🏀 West Bearden Basketball Rec League Information

Known as the WBBL, this league has been a staple in youth basketball in Knoxville for over 50 years, recognized as one of the top youth sports organizations in the Southeast.

• Known for great sportsmanship and high-quality competition.
• Every player makes a team and plays in each game.
• Teams are structured by skill level to ensure fair and competitive matchups.
• Led by exceptional staff and coaches focused on player development.
• Accepts fully established teams into the league.

📅 Season Overview

• Evaluations: Early October
• Teams Finalized: By Halloween
• Practices & Games Begin: November
• Season Duration: November – January
• Game Days: Typically on Saturdays (8:45 AM – 7:00 PM)
• Practices: At least once per week, with some teams opting for two.
• Championship Tournament: The season ends with a bracket-style tournament in late January.

📍 Locations

Most games are played in large gyms—typically high schools or middle schools in Knoxville—with plenty of seating.

Some practices and games may be held outside of West Knoxville, so travel may be required.

Click here for a full list of gym locations & directions.

💲 Cost & Registration

• Spectators: FREE admission to all games.
• Evaluation Fee: None!
• Player Fee: $290 per child (includes WBBL jersey).
• Discounts: A sibling discount is available.
• Payment Plans: Offered with a small additional installment fee.

 

📖 Boys & Girls Leagues by Age

Ages as of September 1 of the current year:

League	Format
5/6 year olds (PNT)	3-on-3 half court | 8ft goal | 6-minute quarters | Running clock
7/8 year olds (INST & INST GO)	5-on-5 full court | 8ft or 9ft goal | 8-minute quarters | Clock stops for free throws
9/10 year olds (TR & TR GO)	5-on-5 full court | 9ft or 10ft goal | 8-minute quarters | Clock stops for free throws
Boys 11/12 & Girls 11-13 (JV & JV GO)	5-on-5 full court | 10ft goal | 8-minute quarters | Clock stops for free throws
Boys 13/14 (VAR)	5-on-5 full court | 10ft goal | 8-minute quarters | Clock stops for free throws
Boys 15-18 & Girls 14-18 (HS & HS GO)	5-on-5 full court | 10ft goal | 16-minute halves | Clock stops for free throws

League Stats:

• Each age group averages 30 teams (fewer for 5-6 year olds and girls' divisions).
• Over 200 teams  and 1,900 athletes participate each season.
• Girls' divisions are some of the largest in Knoxville.
• Teams rarely repeat opponents during the season.

🏀 October WBBL Rec League Evaluation Nights

All players must register in advance and attend one evaluation night to be placed on a team unless already on a full team.

Location: KAEC (5719 Kingston Pike)

Age as of 9/1/2025

IMPORTANT:

Registration lines open at the designated start time of each age group.

Arrive any time during your age group’s time slot to be evaluated, but do not arrive any later than 10 minutes prior to your evaluation end time.

Once on the court, evaluations should take roughly 10 minutes.

All players make a team - this is not a tryout, but rather a chance to see what skills/basketball IQ the player has. 

Event	Dates	Times
Evaluation Nights	September 30 - October 2	5:15 - 6:00 pm: Boys & Girls 5-6 Year Olds (COED PNT League) 6:00 - 6:45 pm: Boys & Girls 7-8 Year Olds (INST & INST GO Leagues) 6:45 - 7:30 pm: Boys & Girls 9-10 Year Olds (TR & TR GO Leagues) 7:30 - 8:15 pm: Boys 11-12 Year Olds (JV League) Girls 11-13 Year Olds (JV GO League) 8:15 - 8:45 pm: Boys 13-14 Year Olds (VAR League) 8:45 - 9:00 pm: Boys 15-18 Year Olds (HS League) Girls 14-18 Year Olds (HS GO League)
Make-up Evaluation	October 8	Same schedule as above
Full Team Registration Due	October 13	N/A
Players Hear from Coach	October 31	N/A

🏀 2025 November - January WBBL Basketball Season Calendar

Event	Dates
Practices Begin	November 1
WBBL Day at Dick's Sporting Goods	November 1
First Game Day	November 8
Game Day	November 15
Game Day	November 22
Thanksgiving Break	November 26 - 30 (No Games or Practices)
Practices Resume	December 1 - 5
Game Day & Picture Day	December 6
Game Day & Make-up Picture Day	December 13
Game Day	December 23
Holiday Break	December 21 - January 3 (No Games or Practices)
Practices Resume	January 4 - 9
Game Day	January 10
MLK Day (No Practices in Public School Gyms)	January 19
Championship Tournament Semifinals	January 17
Championship Tournament Finals	January 25