With 10 Years In Basketball, Kayla Crosby and Jamestown Jackals Look To Make Strong First Impression In BSL
A self-made Female Executive in basketball with a decade in the game keeps on growing from New York to Canada. The best part: she's just getting warmed up.
(Jamestown, New York) — It is believed that the number 10 represents completeness and wholeness, so it’s only fitting that Kayla Crosby is entering a decade in professional basketball with the Jamestown Jackals.
Numerically, 10 is also described as a number that is rich in new beginnings, spiritual growth, and self-discovery. All of those facets also tracks well when it comes to a team owner like Kayla, head coach Raheem Singleton, and the Jackals who are blazing a new trail in professional basketball by joining the Basketball Super League (BSL) for the upcoming 2025 season.
Along with Jamestown, Pontiac, and Toledo (Glass City) all making the jump to BSL over the offseason, Montreal, London, Windsor, Newfoundland, Sudbury, and Kitchener-Waterloo officially round out the league for its second year of existence. In many ways, the mindset that “next season starts now” is very much a real thing as teams look ahead to holding their respective training camps. The stakes get higher each day. It certainly will be this weekend in Windsor, Ontario, as BSL teams converge on St. Clair College’s Genesis Experiential Learning and Career Centre to evaluate the next generation of basketball talent.
But that’s just a portion of how Crosby is prepping and planning for the upcoming season.
Once the two-day combine concludes in Windsor, she’s bolting back to Jamestown. The Jackals will host open tryouts on Saturday October 26, where the team is anticipating extending offers to players to make their training camp roster. There’s one kicker: guys have to earn it on the court first.
Recently, ATBL caught up with Kayla Crosby to discuss the timing of Jamestown joining the BSL, her mindset and approach as a female executive, how she’s grown her confidence, and some last minute advice for basketball players looking to stand out at the BSL Draft Combine.
First off, congratulations on Jamestown joining the Basketball Super League (BSL) just in time for the upcoming 2025 Draft Combine? How do you feel about the Jackals growing into this opportunity with the BSL and why was now the right time to make the move from The Basketball League?
Thank you! From the beginning of the Jamestown Jackals in 2015, we’ve been committed to creating the best opportunities for our players, and that core mission remains unchanged. Over the last three years, we’ve had the chance to play exhibition games against BSL teams and consistently found the experience rewarding, both in terms of the competition and the professionalism of the organizations. Now felt like the perfect time to make the transition, especially as the BSL continues to expand. We’re excited to take this next step and elevate the Jamestown Jackals in this new league.
As you were contemplating being a new addition to BSL, what are some of the factors that went into making the final decision to join?
Several key factors influenced our decision. First, the level of competition in the BSL is consistently strong, which will push our players to develop even further. Secondly, the geographical location of the teams and the reduced travel distances were appealing—many of the Ontario teams are closer than some of the Northeast division teams in TBL. Finally, we considered the season's timing. In recent years, it’s been challenging to maintain strong fan engagement during the warmer months of May and June. By joining the BSL, we align better with the community’s rhythm.
The last time we connected for an interview and story was back in February 2023. Back then you were getting ready for your 8th year working in professional basketball and you talked about what it meant to “have confidence in what you do and to trust your gut”. How is your confidence now as you look ahead to the 2025 season as an official member of the BSL?
My confidence has only grown. For the past nine years, I balanced managing the Jamestown Jackals with a full-time job at Jamestown Community College. This summer, I decided to fully commit to #IntegrityFirst, Inc. and the Jamestown Jackals, and it’s been an incredible shift. I’ve been able to focus on all the things I’ve wanted to do for the organization but never had the time for. Heading into our 10th season, I’m more confident than ever in our growth and direction, and I’m excited for what’s to come.
For people not familiar with BSL, can you describe how and why it is a league to keep an eye on in professional basketball?
The BSL combines international play, highly talented rosters, and steady expansion, which makes it a rising force in the world of professional basketball. Its ability to attract top-tier talent from various countries while growing its footprint makes it a league that both fans and investors should keep an eye on.
Game day preparation and planning is an event in its own right. What feedback have you heard from sponsors and partners about the team becoming part of BSL? Any new promos or marketing fans can expect?
The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. One notable difference this year is that BSL teams are requesting hotel recommendations, which suggests a longer stay and increased tourism for Jamestown—something we haven’t seen as much with teams in the past. As for promotions, once we finalize and announce our home schedule, we expect to sell out all of our game day sponsorships. Fans can also look forward to more targeted marketing campaigns that will enhance the game day experience.
The community of Jamestown with the Jackals in it. How have you seen people come together over the years and what kind of community programs are in the works for 2025?
The Jamestown community has always rallied around the Jackals, and the support we’ve received over the years has been incredible. For 2025, we’re continuing our mentoring program with a full roster of players serving as mentors to local youth. We’re also planning to expand our free youth clinics and increase the number of school programs we offer throughout the county. It’s all about deepening our ties with the community and giving back in meaningful ways.
The BSL 2025 Draft Combine should be a big gathering of basketball talent from around the world looking to make their own mark on the game. How’s it been preparing for the Draft and what is your approach as a TMO heading into Ontario’s two-day event?
We’ve had great success at past drafts, and this year will be no different. Coach Singleton and I are eager to see the level of talent at the BSL Combine. We’re hoping to draft more than the required two players per league standards, as we’re always on the lookout for versatile players who fit our style of play. The goal is to bring in talent that strengthens the team and aligns with our vision.
Any advice for players attending the Combine?
The number one piece of advice is to come prepared. Players need to be in top physical condition before they arrive, as there won’t be time to get into shape before the season begins. We look for athletes who are versatile—players who can contribute in multiple areas. Coach Singleton always says we’re after “Swiss army knife” players, those who can excel at more than one role and become indispensable to the team.
And any words of thanks for Jackals’ fans as they follow the team on this BSL journey heading into the 2025 season?
Stay engaged! With more home games than ever before, this is a great chance for fans to be part of our journey. We need our supporters to bring energy, enthusiasm, and pride to every game. Wear your team gear, cheer loudly, and make our home court a tough place for opponents. Follow us on social media, subscribe to our newsletters, and keep up with all the latest news, player signings, and game schedules. The 2025 season is going to be one to remember, and we want our fans right there with us.
Wendell Maxey is the author of Around The Basketball League and has written about professional basketball and sports for 20 years. He’s been featured on NBA.com, ESPN.com, USA Today, FOX Sports, and SLAM Magazine among other publications and media outlets. You can connect with him on Twitter and LinkedIn or read through his archive on Linktree.