5 years on, HoopQueens basketball league thrives on providing opportunity for female athletes
Five years after its inception, Toronto’s first-ever paid women’s sports league, HoopQueens, is thriving. Founded in 2022 by Keesa Koomalsingh, the league now boasts 40 athletes spread across four teams, playing their games at the University of Toronto. This upgrade from their original venue at Humber College signifies the growth and success the league has achieved over the years.
Koomalsingh, the brains behind HoopQueens, is proud of the impact the league has had on the community. She reflects on the journey and states, “I’m really stepping back and witnessing and really soaking in that this is the impact that we’re making. We have built a true, authentic, genuine community that supports and has seen us grow from year one to now year five.”
The goal of HoopQueens was to provide opportunities for women to continue their basketball careers post-education, and it has expanded to offer mentorship and professional development as well. Keeping homegrown basketball talent in Canada, rather than seeing them go overseas to play, is a core focus of the league.
The 2025 HoopQueens championship game will be streaming on CBC Sports Youtube Channel on Sunday at 4:30 p.m. ET, showcasing the talent and dedication of the players. The league has garnered support from partners like TikTok, Foot Locker, RedBull, Canada Basketball, and the CBC, highlighting the growing interest and investment in women’s sports.
The landscape of women’s basketball has evolved significantly since the launch of HoopQueens, with increased viewership in NCAA and WNBA games. Toronto’s addition of the WNBA franchise, Toronto Tempo, adds to the growing basketball hub in the city. Koomalsingh is excited about the opportunities this presents for young girls to aspire to professional basketball careers.
As HoopQueens continues to thrive, the community aspect remains a crucial element of its success. The upcoming championship game between the Reign and the Tide promises to be a historic event, showcasing the talent and determination of the players. The energy in the arena is palpable, as fans come together to support women’s basketball and witness history in the making.
