Building HoopFind The Basketball Pickup App
A full-stack mobile platform that connects basketball players across North America, streamlining game coordination and venue management.
Industry
Sports & Recreation
Platform
iOS · Android · Web
Launch
March 2026
Industry
Sports & Recreation
Platform
iOS · Android · Web
Launch
March 2026
About the HoopFind App
HoopFind is a Canadian sports-tech platform built to simplify the way pickup basketball games or “runs” are organized, booked, and managed. Instead of relying on scattered group chats, cash payments, and manual coordination, players and hosts can now handle everything digitally in one place.
A Canadian software agency delivered the complete ecosystem for HoopFind, including native-feeling cross-platform mobile apps for iOS and Android, a real-time backend, and a web-based admin dashboard for operators.
Timeline
19th Dec 2025 - Mar 19 2026
Total Development Effort
500+ hours across all disciplines
Team Size
10+ specialists
Key Deliverables
iOS/Android Apps
Web Admin Portal
Landing Page
The Challenge
Organizing basketball pickup games across Canada often involves a disorganized mix of group messages, manual payments, uncertain attendance, and late cancellations. Players frequently have trouble finding open courts and available runs, while hosts lack the tools to manage player slots, confirm attendance, collect money securely, or process refunds fairly.
The client needed a polished, end-to-end solution that could solve these operational problems while also supporting:
- Real-time run booking
- Secure payment processing in Canadian dollars
- Automated refunds
- Live attendance tracking
- Multi-role access for Players, Hosts, and Admins
All of this had to be designed, developed, tested, and launched within a tight delivery window.
The Solution
Canadian Software Agency built HoopFind from the ground up as a complete sports-tech platform designed for speed, clarity, and automation.
The solution included:
- A React Native mobile app for iOS and Android
- A Node.js and MongoDB backend with WebSocket support for real-time interactions
- A Stripe-powered payment system configured for CAD transactions
- A React-based web admin panel for platform operators
The system was structured around three user roles
- Player
- Host
- Admin
Each role received its own tailored dashboards, permissions, notifications, and workflows. From discovering a run and booking a slot to checking in at the court and receiving a refund if needed, the entire experience was made digital, transparent, and automated.
Core Platform Features
HoopFind includes a comprehensive set of features built to streamline the complete pickup basketball experience from discovery and booking to attendance and player history.
Run Scheduling & Booking
Hosts can create basketball runs by defining:
- Date
- Time
- Location
- Total player slot capacity
Players can browse available runs & instantly book single or multiple slots.
Run Scheduling & Booking
HoopFind uses Stripe for secure, real-time payment processing in Canadian dollars. The payment system supports:
- Booking charges
- Automated tax handling
- Instant payment confirmation
Real-Time Alerts & Messaging
Stay instantly informed and connected with real-time notifications and run-specific messaging. Players receive immediate alerts for booking confirmations, schedule updates, reminders, and cancellations to ensure they never miss a game. The built-in chat system allows participants of the same run to communicate seamlessly, coordinate arrival times, discuss team rotations, and share updates. Admins can also broadcast important announcements or contact participants directly, creating a smooth communication flow across the platform. This feature improves reliability, reduces no-shows, and strengthens community engagement.
Smart Run Discovery & Filtering
Finding the right basketball run is quick and effortless with advanced discovery tools. Users can browse available runs based on date, time, location, skill level, and court size. Interactive maps help players visualize nearby courts and get directions easily. Detailed run pages provide information about participants, available spots, and amenities, enabling players to make confident booking decisions. This streamlined discovery experience eliminates the friction of fragmented pickup game coordination.
Player Profiles & Performance Insights
Each player has a customizable profile showcasing participation history and playing preferences. Profiles help users connect with other players, view basic stats, and build credibility within the community. By tracking attendance and activity, the platform encourages consistent engagement and helps players identify compatible teammates. This feature strengthens the social aspect of the platform while adding a sense of progress and identity.
Run-Specific Group Chat
Each basketball run includes a dedicated group chat that keeps communication focused and relevant. Participants can discuss game details, coordinate arrival times, share updates, or ask questions before the session begins. Since chats are linked directly to a specific run, players only receive messages that matter to them, reducing noise and improving clarity. This feature enhances coordination and helps create a more organized and connected playing experience.
Admin Control Panel & Run Management
The web-based admin dashboard provides full control over platform operations. Administrators can create and manage runs, monitor participant lists, process refunds, and send targeted notifications. The system also allows assigning host roles, managing user accounts, and updating court information. This centralized management system ensures smooth platform operations while maintaining a high-quality experience for players.
The Modern Stack Behind the App.
A modern, production-ready stack was selected to support real-time interactions, cross-platform mobile delivery, and scalable deployment.
Core Technologies
React Native (iOS & Android)
Node.js (Backend API)
MongoDB (Database)
React (Web Admin Panel)
WebSockets (Real-Time)
Stripe (Payments – CAD)
Supporting Infrastructure & Services
Brevo (Transactional Email)
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
WordPress (Marketing Website)
Agenda.js (Background Jobs)
MongoDB Replica Set
CI/CD Automated Deployments
Project Timeline
The full product, including mobile apps, backend systems, and admin panel, was completed in approximately 8 weeks, followed by store submission and a 30-day free support window.
- Dec 18, 2025 – Jan 01, 2026
UI/UX Design
The product experience was designed with a strong focus on simplicity and speed, ensuring players could quickly discover and book basketball runs. Wireframes and high-fidelity designs were created for the mobile app, admin panel, and landing page. Core user flows such as run discovery, booking, chat, and notifications were finalized during this phase.
- Jan 06 – Mar 06, 2026
Development Phase (Mobile + Backend + Integrations)
Mobile and backend development progressed in parallel to accelerate delivery and maintain feature alignment across the system. Core infrastructure, APIs, and database schemas were implemented alongside the main user-facing functionality.
Key features developed:
- Stripe payment integration
- Refund workflow
- Notification system (push alerts and reminders)
- Single-slot and multi-slot booking flows
- Real-time check-in and check-out using WebSockets
- Admin dashboard for run and user management
- Landing page implementation
Third-party services such as Stripe, Firebase Cloud Messaging, and Google Places API were integrated during this phase.
- Mar 02 – Mar 13, 2026
QA, Testing & Pre-Launch Preparation
Comprehensive QA testing was conducted across both mobile platforms and backend systems to ensure stability, performance, and security. This phase included bug fixes, performance optimization, and final UI refinements.
Testing focus areas:
- Booking and payment reliability
- Notification delivery consistency
- Real-time communication stability
- Admin workflow validation
- Cross-device compatibility
- Mar 17 – Mar 18, 2026
Production Deployment (Backend & Admin Panel)
The backend infrastructure and admin panel were deployed to production servers:
- app.hoopfind.com
- api.hoopfind.com
Cloud infrastructure was configured on AWS, including secure environment variables and MongoDB replica set setup for high availability. Stripe live keys were activated to enable real transactions.
- Mar 19, 2026
Mobile App Submission & Launch
The iOS and Android applications were submitted for review and successfully prepared for production release. All core milestones were completed, marking the official launch of the HoopFind platform.
- Mar 19 – Apr 19, 2026
30-Day Free Support Window
During the post-launch support period, the team provided ongoing technical support and minor refinements to ensure a smooth live environment.
Support included:
- Currency adjustments
- Time zone handling improvements
- UI refinements and minor bug fixes
- Stability monitoring and performance checks
This phase ensured the platform remained stable while accommodating real user feedback.
Key Outcomes
HoopFind launched on schedule and is now available to basketball players across Canada. The project successfully delivered a complete multi-platform product within a compressed timeline.
Platforms launched: iOS App Store & Google Play
0
Week end-to-end delivery from kickoff to live
0
Development hours across all disciplines
0
+
Pull requests merged across API & UI repositories
0
+
User roles supported: Player, Host, Admin
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does mobile app development cost in Canada?
The cost of mobile app development in Canada typically ranges from $10,000 to $150,000+, depending on the complexity, features, and platforms involved. A basic MVP app may cost between $10,000–$25,000, while more advanced applications with integrations, real-time features, or AI capabilities can exceed $100,000.
Factors affecting cost include UI/UX design, backend infrastructure, APIs, scalability requirements, and whether the app is built natively or cross-platform
How long does it take to build a mobile app?
The cost of mobile app development in Canada typically ranges from $10,000 to $150,000+, depending on the complexity, features, and platforms involved. A basic MVP app may cost between $10,000–$25,000, while more advanced applications with integrations, real-time features, or AI capabilities can exceed $100,000.
Factors affecting cost include UI/UX design, backend infrastructure, APIs, scalability requirements, and whether the app is built natively or cross-platform
What is the difference between native and cross-platform app development?
The cost of mobile app development in Canada typically ranges from $10,000 to $150,000+, depending on the complexity, features, and platforms involved. A basic MVP app may cost between $10,000–$25,000, while more advanced applications with integrations, real-time features, or AI capabilities can exceed $100,000.
Factors affecting cost include UI/UX design, backend infrastructure, APIs, scalability requirements, and whether the app is built natively or cross-platform
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Factors affecting cost include UI/UX design, backend infrastructure, APIs, scalability requirements, and whether the app is built natively or cross-platform
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Factors affecting cost include UI/UX design, backend infrastructure, APIs, scalability requirements, and whether the app is built natively or cross-platform
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Factors affecting cost include UI/UX design, backend infrastructure, APIs, scalability requirements, and whether the app is built natively or cross-platform
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Factors affecting cost include UI/UX design, backend infrastructure, APIs, scalability requirements, and whether the app is built natively or cross-platform
Do you offer post-launch support and maintenance?
The cost of mobile app development in Canada typically ranges from $10,000 to $150,000+, depending on the complexity, features, and platforms involved. A basic MVP app may cost between $10,000–$25,000, while more advanced applications with integrations, real-time features, or AI capabilities can exceed $100,000.
Factors affecting cost include UI/UX design, backend infrastructure, APIs, scalability requirements, and whether the app is built natively or cross-platform
Can you scale an existing application?
The cost of mobile app development in Canada typically ranges from $10,000 to $150,000+, depending on the complexity, features, and platforms involved. A basic MVP app may cost between $10,000–$25,000, while more advanced applications with integrations, real-time features, or AI capabilities can exceed $100,000.
Factors affecting cost include UI/UX design, backend infrastructure, APIs, scalability requirements, and whether the app is built natively or cross-platform
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Do you work with startups or only enterprises?
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Factors affecting cost include UI/UX design, backend infrastructure, APIs, scalability requirements, and whether the app is built natively or cross-platform
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