The NBA is one of the oldest leagues in the world – was established a year before India achieved independence. Thanks to its fast-paced nature, it has captured people’s attention right from the start. It spread its wings far and wide and developed a fan following across continents – in terms of revenue, the NBA is amongst the top three leagues in the world. Continuing its policy of expanding its presence, the NBA has started to make a lot of efforts to spread its wings in India. Let’s take a look at how India as a country fits into their equation.
NBA’s Global Reach: How India Fits into the Equation:
NBA’s Interest in India
The NBA’s keen interest in India is driven by its large population. Additionally, the sports market is growing at a rapid pace in India. Gone are the days when cricket used to be the only sport that was consumed. The young generation which constitutes more than 65% of the population is open to following different sports and leagues. In case you want to make your journey of following the NBA more exciting, you can explore NBA betting tips.
Global NBA Fandom
The NBA has a global fan following. Indians who settle or travel abroad can’t refrain from getting attracted to this NBA frenzy. They develop an interest in the game and start supporting their favorite players and teams.
Youth Development
Taking a cue from the phrase, ‘catch them young’, the league has started youth development programs and set up grassroots basketball programs to connect with Indian boys and girls and present them with an opportunity to learn the tricks of the game.
Indian Players in the NBA
The presence of Indian-origin players in the NBA, like Satnam Singh and Princepal Singh, has served as a source of inspiration for young Indian talents. Their journeys from Indian streets to the grand NBA stage have resonated deeply with Indian basketball enthusiasts.
Influence on Indian Sports Culture
The NBA’s charm isn’t restricted to the basketball courts. The style and charisma of the league have inspired the way India perceives sports. The thrill of the league is certainly contagious.
Media and Broadcast Partnerships
One good thing that NBA has done is, it has altered its timings for specific countries, like India so that the league becomes easily accessible for one and all. It has now become possible for Indian fans to follow their favorite players and teams without any hassle. They even signed Ranveer Singh as their brand ambassador in India to help them promote the league amongst the masses.
Market Expansion
NBA’s presence in India has boosted the Indian sports industry with increased fan engagement, partnerships, and advertising and endorsements. The investments made in infrastructure development have helped the cause further.
Looking ahead, the NBA’s relationship with India holds enormous potential. As the league continues to expand its footprint, there is room for even more collaboration, growth, and excitement in the Indian basketball landscape. The future appears bright for Indian basketball enthusiasts and NBA fans alike.
