Oakland Woman Launches Developmental Basketball League for WNBA Hopefuls

Faatimah Amen-Ra A's Women's Premier Basketball Association provides a pathway for young women to reach the professional ranks.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Faatimah Amen-Ra A, an Oakland resident, has founded the Women's Premier Basketball Association (WPBA), a developmental league aimed at helping young women achieve their dreams of playing in the WNBA. The league, now in its fifth year, has provided a platform for players to showcase their skills and get noticed by professional scouts.

Why it matters

The WPBA is helping to address the lack of opportunities for young women in basketball, particularly those who may not be top draft picks. By creating a league where players can improve and gain exposure, Amen-Ra A is working to diversify the WNBA and create more pathways for underrepresented communities to reach the professional level.

The details

Amen-Ra A, a former basketball player in Mexico, was inspired to start the WPBA after recognizing the challenges faced by young women who aspire to play in the WNBA but don't have a clear path to get there. The league, based in Oakland, provides a platform for players to showcase their skills, receive coaching, and connect with potential professional teams.

  • The WNBA season is set to start in May 2026.
  • The WPBA is scheduled to tip off in June 2026, a month after the WNBA season begins.

The players

Faatimah Amen-Ra A

The founder of the Women's Premier Basketball Association, a developmental league aimed at helping young women achieve their dreams of playing in the WNBA.

Chad Lindstrom

The senior marketing director for Baden Sports, a sponsor of the WPBA who was impressed by Amen-Ra A's vision for the league.

Sean Allen

The president of the Silicon Valley-San Jose branch of the NAACP, who believes the WPBA is creating a system to generate trans-generational wealth in Black and Brown communities.

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What they’re saying

“I really wanted to put the Bay on the map as much as possible.”

— Faatimah Amen-Ra A, Founder, Women's Premier Basketball Association (ktvu.com)

“After one Zoom call talking about her league and her vision for her league, I was hooked.”

— Chad Lindstrom, Senior Marketing Director, Baden Sports (ktvu.com)

“We need positive role models in our culture and in our communities.”

— Sean Allen, President, Silicon Valley-San Jose NAACP (ktvu.com)

What’s next

The WNBA season is set to start in May 2026, and the WPBA is scheduled to tip off a month later in June 2026.

The takeaway

The WPBA is creating a pathway for young women to reach the WNBA, providing a platform for players to showcase their skills and gain exposure. By investing in the development of underrepresented communities, Amen-Ra A is working to diversify the professional ranks and inspire the next generation of basketball players.