This past August, the Women’s Premier Basketball Association (WPBA) crowned its fourth champion, the Bay City Blaze. WISE SF Bay Area had the opportunity to connect with WPBA Founder, CEO, and Commissioner, Faatimah A., to discuss the league’s growth, the rise of women’s sports, and the role of organizations like WISE in amplifying their impact.
The mission of the WPBA is to “empower women through basketball by offering a professional platform where athletes can develop their skills, advance their careers, and inspire the next generation of female leaders.” The league currently features eight teams: the Alameda Wolves, Bay Area Phoenix, Bay City Blaze, Berkeley Royals, Hayward Reign, Oakland Swish, San Francisco Riptide, and Tech City Titans.
A former collegiate and professional basketball player, Faatimah competed in 12 countries across 5 continents and represented the Jamaican National Team. She founded the WPBA in 2022, creating the kind of space she wished had existed earlier in her own career.
“Creating sustainable opportunities in women’s sports has always been my passion,” says Faatimah. “Becoming a CEO isn’t just about leading a league—it’s about building a movement that gives women athletes the visibility, resources, and platform they deserve.”
According to a 2022 NCAA report, only 0.9% of women’s collegiate basketball players advance to professional play in the WNBA. With limited roster spots, many talented athletes are left on the sidelines or forced to continue their careers overseas. Leagues like the WPBA bridge that gap creating domestic opportunities for players while growing representation in professional women’s sports.
Beyond competition, the WPBA invests in the community through clinics, youth camps, and mentorship programs, giving young women the chance to connect directly with professional athletes. As visibility for women’s sports continues to surge, community support remains a crucial driver for sustained growth.
“Local communities can make a powerful impact by showing up—being loud in their support, buying tickets, attending games, and inspiring the next generation of girls to get involved,” Faatimah emphasizes.
Her message for the future of women’s basketball is clear:
“If we want women’s basketball to thrive long-term, we need consistent investment, consistent visibility, and consistent opportunities at every level.”
To learn more about the WPBA, visit www.womenspba.com and follow the league on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok.