Sunny Bhandarkar, a passionate basketball visionary, is on a mission to transform the sport in India. The CEO of the Elite Pro Basketball League (EPBL) and Elite Womenโs Pro Basketball League (EWPBL), Bhandarkar has embarked on a journey to create a sustainable and professional basketball ecosystem in the cricket-dominated nation. (More Sports News)
During his recent conversation with Outlook India, he talked about the future of basketball ๐ฐin India, competition from other sports and how the franchise-based basketball leagues are going to help in finding young talents. His initiatives aim to bridge the gap between raw talent and professional opportunities and put Indian basketball on the global map.
EPBL was born from Bhandarkarโs wish to lift Indian basketball to global standards. Inspired by the success of leagues like the NBA, EPBL promises to offer athletes a professional platform to showcase their talent.
๊ฆโThe concept of EPBL was born out of a desire to elevate Indian basketball to global standards. EPBL is not just a league โ itโs a movement,โ Bhandarkar said during the interview. With 16 teams representing key regions across the country, the league combines quality competition with regional pride, aiming to bring basketball to the forefront of Indian sports.
โIn tandem with EPBL, Bhandarkarโs EWPBL aims to provide female athletes with equal opportunities. This initiative targets inclusivity and fostering talent irrespective of gender.
๐ทBeyond professional leagues, Bhandarkar is laying the groundwork for a robust grassroots development program. Initiatives like the Uprising Basketball League (UBL), inspired by the NBAโs G League, focus on nurturing young talent and providing a pathway from collegiate to professional basketball. โUBL is about creating a sustainable pathway for the next generation of Indian basketball stars,โ he stated.
โฆPlans are also afoot to launch basketball academies and collegiate tournaments, ensuring that budding athletes have access to professional coaching and facilities.
๐ปSunny Bhandarkar envisions a future where basketball becomes a mainstream sport in India. โThe sport has universal appeal โ itโs fast-paced, dynamic and inclusive. With the youth increasingly drawn to basketball through global exposure like the NBA, itโs only a matter of building the right ecosystem,โ he added.
โEPBL is central to this vision, aiming to rekindle national interest in basketball through engaging storylines, fan-centric strategies and relatable heroes. By creating competitive salaries, performance incentives and brand endorsement opportunities, the league also targets financial stability for players, endeavouring to make basketball a viable career option.
๐งWith EPBL set to debut with its 16-team structure, Bhandarkar is confident that his league will inspire a new generation of players and fans. The combination of professional platforms, grassroots initiatives and community engagement promises to ignite a wider love for basketball in India.
เผบโWe are creating an ecosystem where players can dream, compete and thrive professionally. Basketballโs journey in India is just beginning, and the future is incredibly bright,โ Bhandarkar concluded.
โSunny Bhandarkar is optimistic that EPBL, EWPBL and UBL will not only reshape basketball in India but also inspire a new generation of athletes and fans, with the hope that the sport can flourish on a large scale in the country.
