Aizawl: Mizoram is set to host the Northeast’s first franchise-based Under-19 basketball league, with organisers announcing the launch of the North East Elite Basketball League aimed at developing young talent in the region.
The announcement was made during an interaction with local media persons in Aizawl.
The league is being organised by ABC Basketball Development League Private Limited in collaboration with ACG, and is scheduled to be held in Mizoram from June 22 to July 2, 2026, at R. Dengthuama Hall. It will feature 10 teams and players from all seven northeastern states.
Speaking to the media, Anirudh Pole, Founder of ABC Basketball Development League Pvt. Ltd. and League CEO, said the initiative aims to provide a professional platform for young players in the region. He noted that while the Northeast has strong basketball talent, opportunities for exposure remain limited, and the league seeks to bridge that gap.
ABC Basketball Development League Pvt. Ltd. and the Mizoram Basketball Association have signed a five-year agreement, under which the tournament will be held annually in Mizoram.
Officials said the state was chosen due to its strong basketball culture and the success of the Mizoram Super League, one of India’s leading professional leagues featuring international players.
They added that ACG Pharma and ABC have been organising leagues across India and, after observing Mizoram’s success, decided to launch a Northeast-wide competition in the state.
According to a local media platform, Mizoram Click, the league will follow a franchise model. While franchises in other states such as Maharashtra reportedly cost around ₹70 lakh, organisers said all expenses in Mizoram will be covered, allowing local clubs to participate without financial burden.
The first season will be held exclusively for the Under-19 men’s category and will follow an all-play-all format to ensure maximum game time and exposure for participants.
Organised in association with the Mizoram Basketball Association, the league is positioned as a junior-level platform inspired by the Mizoram Super League.
Organisers said the initiative is intended to connect talent with structured competition and provide a pathway for players from the Northeast to enter mainstream Indian basketball.
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