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Women’s basketball needs support
May 07, 2025
Angelee LaTouche, coordinator for the Women's National Basketball League (WNBL), said the competition will need financial support from corporate Jamaica if they are to create a sustainable league for women's basketball.
"One of the main constraints that we're facing is our financing. Where there are no resources, then nothing can happen and we know nothing can happen without money," said LaTouche.
The WNBL tipped off on Sunday with four teams set to compete for the national title.
LaTouche said the league is in a rebuilding phase as this year is only their second staging after an almost 10-year hiatus.
She said during the league's absence, women's basketball had lost its supportive community, which they are now working to regain.
"I believe if we can get more financial resources or help, then we can get the girls back to where we were before but right now, we have to be piggybacking off the men's league and their assistance for exposure," she explained.
"When I was playing basketball in Jamaica, that is around 2004 and 2005, we had a steady and healthy fanbase. However, it's clear after a lengthy time of inaction, you will lose that fanbase."
However, despite the lack of support, LaTouche is pleased to see the number of athletes who are interested in competing in the league.
The WNBL coordinator explained that despite only fielding four teams, the league has an excess of 60 players who are ready to take to the court.
The only issue they face with fielding their players is due to availability on their various match days.
"Currently we have around 60 players who are in the league but not all of them have been placed on a team because of availability," she said.
"We do have more than 12 players for each team. It is just a matter of availability of players that makes the league smaller. If we can get all our players coming out, then we'd have more teams based on the interest we've seen."
LaTouche believes the support of corporate Jamaica could help in their competition and help develop top talents who are able to transition to the national team.
Until then, the league is committed to provide as best a platform for Jamaica's players as possible.
