Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When was the Gay Basketball League formed?
The league was formed in the Fall of 2006. 2. Why was the league formed? In 2006, a group of sports enthusiasts noticed that New York City had a number of athletic teams for those in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community but yet no structured basketball league. Thus, they took it upon themselves to create New York's first official gay basketball league. 3. Where are games held? Men's Division plays at the Field House at Chelsea Piers, Pier 61 at West 23rd Street in Manhattan. Take any subway to 23rd Street, then the M23 bus to the end of the line.
Women's Division plays at the Secondary School for Law, Journalism & Research in Brooklyn (237 7th Avenue between 4th & 5th Streets, Brooklyn, NY. Take the F train to 7th Ave. in Park Slope. 4. How many levels are there. There are four divisions, Men's A & B, and Women's A & B. Division A is for the more competitive/advanced player. Division B is for recreational/intermediate and beginner player.
5. What days are games held? Men's Division games will be on Sundays from 5pm-8pm.
Women's Division games will be on Saturdays from 11am-4pm. 6. Are there games on other nights? Not at the present time. 7. I don't know that much about the game, can I still participate? Absolutely. Beginners are always welcome, as are players of all experience. 8. Is there a beginner's clinic? Coming soon. There will be a beginner's clinic as soon as we have enough beginners to make it cost-effective for us to rent court space and hire a coach. If you're interested in getting on our growing list, please email us at
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. 9. How are the teams picked? When people convey interest in playing with the league they are initially asked their skill level. They are all then asked to play in an assessment game. There, league captains can get a sense for skill levels. Players are then chosen through a draft system by the league captains before the league begins. In order to keep the teams even, advanced players are placed in Division A; while recreational, intermediate and beginner level players are placed on Division B teams. 10. Are there playoffs? Yes. At the conclusion of each season the teams battle it out in playoffs to win their division championship. 11. Is there a women's league? You betcha! If you are interested in playing in the Women's league send an email to
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. 12. Is there open play? From time to time. Please join our mailing list to be notified. Send an email to
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. 13. Are there practice sessions? Unfortunately, there aren't practice sessions scheduled. 14. How much does it cost to participate? Each season is different based on the number of players and sponsors. Men's Division ranges between $150 and $175. Women's Division ranges between $100 and $125. 15. How many seasons do you play? The league is in session for two seasons; Fall and Spring. Fall season starts in September. Spring season starts in March. 16. Are there "Meet the League" events? Yes. Ever so often we will host a "Meet the League" night at establishments around New York City. Stop by the main page from time to time to for more details on our "Meet the League" events. 17. Do you have to be gay to play in the league? No. The league fosters an athletic environment free of discrimination for members and friends of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community. It also promotes positive values in our community and will fight to eliminate negative stereotypes associated with LGBT athletics. 18. How does one become a sponsor of a team? They teams are sponsored by a number of businesses around New York City. To inquire about sponsorship and its benefits, send an email to
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. 19. Who is on the Board of Directors of the NYC Gay Basketball League? Officers & Board Members
Rachel Nord, Women's Commissioner
Michael Kokell, Men's Commissioner
Burnie Du Rant, Jr., B Vice Commissioner
Fritz Maier, Secretary Jeff Kagan, Treasurer Casey Cormier, Board Member Fred Gonzalez, Board Member Caroline Hoang, Board Member Marc Pelka, Board Member Minjo Ro, Board Member
Geoffrey Schenker, Board Member 20. Who do I contact to sign up? Send us an email at
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with your contact details and we'll provide you with more information. | 
