Basketball has seen massive growth over the last two decades in the form of viewership and followership of the sport. Its status as one of the most famous sports globally has remained unwavering, with many legendary names like Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, the late Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird and many others giving the game massive prestige. New names have also dominated the sport, and followership has continued to soar. Change, being the only constant thing, has necessitated a new way of playing basketball. Championed by The Global Mixed Gender Basketball League (GMGB), this new way of playing basketball is set to change the future of basketball and redefine it.
James Scott established The GMGB in 2015 as the world’s first mixed gender professional basketball league. The league has seven teams in total, with each team owned by internationally known celebrity entertainers. The players who make up these teams include former NBA, WNBA and the Harlem Globetrotters. These players firmly believe in GMGB’s ideology and the numerous possibilities it can bring to life. “The unique formula that we’ve developed for play is three women and two men on the court in the first quarter, followed by two women and three men in the second quarter, on each team. Each quarter it rotates. This, along with a few other minor changes in play, ensures an exciting and never-before-seen format, what we believe to be The Future of Basketball,” James Scott said.
The concept that GMGB offers is new to many people, but its potential is strong enough to inspire change and spark new conversations and possibilities. “There are no other professional basketball teams or leagues that have men and women playing together on the court at the same time. The vision of equality is evidenced not only in the players but in the coaches and referees as well. Everything is men and women. That coupled with the internationally known celebrity team owners and the outstanding halftime entertainment that they bring sets us apart from all the rest,” James explained.
Acknowledging that gender should not be used as a yardstick in dictating a person’s level of talent or skill, James Scott notes the role reversals the world has seen in the home, business and political scenes. He expressed his optimism toward seeing the same in sports, and GMGB seems to be championing that possibility. He hopes to see the time when GMGB will bridge the gender pay gap in professional sports and get people to see all games regardless of the gender playing.
The goal for GMGB is to be the catalyst of change in the basketball business that will make people from all walks of life experience the games in a different dimension. GMGB has taken a stand by championing a new progressive system in the sport, and its founders are confident that the initiative builds the perfect platform for men and women to co-exist on the court and play together. “It is a daring move, but more than that is the bravery and awe-inspiring message we hope to pass,” James said.
