A Vintage Game with a Modern Heart
Barb Trammell founded Granny Basketball in 2005 in Lansing, Iowa, a town whose welcome sign proudly proclaimed the league’s inception. The nostalgic, non‑contact sport emerged as a way for older women to stay active, drawing on historical adaptations of the game.
From Humble Beginnings to Nationwide Reach
The inaugural tournament that year featured just four teams competing in a Fish Days event, where Lansing edged out Waterville 23‑13. That modest start sparked a movement that would later span continents.
Today the league boasts more than 800 players organized into 57 teams across eleven U.S. states and a single Canadian squad. Each summer the State Granny Basketball Tournament returns to Des Moines, where it is sponsored by the Iowa Senior Games and draws participants from across the region.
Playing by 1920s Rules
The competition follows a 1920s‑style format: games are played on a standard court divided into thirds, antique uniforms are required, and players are forbidden from running, jumping or making physical contact. These rules preserve the sport’s vintage aesthetic while keeping it accessible to older athletes.
Charity at the Core
All gate receipts are funneled to charitable causes, and the organization operates as a 501(c)3 non‑profit. Its digital presence is anchored by the website www.grannybasketball.com and a YouTube channel that showcases games and player stories.
Ankeny 2024: A Homecoming
The 2024 National Tournament took place from July 17 to 19 in Ankeny, Iowa, where Trammell returned to celebrate the league’s 21‑year milestone. Former Lansing Great Dames stars Sharol Zweibohmer and Denise Tinker joined the California Poppies team, adding a hometown flavor to the event.
Beyond the scores, Granny Basketball has become a community touchstone, blending competition with philanthropy and a shared love of a bygone era. Its growth illustrates how a simple idea can evolve into a nationwide phenomenon rooted in nostalgia and goodwill.