Basketball in India has grown dramatically over the last decade, with various projects concentrating on youth development. One of the most important programs driving this transition is the Reliance Foundation Jr. NBA Program. The initiative, which will celebrate its tenth anniversary in 2025, continues to broaden its reach by hosting basketball development events in 14 cities to nurture new talent and promote the sport nationally.
A Decade of Basketball Growth in India
Since its beginning in 2015, the Reliance Foundation Jr. NBA Program has played a critical role in teaching basketball to school children, grassroots athletes, and future professionals. Over the past decade, the program has reached more than 11 million kids in India. Over 15,000 physical education teachers have been trained in basketball coaching.
Expanded to both urban and rural areas, ensuring inclusion.
Implemented structured skill-based training camps and mentor-ship programs.
As basketball develops popularity in India, this effort continues to bridge the gap between passion and professional training, providing young players with the skills they need to compete at the highest levels.
Expanding Reach: 14 Cities Leading the Way
In 2025, the program is operating in 14 cities, covering major basketball hubs and emerging markets:
Mumbai
Delhi
Chennai
Bengaluru
Kolkata
Hyderabad
Pune
Ahmedabad
Jaipur
Lucknow
Chandigarh
Bhopal
Guwahati
Thiruvananthapuram
This expansion highlights the program’s commitment to making basketball accessible across India, developing future stars from various regions.
Program Structure: A Comprehensive Approach to Development
The Reliance Foundation Jr. NBA Program takes an organized approach to player development, emphasizing skill development, mentorship, and competitive experience.
Basketball Development Camps
These camps teach basic to expert skills such as dribbling, shooting, passing, and defense.
Strength and conditioning workouts can improve sports performance.
Game simulations help players improve their decision-making abilities in-game.
Coaching Certification and Workshops
Along with player development, the curriculum focuses on coaching education.
Instructing school and community coaches in current tactics.
Providing access to NBA coaching methods.
Provides certification programs to improve grassroots basketball education.
Junior NBA School Championships
The nationwide inter-school basketball tournament offers young athletes a competitive platform to demonstrate their skills.
Scouts can find talent for further development.
NBA Talent Identification and Scholarships
NBA coaches mentor players who excel through the program.
Top achievers may be eligible for scholarships to pursue their basketball skills.
Elite talents may have the opportunity to train worldwide through NBA-backed programs.
Digital Training and AI-Powered Performance Analysis
The 2025 edition incorporates technology into training.
NBA coaches provide online training videos.
AI-powered tools for analyzing shooting and dribbling techniques.
Live virtual Q&A sessions with NBA pros.
Pricing and Enrollment Details
The Reliance Foundation Jr. NBA Program is designed to be accessible to a diverse group of youngsters. While many components of the curriculum remain free, some advanced training and certification courses require a modest fee:
Basic Training & School Participation: Free
Coaching Certification Programs: ₹2,500 – ₹5,000 per course
Advanced Skill Development Camps: ₹3,000 – ₹7,000 per session
Jr. NBA School Championship Entry Fee: ₹1,000 per team
Elite NBA Mentorship & Scholarship Programs: Selected participants are sponsored
These pricing structures ensure that while grassroots basketball remains open to all, those looking for specialized training can access affordable, high-quality programs.
The Effect of the Junior NBA Program on Indian Basketball
Developing Future Basketball Stars
Several Indian players who took part in the program went on to represent India in FIBA competitions and overseas leagues.
Developing Coaching Standards
By training hundreds of coaches, the initiative has greatly boosted basketball education in schools and academies.
Increasing female participation
A special emphasis on girls’ basketball participation has resulted in equal possibilities for young female athletes.
Introducing Basketball as a Mainstream Sport
Basketball is becoming increasingly popular as a professional choice as more schools incorporate it into their physical education curricula.
Looking ahead
the future of basketball in India. As basketball popularity grows, the Reliance Foundation Jr. NBA Program plans to expand to more tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Introduce advanced training modules and AI-powered analytics. Strengthen partnerships with the NBA to gain more international exposure. Establish permanent training academies throughout India. As the program enters its second decade, it is devoted to developing India’s next generation of basketball stars, ensuring the country gains a firmer presence on the world basketball scene.
Conclusion
The Reliance Foundation Jr. NBA Program is more than a youth project, it is influencing the future of Indian basketball. The program inspires and develops young athletes via structured training, competition, and accessibility, paving the path for India’s basketball revolution.
“The Reliance Foundation Jr. NBA Program celebrates ten years by growing to 14 cities and developing young basketball potential in India through training, contests, and scholarships”.
