberlain dominated the league statistically but Russell dominated accolades and championships. 

There were also other great stars during the turn of the first era that continued into the second, including Bob Pettit.