Frequently Asked Questions

1. 1.When does the season begin?
   

The season begins in October and runs through the beginning of February. We will have several open gym weekends for players and other interested in the league during Sundays leading up to the season.

2. 2.When are games played?
   

Games are played on Sunday afternoons and early evenings.

3. 3.Where are games played?
   

Our courts are at Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center in South Minneapolis. The address is 4055 Nicollet Ave. S.

4. How many games do you play?

Each team plays about 12 games in a given season, not including playoff games. Playoffs begin the Sunday immediately following the regular season. **Note: Players must play in at least eight regular-season games to be eligible for the playoffs.

5. 5.How many skill levels are there?
   

Our league is open to all skill-levels, from beginners to advanced players. Currently, there is only one division for all skill levels, including men and women.

6. 6.How are teams picked?
   

In order to ensure a competitive and balanced league, teams are chosen through a draft system by league captains before the season begins.

7. 7.How much does it cost to play?
   

Player fees to cover the costs of courts, jerseys, referees and other expenses are determined each year based on the number of participants in the league. The player fee for the 2009-2010 season was roughly $65.

8. Do teams have practices?

We find that generally teams do not arrange practices, but this option is open to teams based on player interest.

9. 9.Does the league hold events outside of weekly games?
   

Yes! We generally hold several fundraiser events over the course of the season to raise money and support for the league. These events include a league kick-off party at The Saloon where team breakdowns are announced and a season-end party where league winners are given their awards. We also host an annual 3-on-3 basketball tournament at the Loring Park courts during the Minneapolis-St. Paul Pride Festival.

10. Do you have to be gay to play in the league?

Absolutely not. The Unity Basketball League fosters an athletic environment free of discrimination for members and friends of the GLBT community. We have plenty of straight players who have been long-time members of our league.

11. Can I play if the season has already started?

Maybe. If, during the season, teams are need of additional players, it is possible to pick up new players mid-season. The registration fee will be adjusted based on the number of remaining games. Contact Erik Borg at unitybb@gmail.com or (612) 717-6528 to see if any teams are in need of additional players.

12. How do I sign up to play?

You can click on the link in the upper right-hand corner of this page to register for the league, or contact Erik Borg at unitybb@gmail.com to be added to our mailing list. You can also attend our pre-season open gyms beginning in September to determine if you’d like to play. Also, look for our booth near the Loring Park basketball courts during the Minneapolis-St. Paul Pride Festival each June.