WNBA action started this past week. While fans celebrated the return of their favorite teams, they also lamented the absence of some players who were cut as teams finalized their rosters. Yet, not making squads composed of the world’s best ballers doesn’t spell the end of their hoop dreams.
In 2022, Faatimah A founded the Women’s Premier Basketball Association (WPBA) as a developmental league to help female players launch and advance their professional careers.
“Our goal is…to be developing players that will one day be able to play in the WNBA or other top-tier leagues around the world,” said Faatimah. “We’ve been able to send more than 80 athletes overseas to further their careers. … We try our best to consult with our players and develop them so that they’re able to build longevity within their careers when they get their opportunities.”
The WPBA will have an eight-week season played in Northern California starting June 8. There are eight teams in the league with 12 players each. In the past, players did not receive a salary but did compete for a monetary purse at the end-of-season tournament. This season, there will be a revenue-sharing model between ticket sales and streaming.
Players come from around the U.S. The league has chosen to play concurrently with the WNBA season to provide a place for players who get cut to come and hone their skills. It is also a spot for recent college graduates, players who’ve played overseas, and international players to continue to develop.
“There are some players coming from overseas that are looking to kind of rate their value so they can be seen as more viable assets for teams,” said Faatimah, who has played internationally. “We are looking at other innovative leagues, like Athletes Unlimited and Unrivaled. I love what they’re doing because it’s showing us that more leagues in this space are able to provide extra opportunities for players to develop.”
Last year, a group of players took on teams from Argentina, Colombia, and Chile. Also, a team from New Zealand came for a scrimmage.
The WPBA has a non-profit arm and will be holding a benefit in San Jose, California on May 23. WNBA veterans Chasity Melvin and Erica McCall will be in attendance, as well as women’s sports personality Ari Chambers. Faatimah looks forward to spotlighting the mission of empowering girls and women through basketball. “Our goal is to provide more resources to the youth in our community,” she said.