Las Vegas Women’s Basketball League builds community inspired by late Los Angeles Laker Kobe Bryant’s legacy

In a city famous for bright lights and entertainment, a different kind of energy is taking over the basketball courts of Las Vegas. The HERoes Women Basketball League is an all-women’s league created for adult women who want to play, compete, and feel part of something meaningful.

It was never meant to be flashy or commercial. It began with women meeting up to play because they loved the game and didn’t want to stop.Over time, those casual games turned into something bigger. Today, the league gives women a place where age does not matter. What matters is showing up, playing well, and supporting one another. Weekly games have become a routine for many players, not just as exercise, but as a space where confidence grows and friendships are formed.

Jennifer Miller-Gonzalez brings Kobe Bryant’s values to life through HERoes Women’s Basketball League

The idea behind the league comes from its founder, Jennifer Miller-Gonzalez. Basketball has been a part of her life growing up, but she always felt a gap when it comes to opportunities for adult women. There were plenty of leagues for men, yet very few spaces where women could continue playing in a respectful environment. Jennifer was motivated by her own experiences and by taking inspiration from the late Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, who was widely known for supporting women's basketball, inspired by his belief in leadership, discipline, and excellence.

That message stayed with her, and she wanted to create something that reflected those values, so she set out to create a league that would give women a place to compete. The league she built reflects that thinking. Players are encouraged to take the game seriously while still enjoying it. Winning matters, but growth matters more, with the focus on effort and teamwork.

How HERoes Women Basketball League keeps Kobe Bryant’s legacy alive through community and growth?

The influence of Kobe Bryant can still be felt in the culture of the HERoes Basketball League.

Players often talk about mindset, about showing up prepared, staying focused, and giving their best no matter what the score might be. The idea of the “Mamba Mentality” lives on with many players wearing jerseys that honor Bryant’s legacy, using colors and numbers that remind them why they play. For them, it is not about imitating a legend, but about respecting what he stood for.Commitment, hard work, and lifting others up are values that guide the league every week. What started as a simple game has now become a strong community. The HERoes Basketball League has transformed into more than a sports group, it is a movement that keeps women connected to the game they love. In doing so, it celebrates women’s basketball while keeping a powerful legacy alive.