ACG Jr. NBA 3v3 National Tournament Returns for 2026 with New Under-16 Format

Exciting Announcement for Young Basketball Players

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 16: The National Basketball Association (NBA) in collaboration with the Basketball Federation of India (BFI) has revealed the return of the ACG Jr. NBA 3v3 National Tournament. This nationwide event, aimed at school teams for boys and girls under 16, will take place in 10 cities across India, marking it as the largest school-based basketball tournament in the country.

Set to commence on September 24 in Ahmedabad, the tournament will also visit Indore, Kochi, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Prayagraj, and Ludhiana. Schools in these regions can register their teams through the official event website, according to a recent announcement.

The top two teams from both boys' and girls' categories in each zone, along with one All-Star team for each gender, will qualify for the National Finals in December 2026. Further details regarding the remaining tournament dates and finals will be disclosed later. The eligible zones and states are outlined in the official release.

This year's program, themed "Where Stars Are Born," will transition from an under-14 to an under-16 age group, allowing players to engage at a more competitive level while ensuring equal opportunities for both genders. This change aims to enhance the ACG Jr. NBA program's contribution to basketball development in India, preparing participants for their next growth phase.

The ACG Jr. NBA initiative focuses on teaching essential skills and values of basketball, positively impacting youth across the nation. Last year's tournament saw over 8,000 players from 2,000 teams representing 900 schools, with more than 2,700 games played in 10 cities. This program is part of the NBA's extensive youth development strategy in India, which also includes the NBA Basketball School, offering training for players aged 6-18 in 13 cities, managed by India On Track.

For more information about the 2026 ACG Jr. NBA program, players, coaches, and families can follow the NBA's local social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X. Fans can also download the NBA App for the latest updates, scores, and more.

Sunny Malik, NBA India Country Head, stated, "The ACG Jr. NBA program is fundamental to our grassroots basketball initiatives in India. By moving to the under-16 category, we are establishing a more robust link between grassroots participation and our broader player development framework. Together with ACG, BFI, and Skechers, we are excited to continue fostering the largest school-based tournament in the country, providing a platform for young athletes to realize their potential in the sport."

BFI President Aadhav Arjuna emphasized, "Our ongoing partnership with the NBA showcases our mutual dedication to nurturing basketball from the grassroots level. The ACG Jr. NBA program offers young players across India a distinctive opportunity to learn, compete, and proudly represent their schools. Transitioning to the under-16 format helps cultivate a sustainable and competitive talent pipeline for the sport, making basketball more accessible and inspiring future national talents."

Karan Singh, Managing Director of ACG, remarked, "The NBA has made significant strides in promoting basketball in India, and this is an exhilarating time for the sport. Witnessing young boys and girls across the country embrace basketball with such enthusiasm is incredibly rewarding. The ACG Jr. NBA program aims to democratize the sport and ensure equal representation for all. This tournament truly embodies 'Where Stars Are Born,' and we are committed to creating safe and inclusive environments that empower the next generation both on and off the court."

Rahul Vira, CEO and Country Manager of Skechers South Asia Pvt. Ltd., noted that the shift of the ACG Jr. NBA program to the under-16 category provides a stronger platform for young athletes to compete and grow.

"At Skechers, we aspire to be part of this journey from the ground up, enhancing performance credibility while connecting with the vibrant culture of basketball. Our collaboration with the Jr. NBA allows us to engage with thousands of young players and support a thriving basketball ecosystem, inspiring the next generation and establishing Skechers as a key player in India's basketball culture," he added.