Basketball Leagues for Fun and Profit with Reuben Torenberg Founder of S. F. Hoops

In this episode of the Stay On The Court podcast https://stayonthecourt.com/podcast/, Troy welcomes Reuben Torenberg, Founder of SF Hoops https://sfhoopsleague.com/, an invite-only basketball league for Silicon Valley tech workers in San Francisco. By day, Reuben is a commercial real estate broker in the competitive Bay Area market. Troy discovered Reuben through the “My First Million” podcast https://www.mfmpod.com/this-50myr-side-hustle-is-on-track-to-make-1-billion-by-2030/, and he is excited to share Reuben’s passion for basketball, which shines throughout the episode, particularly during the lightning round at the 22-minute mark.

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Key Highlights:

The significant positive impact that founding SF Hoops has had on Reuben’s real estate business.
Insight into how Reuben got the league started, including the tools and strategies he uses to keep the league competitive and engaging, like using point differentials in playoff selections to maintain interest.
Reuben’s approach to staying injury-free on the court, including how Functional Patterns training helped him overcome a decade-long battle with back pain.

Reuben’s journey is an inspiring blend of passion for basketball and entrepreneurial spirit. Not only has he created a thriving community for basketball lovers in the tech world, but he’s also leveraged this passion to fuel his real estate career. In this episode, Reuben shares how he got SF Hoops off the ground, the innovative tools he uses to manage the league, and the training regimen that keeps him injury-free and on the court.

The Birth of SF Hoops

SF Hoops wasn’t born out of a business plan; it started from a love of basketball and a desire to connect with others in the tech community. Reuben and his brother, both newcomers to San Francisco, were eager to find a place where they could meet fellow ballers. They secured a high school gym in the heart of the city, found some referees, and spread the word. Within weeks, SF Hoops had 80 players—all tech workers eager to hit the court.

Reuben made the league semi-exclusive, capping the number of participants and carefully curating teams to maintain a high level of competition. This hands-on approach, combined with his passion for the game, quickly turned SF Hoops into a hoops community within the tech sector.

Managing the League: Tools, Trades, and Technology

Running a successful league like SF Hoops requires more than just a passion for basketball—it demands careful planning and innovative solutions. Reuben has introduced several strategies to keep the league competitive and engaging. One of his key innovations is the way playoff teams are selected. Instead of just going by win-loss records, he uses point differentials to determine who makes it to the playoffs. This tweak ensures that every game matters and keeps players engaged throughout the season, even if their team isn’t at the top of the standings.

Technology also plays a significant role in how Reuben manages the league. Initially, he used old iPhones to record games, but as the league grew, so did his technological toolkit. He now uses a Veo camera, which is typically used in soccer, to automatically follow the ball and capture high-quality game footage. This allows him to create highlight reels and share game footage with players, enhancing the overall experience.

The Business Impact of SF Hoops

What started as a labor of love has become a powerful business tool for Reuben. His role as the Commissioner of SF Hoops has significantly boosted his real estate career. By creating a space where tech professionals can connect and network in a relaxed, fun environment, Reuben has positioned himself as a trusted figure in the community. This trust has translated into real business opportunities, with many league members turning to him for their commercial real estate needs.

Reuben’s approach to building relationships on the court mirrors his approach in business:

Be reliable
Show up consistently
And deliver on your promises

It’s a strategy that has paid off in spades, making SF Hoops not just a basketball league but a unique networking hub.

Staying on the Court: Injury Prevention and Training

As any aging athlete knows, staying on the court becomes increasingly challenging as injuries start to take their toll. Reuben is no stranger to this struggle. After dealing with a shoulder labrum tear and recurring lower back pain, he turned to Functional Patterns—a training method focused on posture, movement, and injury prevention.

This regimen, which includes a lot of core and glute work, has been a game-changer for Reuben. Not only has it helped him overcome chronic pain, but it’s also allowed him to continue playing basketball at a high level. His experience underscores the importance of investing in injury prevention and tailored training, especially for those of us who want to stay active as we age.

The Future of SF Hoops

Looking ahead, Reuben has ambitious plans for SF Hoops. He envisions expanding the league to other cities, maintaining the same competitive spirit and community focus that has made the San Francisco league so successful. His ultimate dream is to build or acquire a basketball facility dedicated to SF Hoops, where he can host leagues, camps, and other basketball-related events.

This facility would be more than just a gym—it would be a hub for basketball lovers of all levels, a place where people can compete, improve their skills, and simply enjoy the game they love.

Conclusion

Reuben Torenberg’s story is a testament to the power of combining passion with business acumen. SF Hoops is not just a basketball league; it’s a community, a networking tool, and a thriving business. Whether you’re a tech worker in Silicon Valley or a basketball enthusiast elsewhere, there’s a lot to learn from Reuben’s approach to building and managing SF Hoops.

If you’re interested in starting your own league, or if you’re just looking for ways to stay healthy and active on the court, Reuben’s insights are invaluable. And if you’re in the Bay Area and need a commercial real estate broker who knows how to deliver—both on and off the court—Reuben’s your guy.

Time Stamps

0:00 – Introduction
1:20 – Meet Reuben Torenberg
3:50 – The Origin of SF Hoops
10:20 – Managing Teams and Trades in SF Hoops
18:00 – The Role of Technology in the League
24:00 – Lightning Round: Basketball Memories & More
35:00 – Functional Patterns: Injury Prevention Techniques
46:00 – The Impact of SF Hoops on Reuben’s Real Estate Career
54:00 – Future Goals for SF Hoops

Resources Mentioned:

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Troy Wallace

Troy Wallace is Certified Basketball Speed Specialist and shares his experiences in trying to stay as healthy as possible to stay on the court. He is active in coaching youth basketball in YMCA, Team Work Sports Nebraska, and, currently, in the Jr. Warriors program in Omaha, NE. Visit Troy's Full Author Bio Page or email him directly.

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