InBL CEO Parveen Batish talks about league's success, future plans & more ahead of InBL Pro U25 2025 final

Punjab Warriors will clash against the Gujarat Stallions in the InBL Pro U25 2025 final.

The Indian Basketball League (InBL) has taken its first steps in establishing a professional basketball ecosystem in the country. With the league nearing its end, in an exclusive interview, Parveen Batish, CEO of the InBl Pro U25, shared insights on the league’s performance, challenges, and the road ahead.

Reflecting on the league’s inaugural showcase season, Batish expressed genuine satisfaction with the level of competition. “I couldn’t have wished for a better product on the floor,” he said. “The standard of the games has been exceptional.” The league witnessed nail-biting finishes, with the final playoff spots being decided in the last two games of the regular season. Punjab’s last-second victory highlighted the competitive nature of the tournament, showcasing high-paced athleticism and standout performances from both local and international players.

The exposure helped Indian players assess their skill levels compared to international talent. ‘Some players who were not in the national team radar have now raised their hands and said, ‘Look out for me in the future,'” Batish noted. This has been evident in the performances of players like National team debutant Arvinder Singh Kahlon and comeback player Pratyanshu Tomar. Similarly, Rishabh Mathur and Tushal Singh, who had already impressed in the national championships, have delivered stellar performances in the league, potentially positioning themselves for future national team consideration.

The league faced significant challenges due to scheduling conflicts and a congested timeline, with 30 games squeezed into less than three weeks. “Flexibility was the keyword,” Batish emphasized. The league was initially planned to begin in early January but faced delays due to changes in the national basketball calendar. Despite these setbacks, the coaching staff worked diligently to maintain player health, organizing video sessions, individual workouts, and even conducting stretching and yoga sessions by the hotel pool.

Batish confirmed that it was deliberately designed as a showcase season to demonstrate the league’s potential. “This was a showcase season because all the teams are our teams, so we’ve done everything,” he explained.

The long-term vision is to create a full professional league with franchises, longer seasons, and structured pre-season training. “In the future, if we have proper franchises, then obviously they will spend time in their cities for pre-season because then they can get a following,” he elaborated. This will allow teams to develop local fan bases and train together more effectively.

Despite promising gameplay, the league struggled with attendance and viewership. “You’re never going to fill the stadium for 24 straight days unless you’re a superstar in Las Vegas,” Batish remarked, acknowledging that scheduling during Delhi’s exam season significantly impacted crowd turnout.

He identified three key target audiences: the basketball community, NBA viewers who enjoy watching the sport, and potential new fans. The league, however, has incentivised fan engagement through various campaigns to fill up the stadiums, such as Sneaker Lucky Draws, inviting college bands to cheer for the sides, and free entries as the league approaches its closure.

For future editions, increased marketing efforts and Hindi commentary, which was initially planned but not executed due to logistical challenges, will be prioritized. “In the future, 100%, we will have a Hindi commentator,” Batish assured. He remains optimistic about basketball’s potential: “I seriously believe that we have the opportunity with the kind of sport basketball is—entertaining, fast-paced, high-scoring—that can be a real contender as a second-tier sport in India on TV.”

Batish also mentioned that they are working on getting coaches involved in commentary as they can provide deeper insights into the game. “We need to teach the commentators about the nuances of the game or find someone who already knows it well. The best option is getting experienced coaches to step in and offer expert analysis,” he explained.

Additionally, the league is utilizing coaches to educate the audience, ensuring that basketball knowledge spreads across a wider base. “Many fans are new to the sport, and we need to build an understanding of basketball fundamentals. Having coaches break down plays and strategies during broadcasts is a crucial step in achieving that,” Batish added.

With Indian players also preparing for international competitions like the FIBA Asia Cup, Batish unequivocally stated that national duties would always be the priority. “100%—the priority is the national team,” he affirmed. He explained that the league is securing visas for 20 players to ensure sufficient backup options for the Indian Panthers, which will feature the best InBL talent in New Zealand’s NBL while some players are on national duty.

On the financial front, the league ensured complete parity between top Indian and international players. “The top international players are getting the equivalent of 20,000 AUD, and the top Indian players are receiving the same,” Batish revealed. This equal pay structure represents a significant step towards establishing professional basketball standards in India. The franchises are team-owned, but the league is confident that they will be able to attract investors and owners before the season starts.

While challenges exist, the league’s showcase season has successfully laid the groundwork for professional basketball in India. “We’ve drawn the line in the sand,” Batish concluded, “and now it’s time to build on it.”

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