The Eastern States American Basketball League was formed in 1948, featuring 16 semi-pro teams split into two divisions. As seemed to be the case with most smaller semi-pro leagues, some teams were very successful at the gate while others faltered and failed to finish the season. After the inaugural season, the Eastern States League would re-organize as the Penn-Maryland League and run two more years before folding.
Northern Division
- Chambersburg Cardinals
- Hanover AA
- Harrisburg Modern Army and Navy
- Letterkenny / Scotland Generals
- McSherrystown Knights of Columbus
- Progress Susquehanna Boosters
- Steelton Friendly Tavern Five
- York Howard Cleaners
Southern Division
- Alexandria WASCO
- Frederick Moose
- Greencastle VFW
- Hagerstown Fairchild Aircraft Packets
- Martinsburg Legionnaires
- Rockville Stars
- Waynesboro VFW
- Winchester Royals
