Historic Launch of Jr. NBA Girls League at Saratoga Regional YMCA

A new chapter in youth sports began this week at the Saratoga Regional YMCA with the official kickoff of its first-ever Jr. NBA Girls League—a program already making a powerful impact on young athletes across the community.

Designed to provide a fun, competitive, and supportive environment, the league was created with one goal in mind: to give girls a space to play, grow, and thrive in the game of basketball. Inspired by the WNBA, the program focuses on building confidence, developing skills, and creating opportunities for girls to be part of something bigger than themselves.

The response has been overwhelming. In its first year, the league quickly filled, prompting the Y to open additional spots. Today, 120 girls are participating across three age groups:

• Six teams for ages 11–14, playing Mondays at 5, 6, and 7 p.m.
• Eight teams for ages 8–10, playing Thursdays at 5:30 and 6:30 p.m.
• Four teams for ages 6–7, playing Thursdays from 4:30–5:30 p.m.

For many players, this league represents something new and meaningful—the chance to compete alongside other girls, build friendships, and develop their skills in an environment designed just for them.

“This league gives girls the opportunity to play in a league where they can play with their friends and grow their skills as basketball players,” shared Coach Isley.

That sense of connection and growth is exactly what the Y hoped to create.

Parents are already seeing the difference.

“The Jr. NBA 3-on-3 Girls League at the Saratoga Springs YMCA is a great league to build skills, gain on-court fast-paced experience, and develop confidence in a supportive team environment that is a lot of fun. Our daughter loves it!” shared parent Jim L.

Beyond the games themselves, the impact is clear. By creating a space where girls can play together, the league allows for more involvement, more confidence-building moments, and more opportunities to develop both individually and as teammates.

This inaugural season marks more than just the start of a new program—it represents a commitment to expanding opportunities for girls in sports and strengthening the Y’s mission to support youth development for all.

At the Saratoga Regional YMCA, this is just the beginning.

To learning more about the Jr. NBA Girls League contact Kristi Savage at Kristi.Savage@srymca.org

For a full list of upcoming programs visit https://srymca.org/currentprogramsession