Mumbai: In a landmark development for Indian sports, ACG Sports Private Limited has announced the launch of India’s first professional basketball league, in association with the Basketball Federation of India (BFI). This historic initiative will feature structured competition in both 5×5 and 3×3 formats for men and women, establishing a full-fledged professional ecosystem to empower Indian basketball talent like never before.
Driven by the vision to transform basketball from a niche sport into a mainstream career option, the league aims to provide athletes across India with a sustainable path to success, backed by world-class infrastructure, international expertise, and grassroots investment.
“Basketball represents more than just a sport – it is a vehicle for building character, leadership, and opportunity,” said Karan Singh, Managing Director of ACG. “Our decade-long journey, beginning with grassroots initiatives has focused on systematically making basketball accessible across India while building the professional pathways that young athletes need to thrive. Our vision for this professional basketball league is to establish a self-sustaining ecosystem where every child with passion and talent can see a viable future in basketball in India. We’re grateful for the partnership with BFI in making this dream a reality.”
The league is spearheaded by ACG Sports Pvt. Ltd., a division of ACG, a global leader in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical manufacturing solutions. The initiative is a natural extension of ACG’s decade-long commitment to developing basketball at the grassroots level across India.
To steer the league’s global strategy, Jeremy Loeliger, former CEO & Commissioner of Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL), has been appointed Director of ACG Sports. His leadership is expected to bring global best practices in governance, competition, and commercialization to the Indian league.
Further reinforcing its commitment, ACG will also unveil India’s first fully residential high-performance centre within the year. The academy will host elite facilities, attract top coaches from the U.S. and Australia, and offer holistic development programs focused on nutrition, mental wellness, and academics for players, coaches, and referees.
Aadhav Arjuna, President of BFI, said, “This partnership with ACG is unlike anything we’ve seen before. It is driven by vision, structured for long-term impact, and rooted in a clear understanding of what Indian basketball truly needs. We’re building not just visibility, but real momentum and global credibility. Our vision is to win medals at the Asian Games and Olympics.”
Kulvinder Singh Gill, Secretary General, BFI, added, “This league will unlock new opportunities for young Indian talent to grow, compete professionally, and gain invaluable exposure alongside international players and coaches.”
The detailed league framework — covering team structures, competition formats, player eligibility, and governance models — is currently in development with support from global basketball experts. A phased rollout of participation guidelines, venue details, and operational protocols will follow.
In the coming months, a dedicated League Council will oversee standards and operations, while nationwide scouting, custom athlete development programs, and dynamic fan engagement initiatives will help build a vibrant, inclusive, and commercially sustainable basketball culture in India.
With this pioneering move, ACG and BFI are set to usher in a new era for Indian basketball — one built on vision, inclusivity, and global ambition.
