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Pro International Basketball League will include six franchises and each team will consist of 12 players.
Pro International Basketball League
The Basketball Federation of India (BFI), in partnership with the Captains Professional Basketball Pvt Ltd (CPBL), announced the launch of the Pro International Basketball League (InBL PRO U-25) on Wednesday.
“The INBL PRO U-25 is a significant initiative that will raise the standards of Indian basketball. By blending international expertise with local talent, a new benchmark for the sport is being set in India and we, at BFI is happy to collaborate with INBL in this landmark league. It is first time in India U25 Professional League is starting and the College and youth players will benefit,” said Basketball Federation of India president Aadhav Arjuna.
“This league will elevate the game in India by creating never-seen-before opportunities for India’s young talent to learn, grow, and compete at a professional level. With international players and coaches, the Indian players will be able to get unmatched experiences that will set them for the global stage,” said Basketball Federation of India Secretary General Kulvinder Singh Gill.
“InBL Pro has created aspirational pathways for Indian players to play at the highest level while inspiring the next generation of players. 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,” INBL Pro Founder and Chairman Rupinder Brar.
“InBL Pro U-25 is all about development, entertainment and global exposure. By taking it international with players, coaches, and venues, we are setting a new benchmark for professional basketball in India. It is a leap towards integrating U25 Indian players into the global basketball ecosystem,” said INBL Pro CEO Parveen Batish.
Pro International Basketball League Format And Fixtures
The league is set to commence on January 15, 2025, with six teams fighting for the championship. One game will be played each day, culminating with the final fours in Abu Dhabi at the beginning of March, 2025.
The players will go in for auction on January 9, 2025, and will feature both Indian and international talent from USA, Australia, New Zealand, among others.
The INBL PRO will have six franchises and will bring together some of the best young talents from India and the world. Each team will consist of 12 players. The composition of each team includes 6 Indian players under 25 and 6 international players. Ensuring top-tier training and development, the league will feature 12 international coaches and six Indian assistant coaches.
International Expansion with the Indian Panthers in New Zealand
Justin Nelson, Commisioner of New Zealand National Basketball League (NZ NBL), has awarded INBL a franchise, the Indian Panthers, to allow Indian talent an international platform in the NZ NBL, one of the world’s top 10 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.