Respect the game
Our mission is clear: to set a new standard for women’s basketball in Canada. As the creators of Canada’s first paid women’s basketball league, we’re dedicated to creating meaningful opportunities for women and girls through the power of the game.
At HOOPQUEENS, we believe in creating equitable opportunities, building strong community connections, and showcasing the talent and dedication of women in the sport. We are committed to breaking barriers and ensuring that female athletes receive the recognition, resources, and respect they deserve.
From elite competition to grassroots development, we provide the resources, opportunities, and visibility needed to elevate the game. Whether you’re an aspiring young hooper, a professional athlete, or a fan of the sport, HOOPQUEENS is where women’s basketball thrives.
We don’t wait for opportunities — we create them.
Our story
It started with a simple, stubborn belief: that women's basketball in Canada deserved more — more visibility, more investment, more respect. So we built it ourselves.
From the first workshop to Canada's first paid women's league, HOOPQUEENS grew out of community and conviction. A founder-led movement built from the ground up, every game, every clinic, and every drop is a step toward a future where the women's game is celebrated — and the next generation of girls never has to ask for a seat at the table.
Our journey
HOOPQUEENS was founded as a safe space for female athletes to play and connect through our organized pick-up runs.
We expanded our programming to include Jr. HOOPQUEENS, offering structured development for young athletes — and gave out our first HOOPQUEENS education scholarship.
We launched the HOOPQUEENS Summer League, officially introducing a professional, competitive platform for women’s basketball in Canada.
SZN 2 introduced professional development workshops for coaches, officials, and athletes to showcase the growth on and off the court.
We strengthened partnerships with organizations, corporations, and community groups to expand resources and opportunities for our athletes.
We are introducing a Front Office structure and a new “Elam Ending” final-target-score format.
Our why
“We didn’t wait for permission. We built the space we wished existed — for us.”
I grew up loving this game — and seeing how often it overlooked the women who play it. HOOPQUEENS is the answer I wished existed: a place where girls and women are seen, paid, and celebrated for their talent. From a single safe space to play, we’ve grown into a movement — and we’re only getting started.
— Keesa K, Founder & CEO
The HoopQueens approach
We’re inspiring a global shift in the way women’s basketball is viewed, celebrated, and supported — building a pathway that carries talent from the playground to the pro stage.
What we do
Our flagship league brings together top-tier talent, offering competitive play and financial support for female athletes.
A skills and development program for young athletes (ages 4–14), ensuring the future of women’s basketball remains bright.
With the help of our partners, we provide educational and skill-building workshops focused on personal and professional development for coaches and athletes.
What drives us
We put women’s basketball in the spotlight — elevating athletes who have long gone unseen.
We celebrate talent loudly, building a culture where the women’s game is the main event.
As Canada’s first paid women’s league, we ensure athletes are paid for their talent.
Jr. HoopQueens develops girls ages 4–14, growing the game from the ground up.
Workshops, partners, and fans come together to build something bigger than basketball.
We’re building a legacy, breaking barriers, and inspiring the next generation.
Moments
Founder & CEO
Keesa K is the founder and CEO of HOOPQUEENS, the organization that started Canada’s first professional women’s basketball league. A former varsity athlete, her exposure to inequity in women’s sports fuelled a passion for improving the reality of women athletes in Canada — and a need for safe spaces that celebrate and elevate the women’s game.
Under her leadership, HOOPQUEENS has become a leading advocate for gender equality in basketball, offering skills-development programs and off-the-court opportunities — tools, resources, and mentorship to help players at any point in their journey.
“I’m on a mission to change the narrative of women in sport — and inspire women everywhere to confidently create their own lane.”
Community voices
HOOPQUEENS gave me a stage I never thought existed for women’s basketball in Canada — and a community that feels like family.
— HoopQueens Athlete
My daughter found her confidence — and her crew — at Jr. HOOPQUEENS.
— Jr. HoopQueens Parent
This is so much bigger than basketball. It’s a movement, and you can feel it in the building.
— Community Partner
Community quotes shown as placeholders — ready to swap in real testimonials.
The team
Our founding sponsor
After William Young’s passing in 2021, his daughter, Meghan Yuri Young, found a meaningful way for his legacy to live on — donating his estate, a $20,000 fund, to support HOOPQUEENS. This generous act ensures her father’s impact will continue to inspire and empower the next generation of athletes.
In his honour, the HOOPQUEENS championship trophy is named the William Young Trophy — symbolizing excellence, perseverance, and the lasting impact of his legacy.
Break barriers and inspire the next generation of hoopers with HoopQueens.