BWNL Women’s League Tips Off with an Exciting First Tournament in Cardiff

Basketball Wales marked a significant moment for the women’s game as the BWNL Women’s League officially tipped off with its first tournament at Sport Wales National Centre in Cardiff on Saturday, 22nd November. Running from 10 am to 6 pm, Tournament 1 showcased an exciting blend of competition, development, and community spirit, bringing together women’s teams from across the country for a full day of play.

The launch is a key part of Basketball Wales’ long-term vision to strengthen the female game, with the women’s league mirroring the structure of the wider BWNL pathway.

Across two tournaments—Cardiff in November and a second tournament at the Brailsford Centre, Bangor (date TBC)—teams compete in a round-robin format, with playoff fixtures also taking place during Tournament 2. The top two teams will earn their place at the BWNL Finals Day in April, setting the stage for an exciting finale.

Five-Year Development Plan

The Women’s League is a key part of Basketball Wales’ wider five-year plan to grow structured competition and support the women’s game across the country.

Years 1–3: Building Strong Foundations

• Focus on regular participation over results.
• A consistent format to help teams gain experience and stability.
• Low financial and logistical barriers to encourage growth.
• Identifying teams prepared for long-term involvement.

Year 4: Increasing Opportunities

• More tournaments with fewer games per event.
• Gradual increase in travel and commitment expectations.
• Stronger emphasis on planning and competition standards.

Year 5: Trial Full League

• A pilot home-and-away league, with each team playing every other team once.
• Balanced fixtures across the league.
• A season focused on assessing readiness, sustainability, and competitive balance.

Voices from the Court

Beth Jones | BWNL Women’s League Coordinator

“As League Coordinator for the BWNL Women’s division and Event Lead on the day, I was incredibly proud to see how our Women’s Tournament brought so many female players together from across Wales. One of our main goals this year is to create more opportunities for women to play, connect, and compete—and this event was a perfect example of what that looks like in action.

Seeing the arena filled with so many women, many meeting and playing alongside each other for the first time, created an atmosphere that was both exciting and genuinely uplifting. It highlighted the strength, passion, and potential within the women’s game and reinforced why providing these extra opportunities is so important.

It was also fantastic to see Welsh teams come together, support one another, and help build a more united and visible women’s community within the BWNL. Our media team captured the day brilliantly, and the teams’ engagement on social media is already helping us raise the profile of women’s participation across the league.

This tournament set a powerful tone for the year ahead, and I’m grateful to every player, coach, volunteer, and staff member who helped make this celebration of women’s basketball possible.”

Carys Evans | Coach of Aberystwyth Women’s Basketball

“Playing in the women’s BWNL tournament was a great experience for us. Being the only women’s team in mid Wales, we don’t get much opportunity to play other women’s teams so this for us was a great opportunity. 
Everyone enjoyed the day, being able to play so much Basketball was definitely tiring but also amazing!! It was great to meet new people, a brilliant opportunity to network and arrange some friendlies and catch up with some old friends. We can’t wait for the next one!”

Gavin Williams | Coo Basketball Wales

“The launch of the Basketball Wales National Women’s League is a proud moment that demonstrates our commitment to the future of the women’s game in Wales. This league supports the core aims of our new strategy—to strengthen pathways, enhance performance environments, and champion equality across our sport. It is an investment in our athletes, our communities, and the long-term success of basketball in Wales.”