BUDX NBA House Launches Second Edition In New Delhi With NBA Legends And Music Performances

The National Basketball Association (NBA) and Budweiser on Thursday welcomed NBA legends Isiah Thomas and DeMarcus Cousins ahead of the second edition of BUDX NBA House, set to take place on May 9–10 at Bharat Mandapam Hall 6 in New Delhi.

Positioned as an immersive fan experience, BUDX NBA House will celebrate the convergence of basketball, music, fashion, sneaker culture, and entertainment.

During a press interaction, two-time NBA champion and Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas and four-time NBA All-Star DeMarcus Cousins unveiled the event’s full programming line-up while engaging with fans.

Speaking at the event, Rajah Chaudhry, Head of Strategy, APAC, NBA, said the initiative aims to bring the NBA experience closer to Indian fans through culturally relevant experiences.

“The vision behind BUDX NBA House has always been to bring the energy of the NBA experience closer to fans in India. Events like these allow us to bring together the excitement of basketball with music, fashion, sneaker culture and community in a way that feels authentic and locally relevant,” Chaudhry said.

Vineet Sharma, Vice President - Marketing & Trade Marketing, AB InBev India, said the partnership between Budweiser and the NBA is focused on creating immersive cultural experiences for fans.“Budweiser’s partnership with the NBA is rooted in a shared passion for culture, community, and unforgettable fan experiences. As the No. 1 premium beer brand in India and a brand synonymous with celebration, we’re excited to bring back the second edition of BUDX NBA House in India, building on last year’s momentum with a larger, more immersive platform that brings together basketball, music, lifestyle, and culture,” Sharma said.

“As young audiences increasingly seek experience-led and community-driven engagement, BUDX NBA House is designed to be more than just an event, it’s a space where fans can connect, express themselves, and celebrate the intersection of global and local culture,” he added.

Following its debut edition in Mumbai last year, the event arrives in the national capital with an expanded slate of celebrity appearances, performances, and fan activations.

The two-day event will feature basketball-themed activities alongside live performances by artists including NAV, Oppidan, Yashraj, Reble, Fijiana, The Bausa, and Chor Bazaar. A celebrity 3-on-3 basketball game will include personalities such as Shanaya Kapoor, Rannvijay Singha, Arvind Krishna, Varun Sood, Sonia Rathee, Simran Kaur, Harman Singha, Shireen Limaye, Lalrina Renthlei, Dhruv Barman, and Anant Ahuja.

Fans will also have the opportunity to interact with the iconic Larry O’Brien Trophy and witness performances by Sacramento Kings mascot Slamson, the Kings Dancers, and the franchise’s dunk team.

This year’s edition will additionally introduce BUDX Masterclasses, expert-led workshops and panel discussions curated by Budweiser to engage emerging artists, DJs, and fans. Streetwear showcases, food and beverage experiences, and exclusive merchandise are also part of the festival lineup.

Reflecting on basketball’s impact beyond sport, Isiah Thomas said the game serves as a powerful tool for social connection and youth development.

“Basketball has a unique ability to connect people across cultures, backgrounds, and generations. It teaches teamwork, discipline, relationships, and gives young people the opportunity to experience the world in a completely different way,” Thomas said.

DeMarcus Cousins highlighted India’s growing basketball potential and praised the enthusiasm of local fans and players.

“India is a beautiful country with some of the warmest and most welcoming people I’ve experienced, and you can truly feel the passion and appreciation for the game here,” Cousins said. “I genuinely believe basketball in India can become something very special.”

BUDX NBA House forms part of the NBA’s broader strategy to strengthen fan engagement in India through on-ground experiences blending sports and entertainment. The league has hosted similar NBA House events across countries including Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Last year’s Mumbai edition attracted more than 6,000 fans over two days. The NBA is also set to host its first-ever NBA House events in Japan and Australia this year.

The 2026 NBA Playoffs are currently airing live in India on Prime Video, the NBA YouTube channel, and NBA League Pass.