When the City of Kenai adult basketball league returns to the court for the 2025 season Jan. 14, players will have to pay an individual registration fee of $50, after the Kenai City Council last week reinstated that fee.

The council by unanimous consent adopted a resolution adding that fee to the Parks and Recreation Fee Schedule for the current fiscal year.

For the last two years, Parks and Recreation Director Tyler Best said during the council meeting, the league has only played around 18 games each year. Teams have repeatedly, he said, called for more games and a round-robin tournament to cap off the season. To add games, staffing and supplies to meet that demand, Best said the estimated increase in cost is $3,125.

With the average number of players in the league, the individual fee will cover that increase, Best said. He said there are also other benefits to requiring players to individually buy into the league.

A player fee used to be charged by the city, Best said, and when it was removed staff observed a loss in “accountability.” Per a memo by Best included with the resolution, more players have been dropping out and teams have dissolved in the years since the fee was removed.

The team registration fee, $325 per team, also remains in effect. The basketball league is currently registering teams and players — including with a sign-up for people seeking a team to join — and games will be played Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. starting Jan. 14.

A full recording of the meeting can be found at “City of Kenai – Public Meetings” on YouTube. For more information about the basketball league, find “City of Kenai Parks & Recreation” on Facebook.

Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.