Basketball League Kerala Launches Youth Pathway With Six Franchises In Kochi

Basketball League Kerala has been launched as a youth-focused, franchise basketball league that aims to reshape grassroots development in the state and strengthen India's overall basketball pathway. Organised by the Kerala Basketball Association, the competition is designed to offer a structured route for young players to reach the national stage.

The first season of Basketball League Kerala is scheduled from May 27 to June 6, 2026, at the Regional Sports Centre Kochi. Across ten days, the league will stage 72 matches, creating one of India's busiest youth basketball calendars. The event format is designed to provide repeated, high-level games for emerging players.

Basketball League Kerala structure and development pathway

Basketball League Kerala functions as a full development system rather than a single

tournament. It includes boys' and girls' competitions in Under-14 and Under-19 age groups. The pathway features online registrations, district skill challenges, regional selection trials and a digital auction, mirroring modern sports management standards used in national leagues.

The league was formally inaugurated at Lemon Tree Premier, Thiruvananthapuram, by Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman. The minister highlighted that league-style competitions are crucial for spotting talent across sports. V. Abdurahiman noted that Kerala already has many basketball players and followers, but limited platforms have restricted growth into national-level performance.

League Detail	Information
League Name	Basketball League Kerala (BLK)
Season Dates	May 27 to June 6, 2026
Venue	Regional Sports Centre Kochi
Total Matches	72
Age Categories	Under-14 and Under-19, boys and girls
Franchises	Six city-based teams

Basketball League Kerala franchises and professional model

Basketball League Kerala uses a city-franchise model that reflects professional structures seen in other Indian sports. Six teams will feature in the debut season: Trivandrum Capitals, Kottayam Bisons, Alappuzha Dolphins, Kochi Stallions, Thrissur Tuskers and Calicut Warriors. Organisers also unveiled the league anthem and mascot, Duncan, which represents youthful energy and unity on court.

City	Basketball League Kerala Franchise
Thiruvananthapuram	Trivandrum Capitals
Kottayam	Kottayam Bisons
Alappuzha	Alappuzha Dolphins
Kochi	Kochi Stallions
Thrissur	Thrissur Tuskers
Kozhikode	Calicut Warriors

As part of the wider plan linked to Basketball League Kerala, organisers introduced the Basketball Court Digital Atlas - Thiruvananthapuram. This digital mapping initiative compiles detailed information on basketball courts across the city. The database is expected to guide facility planning, improve access for communities and support fair investment in infrastructure across different neighbourhoods.

The launch ceremony of Basketball League Kerala also recognised Kerala's women's 3x3 national champions. Their felicitation highlighted the state's growing influence in Indian basketball and the importance of women's participation. The league's focus on both boys and girls, across two age bands, aligns with that inclusive approach to talent development.

Several senior sports administrators attended the event linked to Basketball League Kerala. Basketball Federation of India Secretary General Kulvinder Singh Gill, Kerala Olympic Association President V. Sunil Kumar and Kochi Regional Sports Centre Secretary S. A. S. Nawas were present. Many administrators view the league's youth focus, inclusive categories and technology-based talent tracking as a model for strengthening India's basketball talent pipeline.

Basketball League Kerala now positions Kerala as a key contributor to India's basketball system, through a clear pathway, mapped infrastructure and a strong competitive schedule. With six franchises, 72 matches and age-group coverage for boys and girls, the 2026 season in Kochi is set to provide sustained opportunities for young players across the state.