India Basketball: 7 State Youth Leagues to launch in 2026
ACG invests in ABC Basketball Development League to support the creation of structured Under-14 and Under-18 ecosystems.
Pune, January 19, 2026: Indian basketball is set for a major grassroots push with seven state-level youth basketball leagues scheduled to launch in 2026. This is aimed at creating a development pathway to the India Basketball League.
The news was announced at a press conference in Viman Nagar, Pune, on January 19. The event was attended by Rahul Jha, Head of Business Operations and Growth, ACG Sports; Anirudh Pole, Founder and CEO, ABC; Mukesh Kalia, President, Delhi Basketball Association; Prudhvi Reddy, Secretary, Telangana Basketball Association; Govind Muthukumar, Secretary, Maharashtra State Basketball Association; and P.C. Antony, Secretary, Kerala Basketball Association.
The leagues will be operated by ABC Basketball Development League Pvt. Ltd., following a strategic investment from ACG, and will cater to Under-14 and Under-18 age groups.
Kerala, Maharashtra, Delhi, and Telangana have already been finalised for the rollout, with the remaining states to be confirmed. The final league calendar is expected by the end of February.
High Performance Centres
The partnership will introduce franchisee-owned leagues alongside the establishment of training centres and High Performance Centres (HPCs) across the states.
The initiative is designed to strengthen talent identification and long-term athlete development. Players discovered through these leagues may be considered for tryouts at ACG-operated HPCs, based on performance, potential, and evaluation criteria.
Jha said: “At ACG, we believe the future of Indian basketball lies in building a complete pathway for athletes — from their first exposure to the sport to the professional stage,” said Rahul Jha, Head of Strategy and Chief of Staff at ACG, adding that the focus on the 14–18 age group is critical for sustainable growth.
Pole added: “This association strengthens the developmental framework of Indian basketball by creating a clearer and more connected pathway for young players. By aligning youth leagues with High Performance Centres, we aim to contribute meaningfully to the long-term growth of elite Indian basketball talent.”
With four states already confirmed and nationwide expansion planned, this could mark one of the most structured youth basketball initiatives in India.
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