How to Join a Basketball League as an Adult

The best way to join a basketball league depends on whether you already have a team. At DBA, you can register a full team or sign up as a free agent. If you can't commit to a season, you can play as a sub.

DBA, the Disciples Basketball Association, is a men's basketball league in Winnipeg. Fall 5v5 is underway, so the next season you can join is Winter 3v3. Registration for Winter 3v3 closes December 4.

1Choose the season you want to play

DBA plays four seasons a year, with 5v5 in fall and spring and 3v3 in winter and summer.

Fall 2026 has eight teams and runs 11 games plus playoffs. A 3v3 roster needs 4 to 5 players, and a 5v5 roster needs 7 to 10. If you have a smaller group, Winter 3v3 is the easier place to start, and our 3x3 league page explains the format.

2Register your team or register on your own

There are two ways to register:

• On our website
• By messaging us on Instagram

Already have a team? Your captain can register your team with these details:

• Team name
• Roster
• Captain's phone number
• The season you want to play

3Check the fees before you register

DBA is affordable. Each Fall 5v5 team plays 11 games plus playoffs. In Winter 3v3, teams play a full season plus playoffs. A free agent gets a spot on a team for the season, and jerseys are extra and optional.

See the current fees for teams, free agents and jerseys before you register your team. To compare DBA with other leagues in Winnipeg, see our post on basketball league cost.

4Register as a free agent if you don't have a team

You don't need a team to play. When you register as a free agent, include your name, the season and the position you play.

We place free agents on teams that need players and confirm your team before the season starts.

5Join the sub list if you can't play every week

If your schedule doesn't allow a full season, join the sub list. When a team is short a player, we contact subs on Instagram, usually the day before the game.

Subbing is also a way to try the league before you register for a season.

6After you reach out to us, we will confirm your registration

You'll hear back from us within two days. If you don't, reach out again. There are no drop-ins and spots are limited each season, so register early.

After you register:

1. We confirm your registration and send payment details
2. Your team pays by e-transfer before the first game
3. Each player signs a waiver at registration
4. We update the game schedule on our website and Instagram

This fall, we held a media day on October 9 at Archwood Community Centre. Media day runs every season.

7Games are on Monday and Friday nights at two gyms

DBA games are streamed live on our YouTube channel and saved as replays for family and friends to watch later. After each game, we post the player of the game on Instagram.

8Watch a DBA game before you register

If you want to join a basketball league as an adult and haven't played competitively since high school, it helps to see the level first. DBA has eight teams and no divisions, so every team plays at the same level.

Watch a full game from this fall on our YouTube channel. To see a higher level in person, the city also has Sea Bears, Bisons and Wesmen games. If you're still unsure, play a few games as a sub before you register for a season.

Spring 5v5 is the next option if winter is full

Reach out to us after the winter deadline, and we'll let you know if a spot is still open. If winter is full, you can sub during the winter and register for Spring 5v5 when registration opens.