India moved a step closer towards launching its first-ever professional basketball league after the India Basketball League officially announced its eight foundation cities for the inaugural competition.
The announcement was made during the BUDx NBA House event in New Delhi, where NBA legends DeMarcus Cousins, Isiah Thomas and Vlade Divac joined league officials to reveal the selected cities.
The eight foundation cities are Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh and Pune. However, only six teams will feature in the league’s inaugural season in early 2027, while the remaining two cities are expected to join in future expansion phases.
League organisers said the cities were chosen because of their strong basketball culture, growing fan bases and established sporting communities.
Fans To Help Shape The League
One of the league’s most unique features will be direct fan involvement in shaping the inaugural season. Supporters will reportedly play a role in deciding which six cities ultimately participate in the first campaign.
“The success of any professional sporting league is dependent on its fans,” said IBL commissioner Jeremy Loeliger, who stressed that supporters would remain central to decision-making as the league develops.
The league is being backed by ACG, which has already established a High-Performance Centre in Bengaluru aimed at developing India’s next generation of basketball talent.
According to ACG managing director Karan Singh, the new league is designed to provide a long-term pathway for Indian players — from grassroots scouting to elite professional competition.
Big Step For Indian Basketball
Basketball remains one of the world’s most-watched Olympic sports, and the launch of the IBL is being viewed as a major opportunity for India to strengthen its presence internationally.
League officials believe the competition can eventually help produce players capable of competing at the FIBA Asia Cup, the Asian Games and even the Olympic Games.
India has attempted professional basketball leagues before, but organisers are hopeful the IBL’s structured approach, international partnerships and long-term player development plans will finally help establish a sustainable top-tier basketball ecosystem in the country.
The league’s launch in 2027 is expected to mark a landmark moment for Indian basketball fans who have long waited for a fully professional domestic competition.
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