India Basketball League: A New Era for Young Players

The India Basketball League (IBL) is set to revolutionize basketball in India by providing young players with a clear pathway to professional careers, including opportunities in the NBA. Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger emphasizes the league's commitment to nurturing talent through expert coaching and a high-performance center in Bengaluru. With a focus on sustainability and long-term development, the IBL aims to inspire the next generation of basketball stars. As the league prepares for its launch, the excitement builds for the potential talent that will emerge from India in the coming years. Discover how the IBL plans to transform the landscape of basketball in the country.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 9, 2026, 02:20 IST

A Vision for Indian Basketball

Jeremy Loeliger, the commissioner of the Indian Basketball League (IBL), expressed that the league's goal is to provide young Indian athletes with a clear path to professional basketball, including opportunities in the National Basketball Association (NBA), the premier basketball league globally.

During an interview at the BudX NBA House event in Delhi, Jeremy highlighted that the IBL, which is the first professional basketball league in India, is backed by the Basketball Federation of India (BFI) and is set to launch this year.

He emphasized that the league aims to meet the aspirations of young players, bringing professional basketball to India in a sustainable manner.

"The India Basketball League is set to debut early next year, focusing on establishing a long-term professional basketball framework in India. Our vision is to inspire young Indians to pursue careers as professional basketball players, a pathway that has not been available until now," he stated.

Jeremy acknowledged the significance of creating pathways for athletes in any sport, which is crucial for strengthening national teams. The IBL intends to establish a clear route for aspiring basketball players to achieve their dreams of representing India.

"Who knows, some may even reach the NBA one day. However, this process takes time. We are laying the groundwork to identify talent early and provide the necessary coaching to help them transition into successful professionals," he added.

He pointed out that Indian basketball has previously lacked expert training for young players, which is essential for their development by the time they reach 17 or 18 years old, allowing them to apply their skills in a professional setting.

The IBL plans to operate from a high-performance center in Bengaluru, the first of its kind in India dedicated to nurturing elite basketball talent. Leading this initiative is Marty Clarke, a former Australian player and head coach of the NBA's Global Academy.

"Currently, we have 88 players residing at the center. Marty, who has extensive experience in developing young talent, is working with the first group of players who will compete in the IBL," Jeremy explained.

"His next focus will be on identifying and training 14 to 17-year-olds to become the next generation of professional players. We have assembled a team of top-notch assistant coaches, nutritionists, physiotherapists, and strength and conditioning experts to support this initiative," he continued.

The IBL is also reaching out to players in its eight foundation cities, aiming to provide local youth with a team to rally behind.

Jeremy remains optimistic about the potential talent emerging from India, although he acknowledges that it will be a long-term journey of about ten years for these young players to fully develop.

"We expect to see some exceptional talent emerging soon, but it will take time to nurture these young athletes, aged 14 to 15, and provide them with the opportunities they need. Keep an eye on this space; exciting talent is on the horizon from India," he concluded.