SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - The Kings and Queens Rise Co-ed Youth Sports and Mentoring League, an initiative of The Center at Sierra Health Foundation’s Black Child Legacy Campaign program, launches its eighth season this week with a tip-off event hosted by league partner, the Sacramento Kings.

Focused on basketball and cheer activities, Kings and Queens Rise offers youth various opportunities to engage in inter-neighborhood events during the summer. By fostering these positive interactions, it aims to prevent and combat violence in our communities, creating a safer and more cohesive environment for all participants. 

“The Kings and Queens Rise League is integral to our ongoing commitment to supporting Sacramento’s youth through meaningful, community-centered engagement,” said Sacramento Kings Chief Operating Officer Matina Kolokotronis. “We are proud to continue our partnership with the Black Child Legacy Campaign to provide a safe and inspiring space where young people can build confidence, develop leadership skills and connect across neighborhoods. As we launch the eighth season, we remain focused on using the power of sports to uplift the next generation of Sacramento leaders.”

 Said The Center at Sierra Health Foundation Founder and CEO Chet P. Hewitt, “The start of our eighth season shows just how deeply rooted Kings and Queens Rise has become in Sacramento’s neighborhoods. This league is more than basketball and cheer; it’s a proven violence prevention strategy that creates safe spaces for youth to grow, lead and connect across neighborhoods. With trusted partnership from the Sacramento Kings, Black Child Legacy Campaign community partners and hundreds of local families, we’re building a culture of safety, belonging and opportunity that lasts far beyond the summer.”

The eight-week league will run from June 21 through Aug. 23 and feature 24 teams composed of more than 400 youth from fourth- through 11th-grades. Participants will be a part of teams from one of the following neighborhoods served by the Black Child Legacy Campaign and its partners: Arden Arcade, Del Paso Heights-North Sacramento, Foothill Farms-North Highlands, Fruitridge-Stockton, Marina Vista, Meadowview, Oak Park and Valley Hi. Games and practices will take place in community locations throughout North and South Sacramento and the season will culminate with a final tournament. 

Last year, Kings and Queens Rise expanded opportunities for participation with co-ed cheer squads. For the second year, each neighborhood will have their own cheer team that will practice throughout the week and perform during Saturday basketball games.  

The Sacramento Kings support Kings and Queens Rise through the Jr. Kings program presented by Kaiser Permanente. The league offers weekly learning modules crafted by Kenneth Duncan of Ball Out Academy, who serves as the league’s commissioner. Black Child Legacy Campaign community partners in each of the program’s priority neighborhoods provide safe spaces for training and season games, and coaches are trained members of these partner organizations.

To learn more about the first season of Kings and Queens Rise, see the season video recap at youtube.com/watch?v=GWxQatKdmnY. View more program videos at instagram.com/p/DACMQe_S2Q6/. 

For more information about the Kings and Queens Rise Co-ed Youth Sports and Mentoring League, visit the Black Child Legacy Campaign website at blackchildlegacy.org/kings-and-queens-rise-2025-season-eight.