When was the Austin Gay Basketball League formed?

The league was formed in April of 2010 -- the first season of the league in Texas commenced on September 23, 2010. The AGBL received our 501 (C)(3) status on May 15, 2011.

Why was the league formed?

In 2010, Brad Hayden, Brent Garza, Eric Moffett, Ryan Machala, and Josh Guan noticed that the city of Austin had a number of athletic teams in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community interested in playing basketball but did not offer a structured basketball league that catered to the LGBT community. Thus, they took it upon themselves to create Austin's first official gay basketball league, which turned out to be the first of its kind in the state of Texas. Our mission is to create a welcoming environment for all people who are interested in playing basketball, building friendships, and giving back to the Austin's community while building an athletic environment free of discrimination. Our league would not have been made possible without our volunteers, sponsors, and most importantly, our players.

Where are games held?

All league games are currently played at the St. Michael Athletic Center located at 3000 Barton Creek blvd

How many levels of play are there?

The number varies depending on the number of players and level of experience. Currently, AGBL offers three divisions:

• Co-ed Recreational (Beginner to Novice:  Social & Fun)
• Co-ed Competitive (Intermediate:  More Serious Competition)
• Co-ed Advanced (Skilled:  Highly Athletic & Experienced)

What days are games held?

Our Winter Season games are currently being played on Friday nights from 7-9 pm.  Our Summer Season games are currently being played on Thursday nights from 7-9pm.

Are there games on other nights?

Not at the present time.

I don't know that much about the game, can I still participate?

Absolutely. Beginners are always welcome. AGBL offers recreational open plays throughout the year. Check the website or our Facebook Events Page for the Open Play schedule.

Is there a beginner's clinic?

AGBL offers basketball clinics for beginners prior to the start of each league season. 

How are the teams picked?

For every season AGBL hosts online registration where players sign up as Free Agents.  All new players to the league attend a required Ratings Session prior to the season start to confirm skill ability. Team captains will then draft players onto their teams based upon each player's skill and registration requests. Teams are divided into 3 skill-level divisions:  Advanced, Competitive, & Recreational. AGBL strives to ensure a balanced league, where all divisions have the appropriate players playing in them in order to create the most fun and balanced playing environment.

Are there playoffs?

Yes. At the conclusion of each season, the teams battle it out in Season Playoffs to win their division championship.

Is there "Open Play" game/practice?

Yes, AGBL currently hosts Open Play in the gymnasium on the 2nd floor of the First United Methodist Church Family Life Center at 13th Street and Lavaca St. about 2-3 nights per month. The league does ask for a $2 donation, which is donated to the church for the use of the gym. You can check the website or our Facebook Page Event section to see the schedule for Open Play and upcoming events.

First United Methodist Church Family Life Center, 2nd Floor Gymnasium
1300 Lavaca St. (across from the old Charlie's)

Free parking across the street in the parking garage across 13th Street from the Family Life Center.

AGBL is always looking for a gym the league can use exclusively for its players on a regular basis, and occasionally the league will rent a gym for open play use. Please join the league's mailing list to be notified of the next open play or see the schedule in the calendar on the website. Send an email to info@agbl.org for more information.

Are there practice sessions? 

There are no league-wide practice sessions scheduled. The AGBL can help your team secure a practice gym.

How much does it cost to participate?

The cost of each season is different due to changing variables such as the number of players, the number of sponsors, length of the season, and the court costs. Our most recent season saw a player fee of $60 per player.

How many seasons do you play?

The league is in session for two seasons: Winter & Summer. All league seasons are tentative based on gym availability.

Are there "Meet the League" events?

Yes. Ever so often AGBL will host a social event at establishments around Austin. Stop by the main page from time to time to for more details on our "AGBL Socials" events or like the league's Facebook Page or Instagram Page

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.  Our mission statement also explicitly states that the AGBL reaches out to the community's straight allies. We also promote positive values in the community and will fight to eliminate negative stereotypes associated with LGBT athletics.

How does one become a sponsor of a team?

The teams are sponsored by a number of businesses around Austin. To inquire about sponsorship and its benefits, send an email to info@atxgbl.org for more information.