MMBRA Officials Attend Inaugural WiBOC National Event in Montreal

Eight officials from the Metropolitan Montreal Basketball Referee Association (MMBRA) were among 36 women officials from across Canada who gathered at the Bell Centre on Sunday for the inaugural Women in Basketball Officiating Collective (WiBOC) National Event.

The Women in Basketball Officiating Collective (WiBOC), a newly established committee under the Canadian Basketball Officials Commission (CBOC), was created with the mission of uniting women officials across Canada through equity, inclusion, and empowerment—creating a space where women officials can grow, lead, and belong. In Quebec, the initiative is led by COBB official Maripier Malo, who serves as the province's WiBOC representative.

Representing the MMBRA at the national event were:

• Amy Bakos

• Lilianne Benoit

• Julia Shebitchenko

• Bridget Mbaya

• Anita Quintana

• Laelia Prescott

• Sheradyne Prosper

• Chanez Saheb

The event coincided with the Toronto Tempo's Canada Series at the Bell Centre, where the Tempo hosted the New York Liberty in Game 2 of their historic two-game WNBA series in Montreal. Before tip-off, participants attended an officiating clinic featuring the WNBA referee crew assigned to Sunday's game: Kevin Fahy, Blanca Burns, and Kelsey Reynolds. The clinic provided attendees with a valuable opportunity to learn from officials working at the highest level of the women's game while connecting with colleagues from across the country.

The weekend marked a milestone for women's basketball in Canada. On Friday evening, Game 1 of the Canada Series attracted 20,996 fans, setting a new WNBA regular-season attendance record and showcasing the growing excitement surrounding women's professional basketball.

For MMBRA referee Sheradyne Prosper, the experience extended beyond basketball itself.

"Being part of this event alongside so many accomplished women referees is truly inspiring. It gives hope and motivation to women referees across Canada to continue growing and developing their craft."

The inaugural WiBOC National Event highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for women officials to connect, learn, and support one another. With strong representation from MMBRA, the association is proud to see its members contributing to a national initiative that will help shape the future of women's basketball officiating across Canada.