PUSHING PAST LIMITS

Wheelchair Basketball in Greater Milwaukee

WASA Golden Eagles

WASA’s Wheelchair Basketball program is the largest in the country. We serve over 70 athletes of all ages, including veterans, beginners, and Paralympians.

We have a variety of teams, and there’s always room for more athletes! ​Come play with us.

Upcoming Basketball Events

A pile of of dozens of basketballs.
WASA wheelchair youth basketball players compete in a game.

Our Basketball Programs

  • A group of happy people in a gymnasium trying wheelchair basketball.

    Try Wheelchair Basketball

    Curious about trying Wheelchair Basketball? We offer Try-It Programs Throughout Southeast Wisconsin so people of all ages and abilities can experience the thrill. We’ll provide the equipment, instructions, and support!
    Find a Basketball Try-It Event

  • Members of the Prep Junior Golden Eagles team pose with a trophy. s

    Prep Junior Golden Eagles

    The Prep Junior Golden Eagles welcome children ages 6 - 13 (beginners & advanced welcome) to adaptive sports. We aim to provide opportunities for all ages and skill levels. With the travel team, even some of our youngest get to compete at a high youth level. The team took the National Championship in 2017.

  • Members of the WASA Varsity Junior Golden Eagles Wheelchair Basketball Team

    Varsity Junior Golden Eagles (Coed)

    The Varsity Junior Bucks prepare young athletes (14-18 years old, beginners & advanced welcome) for Intercollegiate Wheelchair Sports Programs. We aim to provide all athletes with the ability to learn how to be successful as athletes and students.​ The team took the National Championship in 2019 and 2020.

  • A Team of WASA Wheelchair Basketball Athletes huddling around a coach during a game.

    Division III (Coed)

    Our Division III is a great option for beginners. The team is led by experienced athletes. Practices are tailored for everyone to learn basics and challenge themselves to the next level while having a lot of fun!

  • Members of the WASA Golden Eagles Women's Teams with Gold Medals and Trophies.

    Women Golden Eagles

    Our Women's program was launched in 2015 and includes three Paralympians. It serves females 14-45 years old and is one of only 11 teams in the nation providing women and girls the opportunity to play on non-coed club teams. The team took the NWBA Women’s Division National Championship in 2016, 2018 and 2019.

  • Members of the Competitive Coed Wheelchair basketball team try to block a competitor's shot.

    Championship Division (Coed)

    The Championship Division is a team that features seven Paralympians. The team finished 2nd in the nation in 2016 and took the National Championship title in 2019.

Wheelchair Basketball FAQs

  • Wheelchair Basketball is an adaptive team sport designed for athletes with physical disabilities. It follows the basic rules of traditional basketball, with modifications to accommodate players using wheelchairs. The game is played on a standard basketball court, and the objective is to score points by shooting the ball into the opponent's basket.

  • Wheelchair Basketball is open to individuals with a wide range of physical disabilities, including spinal cord injuries, amputations, and other mobility impairments. WASA Basketball is inclusive, welcoming both men and women, as well as players of all ages (6+) and skill levels. There are some opportunities for able-bodied participants, too.

  • While Wheelchair Basketball follows many of the same rules as traditional basketball, there are some key differences. Players use wheelchairs specially designed for the sport, which are lightweight and highly maneuverable. Dribbling rules are slightly modified: players are allowed to push their wheelchair twice before they must dribble, pass, or shoot the ball. The physical contact between wheelchairs is also a unique aspect of the game.

  • Essential equipment for Wheelchair Basketball includes a sport wheelchair, which is designed for agility and speed. Players use a standard basketball and a standard court. Some players may also use gloves for better grip on the wheels and additional protective gear like straps to secure themselves in their wheelchairs.

  • It happens. Adaptive Athletes practice techniques for getting upright and helping teammates and opponents up. Basketball sport chairs are lightweight and many players can get up alone, or with help from another athlete. If play has stopped, coaches or referees can also assist a player, too. 

  • Basic rules of Wheelchair Basketball include the standard basketball rules, with adaptations for wheelchair use. Players must dribble the ball after every two pushes of their wheelchair. The game consists of four 10-minute quarters, and the team with the most points at the end wins. Fouls, timeouts, and other standard basketball rules apply, with some adjustments for safety and accessibility.

  • Yes, Wheelchair Basketball is played at various competitive levels. The sport is included in the Paralympic Games, and WASA athletes compete at that level. There are also regional and national leagues that provide competitive opportunities for players of all skill levels, allowing athletes to develop their skills and compete at higher levels.

    There are also many opportunities for beginners and players looking for a strictly recreational sport.

Have other questions or want to get involved?

We’d love to talk! Contact Melissa@wasa.org to learn more.

“Growing up, sports were my entire life. When I was diagnosed with cancer and was told I might never play sports again, I felt like part of my identity was taken away from me.

Then I saw wheelchair basketball with my own eyes and fell in love with it at that moment.”

Emily Oberst
WASA Athlete | Team USA | Ewing Sarcoma Survivor

Emily Oberst Wheelchair Basketball Athlete with an American Flag representing Team USA