• Leagues & Organizations

This is an adult basketball league for queer women (cis and trans), non-binary and queer positive female allies to play officiated recreational basketball.
We are an adult, volunteer-run, non-profit recreational women’s basketball league in Toronto that is meant to create a safe and positive environment for participants of all levels and experiences to enjoy the game of basketball. The Rainbow Hoops League was organized by a group of women in the fall of 1996. We are official members of the Ontario Basketball Association and receive all the benefits of membership, including league insurance and access to official referees.

We strive to promote respect for one another, fair play and, most of all, fun! Keeping league play a positive experience for everyone is why the league is so successful and why it is in such demand by players of all skill levels.

Our hope is to make all players feel welcome and be encouraged to gain and improve their skills on the court. People join Rainbow Hoops to play and learn basketball, meet new people, contribute to their fitness, and have fun. We hope to continue to provide a basketball league where these distinct reasons and different skill levels coexist, and where respect is given to all players and officials.

OUR HISTORY

The league began with a group of lesbian women in 1996 as a pickup game on a word-of-mouth basis and quickly grew. There are many players each year on teams designed to be competitive against one another and balance experienced and less experienced players to work in tandem. From ex-university players to absolute novices, all players are encouraged to participate, learn the game, or hone their skills.

At Rainbow Hoops, players can come out with friends, participate in social events, help run clinics, hang out and watch, meet other basketball players… the opportunities for Saturday nights are endless!

In a city the size of Toronto, we are happy that Rainbow Hoops has been able to grow and accommodate queer women from all over the city, becoming a part of the fabric of the queer community beyond simply providing an outlet for sport.