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WINTER BASKETBALL LEAGUE


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BUZZARDBALL DIFFERENCE




Playoff Sunday = 51 Games
2025 Team Photo Samples
This winter recreation basketball league is anchored on its partnerships with the Sacramento Kings, Rio Americano High School, Jesuit High School, and amazing small businesses in the greater Sacramento area.. Last season featured over 1000 boys and girls participating in Buzzardball. Games are played on Sundays from January-March. 3rd-8th Grade teams play their championship games at the Golden 1 Center. The league's foundation is teaching life skills through basketball.



ABOUT BUZZARDBALL WINTER LEAGUE

Twenty years ago, a friend named Greg Nathanson approached me about taking over a youth basketball league he was running. At the time, there were just over 100 kids playing from Kindergarten through 8th grade. Honestly, I was content coaching my own boys, Toph and Max. But after watching the league for a few years, a vision started to take shape. I wanted to build a recreational basketball league with an NBA/WNBA feel.
Now, as we enter our 15th season, Buzzardball is no longer just a league — it’s an experience for boys and girls who love the game of basketball.
The strength of that experience begins with our incredible families.
Buzzardball provides a safe, fun, and welcoming environment — not just for the kids playing, but for everyone involved. Our volunteer coaches, who are often parents from our community, give their time and energy to mentor our players and teach valuable life skills through the game of basketball.
We’re also fortunate to have amazing partnerships with the Sacramento Kings, Jesuit High School, and St. Francis High School. These relationships offer our players unique opportunities, from discounted or free admission to games to cool perks like t-shirts and gear. And of course, the highlight: the chance to play games at the Golden 1 Center — home of the Sacramento Kings. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
One of the defining features of Buzzardball is our ALL-PLAY rule. Whether you're a first-time player or a seasoned one, everyone gets equal time on the court. This rule promotes teamwork, builds leadership skills in advanced players, and gives beginners the chance to grow and improve. It creates a level playing field where every player matters.
I invite you to be part of this special basketball experience. As the director, I pour my heart and soul into everything — from this website to the NBA-style uniforms, to the league updates and, most importantly, to creating a positive and memorable experience for your child.
Take a moment to explore the website and learn more about what makes Buzzardball so unique. And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d love to hear from you.
— Steve Buzzard
Director, Buzzardball
Format and Features
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Youth basketball league for boys + girls Grades K-8 of all levels
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Broken up by grade level:
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3rd/4th, 5th/6th, 7th/8th Boys & Girls Teams
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Within the 3rd/4th + 5th/6th boys divisions, Buzzardball offers a SILVER DIVISION (younger + less experienced) and a GOLD DIVISION (older + more experienced)
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K-2 Leagues are co-ed | No score is kept
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All-Play League | Everyone plays an important role on the team
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Volunteer Coaches committed to teaching and supporting our kids
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Fun + Safe Environment for Kids + Their Families
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Easy registration with early bird pricing!
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You can register with a whole team (up to 10 players), with a few friends (less than 10), or solo (placed on a team)
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High quality double-sided uniforms featuring NBA + WNBA teams
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Photo Day on Super Bowl Sunday morning (before the game)
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Games feature 20-minutes halves with subs at 15:00, 10:00, and 5:00 mark
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K-2 games feature 16-minute halves with subs at 12:00, 8:00, and 4:00 mark


Practices and Games
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Games are played on Sundays from January-March (7-8 games)
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One practice for one hour weekly
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Practices run M-F in the evenings from 4:30-8:30 p.m., Saturdays from 9 am-3 pm. I will try to place your child accordingly.
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3rd-8th Grade Playoffs occur on the final day of the season
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Silver Playoffs including Championship are played on this day
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Gold Playoffs finalists punch their ticket for G1C
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3rd-8th Grade Championships played at Golden One Center
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Weekly Updates with Headlines + High Scorers
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K-2 ends 1st Sunday in March (this season is March 1st)
Partnerships
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Sacramento Kings - families will have opportunities to purchase discounted tickets to Kings games at Golden One Center. Every purchase goes toward league total that allows our championship games to be hosted at G1C
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Sport Courts Fitness, Rio Americano High School, El Camino High School, and Arden Middle School serve as Buzzardball's Game Day Sites.
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Sponsorship opportunities | A great place to highlight your business in front of hundreds of families.



AboutWinter

Buzzardball Winter League FAQ Sheet
FAQ
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