TPBL debuts as state’s first Pro Basketball League
HYDERABAD: The roar of the crowd at the K.V.B.R. Indoor Stadium in Yousufguda isn’t for cricket or badminton, it’s for basketball. Telangana has entered a new arena of professional sports with the launch of the Telangana Pro Basketball League (TPBL), the state’s first and only India’s second official state-level professional basketball league. Season 1, underway until December 24, has made Hyderabad the epicentre of athleticism and local rivalries.
More than just a tournament, the TPBL is a structured, commercial, talent-focused ecosystem. Conceived by A. Prudhvishwar Reddy, General Secretary of the Telangana Basketball Association and a former national player, the league is a biannual platform to showcase homegrown talent. “Basketball in Telangana has seen steady growth. Today, we have over 10,000 active players across various platforms. TPBL is the structured pathway they needed,” Reddy stated, outlining his vision to take local players to national and international stages.
Ahead of the tip-off, the league showed its commercial viability with a successful franchise auction in November. All six franchises, representing Hyderabad, Ranga Reddy, Karimnagar, Warangal, Nizamabad, and Khammam, were sold for a combined Rs 1.27 crore for four-year rights, showing strong investor confidence.
A standout feature of the league’s ownership is the leadership role played by women. Deepti Akki (Hyderabad Hawks), Srujana (Ranga Reddy Risers), and Sowbhagya Bharti (Warangal Warriors) are among the women driving their franchises. “It’s an incredible feeling to own a team but it is pride, responsibility, and a constant buzz. We are instrumental in cultivating a sports culture for future generations,” said Srujana, who also hinted at similar leagues for women and children in the future.
A League built on local talent
True to its grassroots mission, TPBL is an exclusive platform for players from Telangana. Over 72 players, selected from statewide tryou
ts and aged 15 to 36, were drafted by teams through a competitive auction. Mr. Akash of the Hyderabad Hawks became the league’s highest-valued player, commanding a record Rs 2.5 lakh bid. The league also features Srinivas Reddy of the Medchal Mavericks, who stands at 7 feet.
The action is broadcast live daily from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, with viewership already over 20,000. The atmosphere is electric, with packed stands cheering for local heroes. The winning team will take home Rs 20 lakh and an R15 motorcycle for the MVP.
Beyond the immediate thrill, TPBL is projected to generate over Rs 100 crore in business activity. More importantly, it addresses a key development gap. “Basketball is one of the fastest-growing organised sports in the state,” said R Sridhar Reddy, President of the Telangana Basketball Association. While infrastructure is still evolving, officials point to facilities like the K.V.B.R. and Gachibowli Indoor Stadiums as foundations for growth.
For Prudhvishwar Reddy, this is a full-circle moment. “As a former national player, this is my best way to give back to the sport,” he said. With its professional execution, inclusive ownership, and focus on local talent, the TPBL is not just hosting matches, it is building a bold new legacy for Indian basketball, with its home in Telangana.
