Tourism meets basketball: US boards collaborate for NBA event in India

The National Basketball Association (NBA), in collaboration with Budweiser, Brand USA, and Visit California, is launching the first-ever BUDX NBA House in India, an immersive two-day fan experience in Mumbai. Set to take place on June 7–8 at the DOME, SVP Stadium, the event is timed with the 2025 NBA Finals and aims to celebrate the confluence of basketball, music, and culture.

The BUDX NBA House will feature basketball-themed activations, live music, and interactive experiences. Attendees can expect meet-and-greets with NBA legends Derek Fisher and Gary Payton, along with photo opportunities with the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy. The Sacramento Kings mascot Slamson, the Kings Dancers, and the dunk team will also perform.

“This will be a must-visit destination for passionate NBA fans in India,” said Rajah Chaudhry, Head of Strategy for NBA Asia and NBA India Country Head. “There is incredible momentum around basketball in the country, and we look forward to bringing this cultural celebration to Indian fans.”

Vineet Sharma, Vice President of Marketing and Trade Marketing at AB InBev India, noted, “This collaboration reflects our commitment to creating unforgettable moments that celebrate basketball while pushing the boundaries of immersive experiences across music and culture.”

Highlighting the tourism tie-ins, Brand USA’s Vice President for Global Trade Development, Jackie Ennis, added, “Through this event, we aim to inspire Indians to visit the USA and experience its vibrant sports culture.” Caroline Beteta, President & CEO of Visit California, emphasised California’s strong basketball identity and expressed enthusiasm in bringing that spirit to Indian fans.

The event is ticketed by District by Zomato and supported by partners including Emirates. It follows earlier NBA House editions in Brazil, Canada, France, Mexico, the US , and the UK In India, NBA games and events are hosted by NBA India, Inc., based in Mumbai.