The franchise played its first season as the New Jersey Americans in the ABA 's inaugural campaign of 1967 - 68 .
The franchise moved to Long Island the following season and rechristened itself the New York Nets .
The franchise played its first season as the New Jersey Americans in the ABA 's inaugural campaign of 1967 - 68 , but moved to Long Island the following season and rechristened itself the New York Nets .