HoopQueens, Toronto's inaugural paid women's sports league, launched in 2022, now features 40 athletes across four teams. Games take place at the University of Toronto, enhancing its visibility. Created by Keesa Koomalsingh, the league aims to support women's basketball careers after college and offers mentorship programs. Retaining local talent and avoiding overseas play is a primary goal. The league has experienced significant growth in a booming women's sports environment, reflecting increased viewership and investment opportunities in women's basketball, especially with substantial streaming deals making the sport more accessible.
"I'm really stepping back and witnessing and really soaking in that this is the impact that we're making," Koomalsingh told CBC Sports.
"We have built a true, authentic, genuine community that supports and has seen us grow from year one to now year five."
"That's the goal every year," Koomalsingh said. "How do we kind of get better and revolutionize women's basketball and the opportunities that it has here in Canada and across the world?"
Women's basketball alone has grown immensely in popularity, both the NCAA and WNBA are seeing increased viewership as big streaming deals improve accessibility and drive popularity.
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