About Indian Panthers

The Indian Panthers were a basketball team that competed in the New Zealand National Basketball League (NZNBL) during the 2025 season. Based in Auckland, the Panthers initially played their home games at Pulman Arena in Takanini before switching mid-season to the Franklin Pool and Leisure Centre in Pukekohe.

Established in October 2024 by the Indian National Basketball League (INBL), the franchise aimed to foster international basketball connections and provide Indian players with professional opportunities abroad. Despite initial aspirations, the team's debut season was marred by significant challenges, including the failure to bring the majority of their Indian-based players to New Zealand. Only three of the ten Indian players initially named in the squad travelled to New Zealand, leading to operational difficulties and a lack of competitive depth. These issues culminated in the team's suspension from the league in early May 2025 due to serious allegations, and they officially withdrew from the competition later that month, acknowledging their inability to meet the conditions required to complete the season.