In 1979, after several years on the professional circuit and with numerous titles under his belt, Terry ?Texas Terry? Bell developed an idea for a centrally controlled nationwide amateur pool organization. Bell joined forces with Larry ?The Iceman? Hubbart, who was also competing on the professional circuit. Together they founded the American Poolplayers Association, Inc. (APA) in 1981 to act as the sanctioning body of the League. Members participate in annual 8- and 9-ball championships, pay a yearly membership fee to the APA and pay a weekly fee to the League Operator (franchisee) each time they play. As of 2018, the company operates 317 franchises worldwide.
