Indian basketball has taken a monumental leap forward with the establishment of the country's first high-performance centre in Bengaluru. This groundbreaking initiative marks a new chapter for the sport's development in India, providing elite athletes with world-class training facilities and professional support systems.
A New Home for Indian Basketball
The Basketball Federation of India (BFI) has officially launched the nation's premier high-performance basketball facility in Bengaluru, creating a centralized hub for developing top-tier talent. This strategic move represents the most significant infrastructure investment in Indian basketball history, designed to elevate the sport to international standards.
The centre opened on November 12, 2025, and immediately began operations with selected national team players. Bengaluru, known as India's sports capital, provides the ideal location with its existing sports infrastructure and favorable climate for year-round training.
Financial Security for Players
In a parallel development that complements the new facility, the BFI has implemented a structured monthly wage system for players. Each athlete will receive Rs 75,000 per month, providing financial stability that was previously unavailable to most basketball professionals in India.
This monthly compensation package represents a transformative step for women basketball players in particular. For the first time, female athletes can pursue basketball as a viable career option without financial constraints, potentially revolutionizing women's participation in the sport at elite levels.
Impact on Indian Basketball Ecosystem
The combination of the high-performance centre and guaranteed monthly wages creates a comprehensive ecosystem for player development. Athletes can now focus entirely on training and competition without worrying about financial pressures or inadequate facilities.
This dual approach addresses two critical challenges that have historically hindered Indian basketball: the lack of professional training infrastructure and the absence of financial incentives for players to commit fully to the sport. The initiative signals a professionalization of basketball in India that could significantly improve the national team's international competitiveness.
With these developments, Indian basketball enters an exciting new phase where talent can be systematically identified, nurtured, and retained within the country. The Bengaluru centre is expected to become the primary training ground for national teams across various age groups and the foundation for India's future international basketball successes.
