How to Start a Basketball League

Co-authored by Ryan Tremblay

Last Updated: June 14, 2022

Starting a basketball league is a relatively simple process that requires some simple organization and ability to recruit to players. This article will explain how to start a basketball league in your community or neighborhood.

1

Determine the type of league you want to start

Decide exactly what you want to do. Do you want it to be streetball? Or are you going to be in need of a gym?

2

Find a place to play.

You should try to contact your county or city and ask them if you could use the local gym at your nearest schools. Usually they'll allow it.^{[1]
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3

Decide on the size of the league.

1
Decide if you are going to have 1 division, or several. For example 7-8 year olds, 9-10 year olds, 11-12 year olds, ect.
2
Look for some volunteers who are also interested in what you are doing. try to get a minimum of 10. This will be your board.
- You then are going to need to hold meetings and discuss what you are going to have to do. You do need insurance, so you need to vote on getting this done.

4

Obtain registration forms.

You can hold signups at a gym and provide the forms there.^{[2]
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5

Create a website!

You can go to eteamz.com and get a website at a very low cost that specializes in basketball websites or you can go to hometeamsonline.com. Create a free league at PlayerMania.com, it also allows your players to network.^{[3]
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6

Look for sponsors.

Usually some of the parents of the kids have a business or something. Usually a local McDonalds or something will sponsor.

7

Hold a draft.

Draft all of the kids onto a team. Hold a special date to do this. Make it fair, though.^{[4]
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8

Create a schedule.

Usually schedule a minimum of 10 games in the season (such as once per Sunday and one during the week. Then you can schedule a tournament.

9

Look for a photographer.

They will take the pictures of all of the teams. Parents will love this.

10

Look for some volunteers for referees.

Or you can hire some. This will make the game more exciting.^{[5]
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11

Sell tickets

Alternatively, you could offer free admission. Congratulations, you now have a basketball league!

Expert Q&A

Question

What makes a successful basketball player?

Ryan Tremblay
Basketball Coach
Ryan Tremblay is a Basketball Coach and the Owner of National Sports ID and STACK Basketball. With over 30 years of experience, Ryan specializes in basketball coaching, social media marketing, and website design. Ryan created the National Sports ID as a platform to verify the age/grade of youth athletes and STACK Basketball to inspire young athletes to grow into mature individuals and basketball players. Ryan was a First Team All-Decade basketball player in Bergen County and finished in the top 20 all-time leading scorers in the county’s history with 1,730 points. He went on to Caldwell University on a basketball scholarship where he was part of three championship teams. Ryan was a two-time All-Metropolitan, All-State, and All-Conference point guard and the all-time three-point leader in the school’s history, landing him in the Caldwell University Athletic Hall of Fame.

Ryan Tremblay

Basketball Coach

Expert Answer

The best players I've coached are great listeners—beyond that, they're humble, win gracefully, and lose with respect. Ultimately, I believe good sportsmanship is key: it should be one of the top three of four traits of a high performing basketball player. If you can conduct yourself as an athlete, that will take you a long way. A great basketball also needs courage and dry: they should be doing the "dirty work": they're the vocal leader in a huddle and are an extension of the coach. They're also heavily invested in their sport: they dive on the floor for loose balls and are the hardest workers at the gym. Essentially, nothing will stop them from giving basketball their all.
Question

How do I get other teams to play against my basketball team?

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Community Answer

Ask to join a league. Join a local basketball league with your team. Apply until a league accepts your team.
Question

What is the average cost for a team registration for a tournament?

Community Answer

In my experience, the cost would be between $250 to $300 for a tournament with at least two games. For a league, you might have to pay $75 to $100 per player. (Some leagues will give you a family discount for two or more siblings.)