Rockford to host first IPWBL women’s semi-pro national basketball title game

By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — The RKFD Lightning will host the first ever Independent Professional Women’s Basketball League national title game on Sunday at the UW Health Sports Factory.

The local women’s semiprofessional team announced on Wednesday that it will host the league’s inaugural national championship here. The event is sponsored by the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.

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The title game is between the Austin Trailblazers and the Kansas City Crossover, who knocked the Lightning out of title contention.

“We’re a little sad we weren’t able to play in it. The teams in the Midwest were pretty tough, but it’s still an honor that they allowed us to be the inaugural national championship location,” said Nishawnda Wiles, general manager of the RKFD Lightning.

The game is slated for 2 p.m. Sunday at the UW Health Sports Factory, 305 S. Madison St., along the Rock River in downtown.

Wiles hopes the game will draw basketball enthusiasts from across the region and further establish Rockford as a hub for sports tourism.

The Lighting debuted last year, and Wiles said the league’s growth has allowed for the two regional divisions — Midwest and Southern — to compete in the first ever title game.

“Our biggest goal is to give women another opportunity to go pro,” Wiles said. “Hopefully we can continue to get support and sponsors, especially with how women’s sports are growing in popularity.”

If you go | IPWBL title game

When: 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18

Where: UW Health Sports Factory, 305 S. Madison St., Rockford

Tickets: $10; go HERE to buy in advance

This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas