Indian basketball, often cited as a 'sleeping giant,' is poised for a potential resurgence, thanks to a new partnership between the Basketball Federation of India (BFI) and ACG Sports Private Limited. This collaboration aims to revolutionize the sport in India, transforming it from a niche interest into a mainstream pursuit with viable career paths for athletes. The centerpiece of this effort is the launch of India's first professional basketball league, encompassing both 5x5 and 3x3 formats for men and women.
ACG Sports, a subsidiary of ACG Associated Capsules Private Limited, has committed INR 216.3 crore over seven years to realize this vision. This substantial investment underscores the commitment to establishing a self-sustaining basketball ecosystem within the country. As part of the financials of the bid, ACG will spend a total of 216.3 crore for a period of seven years. The yearly spend on the 5x5 format will be 20.6 crore while 10.3 crore has been kept for the shorter version of basketball played in the 3x3 and half-court format. An yearly amount of 30.9 crore will be invested by ACG Sports.
The league aims to redefine how basketball is played, experienced, and supported throughout India. By establishing a comprehensive professional environment, the BFI and ACG hope to provide Indian athletes with the resources, exposure, and opportunities necessary to excel on both national and international stages. Aadhav Arjuna, President of the BFI, has expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, emphasizing that it's driven by a clear vision and structured for long-term impact. He also believes it's rooted in a deep understanding of what Indian basketball truly needs to achieve global credibility and win medals at prestigious events like the Asian Games and Olympics.
Karan Singh, Managing Director of ACG, who has been involved in promoting basketball for over a decade, shares this sentiment. He views basketball as a vehicle for building character, leadership, and opportunity, and believes this league will create a viable future for talented young players in India. His vision is to establish a self-sustaining ecosystem where every child with passion and talent can see a viable future in basketball in India.
To further bolster the development of the sport, ACG is set to launch India's first fully residential high-performance center within the year. This academy will feature world-class facilities and attract top coaching talent from the United States and Australia. The training programs will be comprehensive, focusing not only on athletic skills but also on nutrition, mental wellness, and academic balance, ensuring the holistic development of future stars. Jeremy Loeliger, the former CEO & Commissioner of Australia's National Basketball League (NBL), has been appointed Director of ACG Sports. Loeliger will lead the development of the league's blueprint, bringing international standards of governance, competition, and commercial innovation to the Indian shores.
The ACG-BFI partnership builds upon ACG's decade-long involvement in grassroots basketball initiatives, including talent hunts in collaboration with the NBA. The goal is to make basketball the second most popular sport in the country, a feat that requires sustained effort and collective support.
While challenges remain, this partnership represents a significant step forward for Indian basketball. The combination of financial investment, strategic leadership, and a focus on grassroots development has the potential to unlock the country's vast potential and awaken its sleeping giant.
