KOCHI – In a bid to revive the former popularity of basketball in Kerala, the Kerala Basketball Association (KBA) has announced plans to launch the state’s first-ever exclusive basketball league. Dubbed the ABCFF League, this new initiative is slated to debut in Kochi in April 2026.
Historically, basketball held a significant place in Kerala’s sporting landscape, with schools and colleges serving as hotbeds for the game. The state has produced numerous stars who have shone brightly on national and international courts. Spectators flocked to local matches as if they were festival events, fueling the enthusiasm around the sport.
However, in recent years, grassroots interest in basketball seems to have waned, leaving many wondering if the sport’s golden era could return. Despite this decline, Kerala’s women continue to excel on the national basketball stage, hinting at a strong potential for a resurgence of the sport.
The ABCFF League is KBA’s biggest effort yet to reignite the passion for basketball in Kerala. The league will focus on the U-18 age group, providing young players with the opportunity to showcase their skills and potentially launch professional careers.
As preparations for the league’s inaugural season kick off, basketball enthusiasts across Kerala are eagerly awaiting the return of their favorite sport to its former glory days. The upcoming ABCFF League could very well be a stepping stone towards reviving basketball in Kerala and restoring it to its rightful place among the state’s most popular sports.
As the countdown begins for the league’s April 2026 debut, Kerala stands on the brink of a potential basketball renaissance. The success of this new initiative could well set the stage for a sporting comeback that echoes the excitement and camaraderie of past decades.
