The Rome Gladiators, based in Rome, Georgia are a third year franchise in the World Basketball Association, and have one of the most high profile owners in minor league basketball, Theo Ratliff.

2004

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The Gladiators floundered in their first season, finishing a dismal 6–14. The team went through three different owners, and was at one point owned by the league itself. In May of 2004, the Gladiators were bought by current owner Theo Ratliff. Ratliff retained coach Harold Ellis, and kept the team in Rome.

2005

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Once again coached by Harold Ellis, the Gladiators won their first nine games before being stopped by the WBA's other powerhouse, the Mississippi HardHats, in a 120–115 loss. The Gladiators then went on another nine game winning streak, before being brought down by both the Magic City Court Kings and the Gulf Coast Bandits. The team finished 21–3 in the regular season, and defeated the HardHats in the championship game. The Glads were led in scoring by Darryl "MaJic" Dorsey, who won the WBA's player of the year award as well, scoring 23 points per game, was first team all-WBA along with Edmund Saunders. Harvey Thomas made second team all-WBA, and Jamario Moon made fourth team all WBA, and was named to the all-defensive team. Ellis received coach of the year. The team was so successful that the city of Rome threw a parade to honor the champs.

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