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
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 Software.
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
See HoopFind in Action
HoopFind is now live and accessible across web and mobile platforms.
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 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.
- 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 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.
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
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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 timeline for mobile app development usually ranges from 8 weeks to 6 months. A simple MVP can be completed in 6–10 weeks, while complex applications with advanced features, integrations, or AI components may take 4–6 months or longer.
Proper planning, clear requirements, and an experienced development team significantly reduce timelines.
What is the difference between native and cross-platform app development?
Native apps are built specifically for iOS (Swift) or Android (Kotlin), offering maximum performance and full access to device features. Cross-platform apps (React Native, Flutter) allow faster development and lower costs by using a shared codebase.
The choice depends on your budget, performance needs, and time-to-market requirements.
What industries benefit the most from AI development?
AI development is widely used across industries including:
- Healthcare (diagnostics, patient management)
- Fintech (fraud detection, analytics)
- E-commerce (recommendation engines)
- Logistics (route optimization)
- Education (adaptive learning)
Businesses that rely on data, automation, or personalization benefit the most from AI integration.
What is an AI agent and how does it work?
An AI agent is a system that can perform tasks autonomously using artificial intelligence. It can analyze data, make decisions, and execute actions without constant human input.
Examples include chatbots, workflow automation tools, and AI assistants integrated into business systems.
What is RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) in AI?
RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) is an AI approach that combines large language models with real-time data retrieval. It allows AI systems to generate more accurate and context-aware responses using external knowledge sources.
It is commonly used in chatbots, enterprise search systems, and AI assistants.
Do you build SaaS platforms?
Yes, we specialize in SaaS (Software as a Service) development, building scalable cloud-based platforms for startups and enterprises. Our SaaS solutions include subscription systems, dashboards, user management, and integrations.
What technologies do you use for development?
We use modern technologies including:
- React, Next.js (frontend)
- Nodejs, Python (backend)
- MongoDB, PostgreSQL (databases)
- AWS, Azure (cloud)
- React Native, Flutter (mobile)
Do you offer post-launch support and maintenance?
Yes, we provide ongoing support, maintenance, and scaling services. This includes bug fixes, performance optimization, feature updates, and infrastructure management.
Can you scale an existing application?
Yes, we specialize in scaling existing applications by improving performance, optimizing architecture, and adding new features to support growth.
What is the cost of custom software development in Canada?
Custom software development typically ranges from $20,000 to $200,000+, depending on the complexity, integrations, and scalability requirements.
Do you work with startups or only enterprises?
We work with both startups and enterprises. For startups, we focus on MVP development and rapid deployment. For enterprises, we build scalable, secure, and integrated systems.
What is the best tech stack for mobile app development?
The best tech stack depends on your goals. Native development (Swift/Kotlin) offers performance, while React Native and Flutter offer faster development and cost efficiency.
Do you provide UI/UX design services?
Yes, we provide full UI/UX design services including wireframes, prototypes, and user experience optimization.
What is included in your AI development services?
Our AI services include AI agents, LLM integration, RAG systems, chatbots, predictive analytics, and automation solutions.
How do you ensure security in software development?
We follow best practices including encryption, secure authentication, compliance standards, and regular security audits.
Do you develop enterprise software?
Yes, we build enterprise-grade applications including CRM, ERP, dashboards, and workflow automation systems.
What is your development process?
Our process includes discovery, design, development, testing, deployment, and ongoing support.
Can you integrate third-party APIs?
Yes, we integrate APIs including payment gateways, CRMs, AI services, and more.
What is AI automation?
AI automation uses artificial intelligence to automate repetitive tasks, improve workflows, and reduce manual effort.
Do you build e-commerce platforms?
Yes, we build scalable e-commerce platforms with payment integrations, inventory systems, and AI-driven personalization.
What makes your company different from competitors?
We combine AI expertise, mobile app development, and custom software capabilities under one roof, allowing us to deliver complete digital solutions.
Do you provide cloud deployment services?
Yes, we deploy applications on AWS, Azure, and other cloud platforms for scalability and reliability.
Can you modernize legacy systems?
Yes, we help businesses modernize outdated systems by upgrading technology and improving performance.
How do I get started with your development services?
You can contact us through our website to schedule a consultation where we discuss your project requirements and provide a tailored solution.
