Toronto is home to Canada’s only women’s professional basketball league, and it’s called HoopQueens. Launched by Nakissa “Keesa K.” Koomalsingh in 2020, HoopQueens started as a mission to bridge the gap between youth sports and pro hoops. Keesa, a former university player driven by a vision to see more Black women in leadership roles, created something big, and inclusive from the ground up.
Building an Ecosystem
From day one, Keesa has believed that to grow the sport, you need community-focused systems. That’s why HoopQueens isn’t just a league, it’s an ecosystem of opportunity, offering free youth clinics, skill development programs for girls aged 4–14, scholarships, and adult summer leagues. Thanks to a generous $20,000 legacy fund in honour of William Young called the William Young Growth Fund, budding players have received tangible support to follow their dreams.
First Paid League in Canada
In 2022, HoopQueens made history by launching Canada’s first paid women’s basketball league, with four teams and ten players each. The inaugural summer league, held at Toronto Metropolitan University, created a platform for elite U SPORTS and CCAA athletes to keep playing, growing, and shining.
By offering compensation, HoopQueens filled a long-standing gap in Canadian basketball, giving women athletes the respect, visibility, and opportunity they deserve. It wasn’t just about the game , it was about investing in talent, and proving there’s a market and community for professional women’s hoops in Canada.
Run by Women, for Women
What makes HoopQueens special is its backbone: a predominantly female staff and crew, bringing lived experience, cultural insight, and passion to every aspect of the game—from officiating to marketing . Keesa didn’t just build a league, she fostered a sisterhood, where alumna become mentors, and representation sparks possibility.
Big Dreams, Big Partners
HoopQueens Season 4 tipped-off on June 8th, showcasing Ontario’s top female hoopers live, supported by a Nike sponsorship that elevates the league with gear, visibility, and legitimacy. @DJShannynHill kept the energy pumping courtside. All of this combined, you’ve got more than sport, you’ve got a culture fest for anyone who loves basketball and community.
Why HoopQueens Matters
- Representation: Young Black and Indigenous girls see themselves in elite athletes, coaches, and staff, changing the narrative of who belongs in sports.
- Empowerment Beyond the Court: Their “She’s Got Next” workshops and Scholar Athletes program teach leadership, networking, and confidence, setting players up for success on and off the floor.
- Community Impact: When fans cheer on HoopQueens, they’re supporting a vision. One that lifts women up, grows sport locally, and plants seeds for Canada’s women’s basketball future.
HoopQueens S4 week 1 is already in the books, 4 more weeks to go! Check out this recap!
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or curious newcomer, HoopQueens is proof that high-level women’s hoops with purpose isn’t just a See you courtside!
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