Upside

Women’s professional basketball league reaching new heights in Puerto Rico

La Liga Baloncesto Superior Nacional Femenino, or BSNF, is on the rise and reaching new heights.

In a story that stretches back to the founding of the women’s professional basketball league in Puerto Rico some 50 years ago, the BSNF has played out somewhat in the shadow of the Baloncesto Superior Nacional, or the BSN, as the top-level men’s basketball league on the island is known. 

The BSN surged in popularity as a growing number of Puerto Rico´s elite athletes opted to shine on hardwood courts and interest was further fueled by the “import” of ex NBA players or G-League players into the BSN to round out rosters loaded with local favorites.

But what is becoming clear is that the ever-growing number of hoops fans in Puerto Rico is translating into solid fan bases for the women’s and men’s professional leagues, both of which are overseen by the Puerto Rico Basketball Federation. But it didn’t come easy for the BSNF as the increase in attention and support wasn’t simply a positive spillover from the healthy appetite for basketball.

No. The women of the BSNF have consistently stepped up their games and ownership and sponsors have followed suit. They are just too good to be ignored and have played their way into a brighter spotlight and onto island TV screens. 

Some of that upward trend can be tracked to the fact that the Puerto Rico national team has put in increasingly stronger showings in the international stage including winning gold at the 2010 Central American and Caribbean Games and 2011 Pan American Games, gaining ground in World Championships and putting in solid performances in recent Olympics.

The experience and the exposure on the international stage has paid dividends back home, where local fans are happy to see familiar faces from faraway tournaments play up close at local arenas. Competition is tough.

“The league has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, reflecting the commitment and quality that define our league,” BSNF Director of Operations Yanira Liceaga told Bienvenidos. “This momentum has been strengthened by the fact that many of the players on our national team, one of the best in the world, are actively involved in the BSNF, elevating the competitive level and prestige of our league.”

Liceaga, an attorney and former BSNF player in her own right, said that expanded franchise participation, a greater media presence and growing television coverage has contributed to consolidating the reach of the league. 

“The high-caliber basketball played in the BSNF has positioned us as the most important women’s professional league in Puerto Rico and one of the most prominent in all of Latin America,” Liceaga continued. “As a former BSNF player, I have experienced its evolution firsthand. Seeing how the league has grown, how the opportunities for our players have multiplied, and how their talent is recognized on and off the court is something that fills me with emotion and pride. We’re building a legacy that inspires players coming up.”

Gearing up for the 2025 season, la Liga had 10 teams across the island ready to reach new highs in on-court play and to continue to build support from an increasing number of fans in the stands.

The 10 teams are the Cangejeras de Santurce, Gigantes de Carolina, Criollas de Caguas, Atenienses de Manati, Pollita de Isabela, Ganaderas de Hatillo, Explosivas de Moca, Cafetaleras de Yauco, Leonas de Ponce and Monarcas de Juana Diaz.