BFI launches U25 Pro Basketball league, to commence in January next year

The Captains Professional Basketball Pvt Ltd (CPBL), in partnership with the Basketball Federation of India (BFI), today announced the launch of the Pro International Basketball League (InBL PRO U-25), an initiative to transform Indian basketball by creating superior opportunities.

The INBL PRO features six franchises and will bring together some of the best young talents from India and the world, with each team consisting of 12 players.

The composition of each team includes 6 U-25 Indian players and 6 international players.

Ensuring top-tier training and development, the league will feature 12 international coaches and six Indian assistant coaches.

Beginning on January 15, one game will be played each day, culminating with the final fours in Abu Dhabi at the beginning of March 2025.

Key stakeholders present at the launch included Mr. Aadhav Arjuna, (President, BFI), Mr. Kulvinder Singh Gill, (Secretary General, BFI), Mr. Chengalraya Naidu, (Treasurer, BFI), Mr. Rupinder Brar, (Founder and Chairman, INBL Pro), Mr. Abhisek Yash Tyagi, (Founder and Co-Chairman, INBL Pro), Mr. Dushyant Khanna, (Founder and Director, INBL Pro), and Mr. Parveen Batish, (CEO, INBL Pro).

There will be a player auction, scheduled to be held on January 9, 2025. The auction will feature both Indian and international talent from the USA, Australia, New Zealand, and others.

Mr. Aadhav Arjuna, President, Basketball Federation of India, said "The INBL PRO U-25 is a significant initiative that will raise the standards of Indian basketball. It is the first time in India U-25 professional league is starting and the youth players will benefit."

In a first-of-its-kind opportunity for Indian players to hone their skills globally, Justin Nelson, Commissioner of the New Zealand National Basketball League (NZ-NBL), has awarded INBL franchise Indian Panthers access to the NZ-NBL, one of the world’s top 10 basketball leagues.

As a part of this, the top 10-12 Indian players will live and train in Auckland, New Zealand, and represent India for 5 months, competing against other professional teams weekly in high-level international games.

The Panthers will also provide Indian players with much-needed exposure to advanced training methodologies, game preparation, and strategy in one of the most competitive basketball environments.

Mr. Rupinder Brar, Founder and Chairman of INBL Pro, said "We want to make basketball matter more in India and InBL Pro offers players a chance to compete at a high level, while also entertaining fans with the sport's fast-paced and dynamic nature."