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India’s Antitrust Regulator Orders Probe Into Basketball Federation’s Conduct

By  |  November 25, 2025
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India’s competition watchdog has initiated a formal investigation into the Basketball Federation of India (BFI) over allegations that it misused its dominant position in the sport’s administration. According to a statement from the Competition Commission of India (CCI), the federation’s refusal to authorize or recognize privately organized basketball events may amount to an unlawful “refusal to deal” under the Competition Act.

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    The case stems from an approach made in 2022 by Elite Pro Basketball Pvt. Ltd. (EPBPL), which sought BFI’s approval to launch the Elite Pro Basketball League (EPBL), a professional 5×5 tournament. Per a statement cited in the order, EPBPL did not receive any response from the federation despite repeated requests for authorization to hold the new league.

    BFI eventually replied in July 2023, calling EPBPL for a meeting to explore a potential partnership. According to a statement referenced in the CCI order, EPBPL officials later claimed the meeting yielded no progress and alleged that the federation sought excessively high payments in exchange for licensing the private league.

    EPBPL also alleged that the federation discouraged players, referees and coaches—categories of professionals it effectively controls—from participating in tournaments not sanctioned by BFI. The regulator noted that warnings issued against participation in EPBPL events could restrict opportunities for athletes and force them into exclusive engagement with BFI-approved leagues. “This prima facie appears to deny the players, the opportunity to participate in leagues of their own choice and coercing participants to exclusively engage with BFI-authorized tournaments which amounts to forcing exclusive distribution agreement, thereby prima facie contravening the provisions of Section 3(4)(c) of the Act,” the order said.

    According to a statement from the commission, these actions have raised sufficient concerns to warrant a detailed investigation.

    Source: Financial Express