Investigation into BFI’s alleged ‘Anti-Competitive’ practices ordered by CCI
Elite Pro Basketball Private Limited has filed a petition alleging that BFI purposefully blocked their effort to launch a private basketball league in India.
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has ordered an investigation into allegations that the Basketball Federation of India (BFI) engaged in anti-competitive practices, which allegedly restricted the operation of private leagues and constrained the freedom of players to participate in leagues and tournaments of their choice.
The order dated November 25, 2025, has given the Director General 60 days to complete the investigation and submit the report.
The order was issued following a petition filed by the operators of Elite Pro Basketball Private Limited (EPBL), who argued that the Federation abused its dominant position within the market to unfairly restrict player participation and block events and venues, thus creating a monopoly over basketball in the country.
Three Key Issues
The petition filed by EPBL aims to prove three central issues:
That the Federation abused its dominant position by controlling access/entry to private basketball leagues, tournaments, exhibition games, and player participation.
That private leagues were unfairly prevented from launching due to restrictive approval systems, threats, and being refused sanction despite the petitioners requesting BFI’s support and recognition on multiple occasions.
That players were subjected to unreasonable restrictions that prevent them from earning a livelihood through leagues outside the Federation’s control.
BFI Blocking Players’ Opportunities?
The petitioner (EPBL) claims that BFI allegedly used the guise of mandatory approvals as gatekeeping tools to delay or block their league. EPBL claims that the top brass of the Federation personally issued threats of bans or suspensions against players associating with non-Federation competitions, thus adding coercive pressure.
As per the petition, the Federation’s exclusive control over referees, game officials, and infrastructure (basketball courts) ensured that private events faced a severe shortage of resources to succeed.
The overall aim was to deny market access to private league organizers and limit career choices for players. The petitioners argue that these practices by BFI have abused its dominant position within the meaning of Section 4(1) of the Competition Act, 2002.
Detailed Investigation Ordered
Following the evidence presented by the EPBL, the CCI came to the opinion that there exists a prima facie case which requires a full investigation by the Director General to determine whether BFI’s alleged actions have resulted in contravention of various provisions of the Competition Act, 2002.
Once the investigation is completed, the Director General will present their evidence before the commission, which will then decide on the next course of action. In no way is the CCI’s order to investigate a final decision on the merits of the case.
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