Thursday, 21 December 2023 | PNS | DEHRADUN
Marking a groundbreaking moment in the Indian basketball ecosystem, Elite Pro Basketball has announced the establishment of the first uprising league in Indian basketball history – U League. The U League would be a dynamic developmental basketball league dedicated to nurturing emerging talents and fostering the next generation of basketball stars, claimed Elite Pro Basketball in a statement released on Wednesday.
The statement further said that U League is set to redefine the landscape of developmental basketball, providing a platform where aspiring athletes can hone their skills, showcase their talents and pursue their dreams of professional basketball careers. With a commitment to excellence, inclusivity and player development, this league aims to create a breeding ground for the future leaders of the sport.
Key features of the U League include a player-centric approach. The U League prioritises the holistic development of players, offering comprehensive training programmes, mentorship opportunities and a supportive environment to help basketball athletes reach their full potential.
The U League is not just about basketball; it’s about building a community, claimed Elite Pro Basketball. The league is committed to engaging with fans, local communities and sponsors to create a vibrant basketball culture.
The inaugural season of the U League is slated to tip-off in February 2024. Sixteen men’s teams and six women’s teams will compete in a league format, promising intense matchups and showcasing the raw talent that the league aims to nurture.
The 16 men’s teams will be from Dehradun, Kanpur, Raipur, Banaras, Gurugram, Aizawl, Srinagar, Ranchi, Bhopal, Noida, Cuttack, Nagpada, Pondicherry, Patna, Vizag and Bhilwara while the six women’s teams will be based out of Ludhiana, Vadodara, Indore, Jaipur, Kochi and Hyderabad.
The CEO of Elite Pro Basketball, Sunny Bhandarkar said, “Rather than nourishing just 50-odd basketball athletes, Elite Pro Basketball aims to create over 700+ jobs through EPBL, EWPBL and the U League in the next three months, creating the biggest ecosystem in Indian Pro Basketball. We will create employment opportunities for players, coaches, physical trainers, management personnel, interns and many more related to basketball in India.”
