New Indian-backed teams will join the National Basketball League (NBL) and Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa next year.
In an out-there initiative, which the National Basketball League said demonstrates a commitment to innovation and growth, the Indian Panthers will be based in South Auckland and play home games at Takanini's Pulman Arena.
LATEST HEADLINES:
White Ferns fall in ODI series decider to India
Owned by INBL Pro, which also operates basketball leagues in India, the Panthers will establish both a men’s and women’s teams, set to feature leading national team players from India, along with internationals from America and Australia.
The Panthers are also permitted to sign Kiwi players – and expect to include some homegrown New Zealand talent as part of their teams.
"We are excited to have the Indian Panthers join our professional leagues in 2025. The opportunities this partnership will bring extend across the basketball community and beyond," said Basketball New Zealand's general manager of leagues Maree Taylor.
The overseas expansion project was developed by former NBL general manager and now Sky TV's head of commercialisation and fandom Justin Nelson, who holds no official role with BBNZ or the NBL.
INBL Pro chief executive Parveen Batish was excited for the future of the Indian Panthers and provided an overview of what he was looking to achieve in 2025, and beyond.
“Our philosophy is simple: make basketball matter more in India by showcasing the opportunities the sport presents to Indian players around the world. Playing in these two strong New Zealand leagues will help create aspirational pathways for Indian players,” said Batish.
“Indian ballers need increased opportunities to play in high-quality leagues. By operating teams in New Zealand in partnership with the NBL, Tauihi and Sky TV, we will give our athletes and coaches the chance to learn modern skills of game preparation, scouting, game adjustment and individual skills.
“We see the Panthers as being India’s team and loved by Indians around the world.
“We also hope the introduction of the Panthers will help other NBL and Tauihi teams with marketing and commercial opportunities. In business and sport, we have so much to share across New Zealand and India."
Approximately 50 percent of India’s population of 1.42 billion people is under the age of 25. With basketball being one of the nation’s fastest-growing sports, especially among its youth, the vision is for the Panthers to be one of the key teams that young Indian players aspire to play for.
According to Stats NZ’s most recent census, citizens of India are the largest group of migrants in New Zealand (a population of 50,800 in 2023), with the number of Indian migrants living in New Zealand expected to rise above 500,000 by 2036.
Auckland is home to the largest percentage of migrants from India, making it the ideal base for the Panthers.
The 2025 NBL schedule is set to be released in the coming weeks, while the free agency period for player signings will open in early-November.