Hampton, VA – The first Women’s Professional Basketball Invitational Tournament (WPBIT) is set to showcase top college talent and a military all‑star team at the Boo Williams Sportsplex. The event, running April 6‑9, 2027, will feature 48 elite women’s players and draw professional scouts, mirroring the men’s Portsmouth Invitational.
NBA legend Byron Scott joins the tournament
Former Lakers star and 2008 NBA Coach of the Year Byron Scott announced he will coach one of the college squads at the WPBIT. Scott said his involvement was largely thanks to longtime friend Nancy Lieberman, recalling her impact as a point guard during her playing days.
Scott’s résumé includes three NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers, a 14‑year playing career with more than 15,000 points, and a head‑coaching stint from 2000‑2016, highlighted by his Coach of the Year award while leading the New Orleans Hornets.
Elevating the women’s game
Scott emphasized that events like the WPBIT help raise the profile of women’s basketball. He noted the recent surge in popularity driven by stars such as Caitlin Clark, which has led to higher ticket prices, increased revenue sharing, and rising salaries for players.
“They’re basketball players, not just women’s basketball players,” Scott said. “Treating them as athletes and teaching the fundamentals of the game is what I plan to do.”
Local ties and community impact
Scott will coach Lieberman’s “Lady Magic” squad, a nod to her storied career. The tournament also features other notable figures, including former WNBA players Tamecka Dixon and Cynthia Cooper, underscoring the event’s high‑profile nature.
“Women are extremely athletic and intelligent on the court,” Scott added. “Their basketball IQ is impressive, and I look forward to helping them develop even further.”
The WPBIT aims to provide a platform for emerging talent, offering exposure to scouts and fostering growth for the women’s game in the Hampton community and beyond.
Original reporting: WTKR News 3 (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
