Basketball Clubs in Nunavut
Basketball is played in communities across Nunavut, often in community recreation centres that are among the most important public infrastructure in remote areas. The sport is popular at the school and community level, and participation is encouraged across age groups. Organized club competition at the level found in southern provinces is limited by geography and infrastructure, but Nunavut players are active in territorial sport programs. Players who develop into competitive-level talent typically pursue opportunities outside the territory.
All Clubs — Nunavut
7 totalCommunities in Nunavut
7 communitiesBasketball in Nunavut
The Nunavut Basketball Association (NUBA) leads the growth of basketball across the territory. Basketball in Nunavut runs through schools, community programs and NUBA camps rather than year-round clubs. NUBA's mission is to make basketball accessible to youth in every community, build local coaching capacity, and create pathways from the community gym to territorial and national competition.
Governing body:Nunavut Basketball Association (NUBA)·Facebook
Grassroots Programs
NUBA delivers basketball camps and clinics across the Qikiqtani, Kivalliq and Kitikmeot regions, typically three to four days each. Its school physical education clinics use circuit-style stations so every student gets touches on the ball, and community and club sessions extend that work outside the school day. NUBA also partners with university programs, including the University of Regina Cougars women's basketball team, to bring high-level coaching to Nunavut communities.
Tournaments & Competitions
NUBA 18U Regional Championships
Annual 3-on-3 regional championships, with separate divisions for Kitikmeot/Kivalliq and Qikiqtani. The regionals are the pathway to the Territorial Championships.
NUBA Territorial Championships
The territory-wide 3-on-3 championship. In February 2026, 125 athletes from seven communities competed in U19 men's and women's divisions at Inuksuk High School in Iqaluit. Cambridge Bay won first place in both divisions.
High Performance Program
NUBA's High Performance Program (HPP) develops Nunavut's top players. In August 2025, HPP athletes formed Nunavut's first-ever men's and women's basketball teams at the Canada Summer Games in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador.
- 2026 Arctic Winter Games, March 2026, Whitehorse, Yukon
- 2027 North American Indigenous Games, July 2027, Calgary, Alberta
- 2028 Arctic Winter Games, March 2028, location TBA
- 2029 Canada Summer Games, August 2029, Moncton and Saint John, New Brunswick
Coaching Development
Volunteer coaches are the backbone of basketball in Nunavut. NUBA offers coaching development at three levels: Community Coach, High Performance Coach, and High Performance Advanced Coach. To get involved, contact NUBA through its website or Facebook page.
League info last verified 2026-09.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many basketball clubs are in Nunavut?
We list 7 community basketball programs in Nunavut, in Arctic Bay, Arviat, Baker Lake, Cambridge Bay, Igloolik, Iqaluit and Pangnirtung.
How do I find a basketball program in Nunavut?
Start with the listing for your community. Basketball in Nunavut usually runs through schools, recreation departments and the Nunavut Basketball Association (NUBA), so your school or recreation coordinator is often the best first contact.
Are there youth basketball programs in Nunavut?
Yes. NUBA runs camps and clinics in all three regions, and young players can compete at the 18U regional and territorial championships. Top players can go on to the High Performance Program and represent Team Nunavut.