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The Basketball Federation of India (BFI) has signed an INR 216.3 crore deal for seven years with ACG Sports Limited to host India’s first-ever professional league titled the National Star Basketball League (NSBL) for men and women.
ACG Sports won the financial bid to be the organizing partner to host the league in both 5x5 and 3x3 formats. ACG Sports will spend a total of INR 216.3 crore, with yearly spending on the 5x5 format being 20.6 crore and for the 3x3 format, it will be 10.3 crore.
“It was a transparent system, and we gave it to the highest bidder. It is a medical group of companies, and has already been associated with supporting basketball through many events,” said the BFI president.
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“It is a new beginning for Indian basketball. We hope to pay substantial money to our players. We call all the big corporate companies and sponsors to invest in the league and make it a success,” Aadhav Arjuna said.
Additionally, the National Federation has confirmed that the complete ownership of the professional league will stay with the apex body and the revenue generated will be put back into the sport for its development.
“We will host both the men’s and women’s leagues. The BFI would hold 100% ownership of the league so that we put the revenue generated back into the game for our developmental projects,” he said.
Moreover, the BFI has informed the players, and coaches to be fit and prepared for the inaugural league.
National Star Basketball League (NSBL) to feature 10 men’s and eight women’s teams
Around 100 Indian players would directly benefit from India’s first-ever professional basketball league and it will also feature four foreign players in each team. Furthermore, the inaugural National Star Basketball League is expected to feature 10 men’s teams and eight women’s teams.
While the 5x5 format will be played in stadiums, the 3x3 format is likely to be hosted at beaches, parks, and malls to take the game to the people.
Besides the National Star Basketball League (NSBL), the BFI will also conduct the National U23 Pro League for men and women, and the National College, School Leagues for both boys and girls in both formats.
