Indian Panthers

Indian Panthers
League	NZNBL
Founded	October 2024
History	Indian Panthers 2025–
Arena	Pulman Arena
Location	Takanini, Auckland, New Zealand
Team colours	Black, white, orange
CEO	Parveen Batish
Ownership	INBL Pro
Home Away

The Indian Panthers are a New Zealand-based Indian professional basketball team that will compete in the New Zealand National Basketball League (NZNBL) beginning in 2025. The Panthers will be based in South Auckland and play their home games at Pulman Arena in Takanini, with Auckland being home to the largest percentage of migrants from India as of the 2023 census. ^[1]

Team history

In July 2024, it was revealed that the NBL was looking at an expansion team from the Indian National Basketball League (INBL). ^{[2] [3] [4]} On 30 October 2024, it was announced that the Indian Panthers, owned by the INBL Pro, would join the league in 2025. The team is set to feature leading national team players from India, alongside New Zealand, Australian and American players. ^[5]

Due to delayed visa applications, the Panthers were unable to participate in the NBL's pre-season tournament. ^[6]

Players

Current roster

Note: Flags indicate national team eligibility at FIBA-sanctioned events. Players may hold other non-FIBA nationalities not displayed.

Indian Panthers roster
Players	Coaches
Pos. No. Nat. Name Ht.	Head coach Vacant Legend (C) Team captain (DP) Development player (I) Import player Injured

References

1. "It's official – Indian Panthers confirmed to join New Zealand basketball leagues in 2025". Stuff.co.nz. 30 October 2024. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
2. "BREAKING NEW GROUND: INDIAN NBL SEEKS ENTRY INTO NBL AND TAUIHI LEAGUES". nznbl.basketball. 19 July 2024. Archived from the original on 19 July 2024.
3. Egan, Brendon (19 July 2024). "NBL, Tauihi basketball leagues set to feature Indian backed teams from 2025". Stuff.co.nz. Archived from the original on 19 July 2024.
4. "Indian-backed teams to join NZ basketball leagues in 2025". 1news.co.nz. 19 July 2024. Archived from the original on 19 July 2024.
5. "Indian Panthers Join NBL & Tauihi – Kiwi Basketball Set To Soar In India". nznbl.basketball. 30 October 2024. Archived from the original on 30 October 2024.
6. "Indian Panthers to Join Sal's NBL on March 12 After Visa Setback". nznbl.basketball. 28 February 2025. Archived from the original on 28 February 2025.

External links

• Indian Panthers on Instagram