Austin has LGBTQ+ leagues for volleyball, tennis, basketball, kickball, softball and running, and all six had a current season, schedule or open registration on their own sites in October 2026. Every one of them says beginners are welcome, and none of them starts at a bar.
The Short List
| League | Sport | When |
|---|---|---|
| Volleyball Austin | Indoor volleyball | Winter 2027 season starts January 5; sign up by October 31 |
| Austin Tennis Club | Social tennis | Tuesdays and Fridays, 6:30 PM |
| Austin Gay Basketball League | Basketball | Winter and summer seasons; registration open |
| Stonewall Sports Austin | Kickball, volleyball, softball | Fall 2026 seasons |
| Softball Austin | Softball | Sundays at Krieg Fields |
| Austin Front Runners | Running and walking | Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday |
Volleyball Austin
Volleyball Austin calls itself “the first LGBT indoor volleyball organization in Austin.” It started in 2012 with 46 players and now has more than 200, across four divisions. It runs three seasons a year.
New players go to a rating session first, so you land on a team at your level. Games are at Austin Sports Center Central, with regular game nights on Fridays and elite and advanced games on Tuesdays. You have to be 18 or older to join.
- Next season: Winter 2027, January 5 to March 6. Regular registration runs through October 31, 2026, and late registration through December 5
- Cost, as posted: $85 to sign up as a free agent, or $95 late, plus an 8% processing fee
- Sign up: Volleyball Austin league registration
Is this your league? Update this listing
Austin Tennis Club
“An LGBT social tennis league,” and a nonprofit. It says “all tennis players and supporters, from beginners to experts, are welcome.” It plays social tennis twice a week, with regular doubles and what it calls “promiscuous doubles where we change things up.”
- Tuesdays, 6:30 PM: Austin Tennis Center, 7800 Johnny Morris Rd
- Fridays, 6:30 PM: South Austin Tennis Center, 1000 Cumberland Rd
- Coming up: the Texas Cup on December 5, 2026, a tournament against clubs from Dallas, San Antonio and Houston
- Join: Austin Tennis Club. It has three membership levels
Is this your league? Update this listing
Austin Gay Basketball League
The league calls itself “Central Texas’ first and only gay basketball league,” founded in 2010. It plays a winter and a summer season across three levels, for “a first-timer or a seasoned baller.” Its site says registration for the next season is open, but doesn’t post the dates, so sign up for its season alerts.
- Sign up: Austin Gay Basketball League
Is this your league? Update this listing
Stonewall Sports Austin
A recreational league started in 2023. It says it welcomes everyone “regardless of experience, ability, or skill.” Its site lists kickball, volleyball and softball seasons for fall 2026.
- More: Stonewall Sports Austin
Softball Austin
An LGBTQ+ softball league. Fall 2026 games are Sundays at Krieg Fields, and the league hosts the Texas Hoedown tournament there on November 7 and 8, 2026.
- More: Softball Austin
Austin Front Runners
Austin’s LGBTQ+ running club. Group runs start at The Rock at Town Lake on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 PM and Saturdays at 10 AM, and the club says “All paces welcome,” walkers included. Tuesday runs end with dinner and Saturday runs with brunch.
Our guide to queer and LGBTQ+ friendly gyms has more on Stonewall, Softball Austin and Front Runners, plus the gyms that state their policies for trans members.
Before You Sign Up
- Ask about skill levels. Volleyball rates new players first. Ask the others how they place beginners
- Ask about gender divisions. If it matters to you which team or division you play in, ask the league how it handles trans and nonbinary players before you pay
- Ask what it costs all in. League fees and processing fees add up, and some sports need gear
Leagues We Couldn’t Confirm
OutLoud Sports has an Austin group on Meetup, but its last event there was in July 2022. We also couldn’t reach the Austin Pride Bowling League’s Facebook page. If either is playing, or there’s a league we missed, tell us through our contact form.
Last checked: October 2026. League details read from each league’s own website on October 13, 2026.
Coming early 2027
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