NBA Legends Isiah Thomas and DeMarcus Cousins Head to Delhi for Special Event

NBA legends Isiah Thomas and DeMarcus Cousins are set to arrive in Delhi for the BUDX NBA House event on May 9-10. The event will feature a 3-on-3 celebrity game with stars from Bollywood, music, and sports. Thomas and Cousins will coach teams comprising actors, athletes, and influencers. The interactive fan experience celebrates the intersection of basketball, music, and culture.

Key Points: NBA Stars Isiah Thomas, DeMarcus Cousins in Delhi Event

  • NBA legends Isiah Thomas and DeMarcus Cousins to coach in Delhi
  • BUDX NBA House event on May 9-10 at Bharat Mandapam
  • 3-on-3 celebrity game with Bollywood and sports stars
  • Event celebrates basketball, music and culture convergence
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NBA stars Isiah Thomas, DeMarcus Cousins to arrive in Delhi for special event

NBA legends Isiah Thomas and DeMarcus Cousins arrive in Delhi for a 3-on-3 celebrity game at BUDX NBA House on May 9-10.

"What makes it so special for me is that the NBA isn't just about basketball, it's where sport, style, music and culture all come together. - Shanaya Kapoor"

New Delhi, April 24

Basketball lovers in Delhi, there's an opportunity for you to catch a glimpse of NBA legends, Isiah Thomas and DeMarcus Cousins.

On Friday, a 3-on-3 celebrity game participants and music headliners for the second BUDX NBA House was announced. It will take place on May 9 and May 10 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi in conjunction with the 2026 NBA Playoffs.

Following its debut in Mumbai last year, the interactive fan experience will celebrate the convergence of basketball, music and culture through an expanded range of immersive experiences for fans ages 16+*, including a 3-on-3 celebrity game on May 9 featuring stars from Bollywood, music, sports and pop culture who will be coached by two-time NBA champion and Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame member Isiah Thomas and four-time NBA All-Star DeMarcus Cousins, read a press note.

Representing Team Thomas will be actor, VJ and TV personality Rannvijay Singha; actor, producer and former Miss India Universe Simran Kaur; actor and writer Harman Singha; former India Women's National Team captain Shireen Limaye; and former 3x3 basketball player Lalrina Renthlei.

Team Cousins will feature actor Shanaya Kapoor; actor and professional 3x3 player Arvind Krishna; actor, VJ and former India Men's National Team player Varun Sood; Indian-American actress, model and dancer Sonia Rathee; former 3x3 basketball player Dhruv Barman; and entrepreneur Anant Ahuja.

Excited to be a part of the event, Shanaya said, What makes it so special for me is that the NBA isn't just about basketball, it's where sport, style, music and culture all come together, and that's something I've always been drawn to. Being part of an experience like this, surrounded by such incredible energy and talent, feels truly surreal. While I may not be a professional athlete, I've always enjoyed staying active and exploring different forms of fitness, so this is a really fun way for me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace a new challenge. I'm especially excited to soak in the atmosphere."

Rannvijay added, "It's incredible to reflect on the NBA Jam sessions we hosted back in 2012 and now witness such a massive convergence of basketball and NBA fans under one roof at BUDX NBA House. It truly makes me even more optimistic about the sport booming and the NBA's culture flourishing across India."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
Great to see this expanding from Mumbai to Delhi! Last year's event was a huge hit with my cousins who are basketball crazy. The Bollywood crossover makes it more accessible for casual fans too. Wish they'd add some free clinics for local kids though.
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Vikram M
DeMarcus Cousins in Delhi?! Yaar, never thought I'd see the day. This is amazing for basketball fans here. Rannvijay and Varun Sood will bring good energy to the celebrity game. The NBA is clearly serious about growing the sport in India - first Mumbai, now Delhi. 💪🏀
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Priya S
Honestly, while I love that NBA is coming to India, I wish they'd focus more on developing actual basketball infrastructure rather than just flashy events. Kids in smaller towns don't even have proper courts. Still, this is a step forward. Happy to see Shireen Limaye representing Indian women's basketball!
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Kavya N
Shanaya Kapoor and Arvind Krishna playing together? That's an interesting combination! The blend of Bollywood and sports is smart marketing. But I'm most excited to see actual ballers like Varun Sood and Shireen Limaye compete. Hope this inspires more girls to take up basketball. 🇮🇳
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David E
As someone who's followed Cousins since his Kings days, seeing him in India is surreal. The 3x3 format is Olympics-approved now, so this is timely. Hope they stream the game online for those who can't make it to Bharat Mandapam. Great initiative by Budweiser and NBA. 🏀

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