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Kerala Launches First Franchise-Style Basketball League
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Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, November 24th 2025 at 20:58 GMT by The New Indian Express- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Kerala Takes the Lead in India’s Basketball Boom: The Birth of the First Franchise‑Style League
The state of Kerala has long been celebrated for its love of football, hockey and even traditional sports such as Kalaripayattu. Yet, a new chapter is unfolding on the hardwood: the announcement of Kerala’s very first basketball franchise league. The article from The New Indian Express (published November 25, 2025) details how the state is stepping up to compete in India’s burgeoning professional sports arena, mirroring the successful franchise models that have transformed football and cricket.
1. The Genesis of a Franchise League
The idea behind a franchise‑style league is simple yet revolutionary. Rather than club‑based, locally owned teams, franchises are owned by business entities and backed by private capital. This model, proven in the Indian Super League (football) and the Pro Kabaddi League, brings higher operational standards, stronger marketing, and better financial viability. Kerala’s sports minister, M. R. Anil, announced that the league would start in the 2026‑27 season, with a launch event held in Kochi on November 20, 2025.
In the article, Anil emphasizes that “Kerala’s commitment to sports is not just about winning trophies; it is about building a sustainable ecosystem that nurtures talent, creates jobs, and puts our state on the global map.” He cites the state’s recent $100 million sports budget as a key enabler, along with an existing network of indoor arenas that can be upgraded to meet league standards.
2. Structure and Format
The proposed league will feature eight franchise teams drawn from the state’s major cities and regions:
- Kochi Kings – headquartered in the coastal metropolis, backed by the Kochi City Corporation.
- Thrissur Titans – a partnership with the Thrissur District Council.
- Ernakulam Eagles – a joint venture with the Ernakulam Development Authority.
- Palakkad Panthers – funded by a consortium of local agribusinesses.
- Kottayam Kites – supported by Kottayam’s textile conglomerates.
- Kannur Kings – a collaboration with the Kannur Municipal Corporation.
- Kollam Knights – backed by the Kollam Chamber of Commerce.
- Punalur Pythons – a joint venture with the South Kerala Development Board.
The article notes that the season will span 12 weeks with a regular‑season format followed by playoffs and a championship final held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Kochi. Each team will play a double‑round robin schedule, ensuring a total of 14 games per franchise in the regular season.
In terms of player recruitment, the league will adopt a draft system for Indian players, while also allowing franchises to sign up to two foreign imports each. The Indian Basketball Federation (IBF) has already granted provisional approval, and the league will operate under the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) guidelines.
3. Economic and Social Impact
A headline quote from R. Radhakrishnan, President of the Kerala State Basketball Federation, frames the league as a “game‑changer” for local talent. “With professional coaching, state‑of‑the‑art facilities and a higher standard of competition, we expect to see a rise in the number of Kerala players breaking into the national squad,” he says.
The league’s economic ripple effects are estimated at ₹350 million per year, covering salaries, marketing, venue management and ancillary services such as transportation and hospitality. The New Indian Express links to a state government report that projects the sports industry in Kerala could grow by 12 % annually, with basketball as a key contributor.
Employment opportunities are not limited to players. The league will create roles for coaches, physiotherapists, marketing professionals, event managers and media personnel. Moreover, the league’s partnerships with local universities will foster research in sports science and analytics, creating a knowledge hub for the region.
4. Key Stakeholders and Partnerships
Beyond the state government, several private entities have expressed strong interest:
- South Indian Sports & Entertainment Ltd. (SISEL): A consortium of film production houses and media companies that will manage the league’s broadcasting rights on regional television and streaming platforms.
- Kochi International Airport Group: Responsible for logistics and transport support, especially for visiting teams.
- Hyderabad-based sports tech firm, GameSense, will provide real‑time analytics and a fan engagement app that tracks player stats and offers in‑game virtual interactions.
The article also mentions a partnership with India’s National Basketball League (IBL), allowing the Kerala franchise league to serve as a feeder system for the national stage. In return, the IBL will help with talent scouting and cross‑league tournaments.
5. Challenges and Future Outlook
While the league’s prospects are bright, the article highlights a few hurdles:
- Infrastructure Upgrades: Although Kerala has many indoor courts, they need significant renovation to meet FIBA standards (e.g., regulation‑size courts, lighting, and locker rooms).
- Player Development Pipeline: The state will need robust youth academies to supply talent for the draft. Plans for “Basketball Schools” in schools and colleges are underway.
- Public Engagement: Basketball has not historically enjoyed the same fan base in Kerala as football or hockey. A focused marketing strategy—leveraging social media, local influencers and community events—is critical.
Despite these challenges, the sentiment in the article is one of cautious optimism. Anil’s quote—“We are building not just a league, but a legacy”—captures the forward‑looking spirit. The New Indian Express concludes by noting that Kerala’s bold move could serve as a blueprint for other states looking to replicate the franchise model in sports other than football.
6. Bottom Line
Kerala’s launch of a basketball franchise league is a watershed moment for Indian sports. It marries the state’s passion for competitive play with a proven business model that offers economic growth, talent development, and increased national visibility. As the league prepares to roll out its inaugural season, all eyes will be on the courts of Kochi, Thrissur and beyond to see whether this ambitious project will indeed become a “comeback shot” that redefines Kerala’s sporting legacy.
Read the Full The New Indian Express Article at:
[ https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2025/Nov/25/comeback-shot-kerala-lines-up-first-ever-basketball-franchise-league-3 ]
