IBL Boosts Basketball Audience Through Home-and-Away Format

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Basketball League (IBL) continues to develop professional basketball through changes to its competition format. Since adopting a home-and-away system, the league has recorded a significant increase in audience numbers.

IBL President Director Junas Miradiarsyah, said Indonesia's professional basketball league began in 2003. In its early years, the competition used a series format, with all teams playing in one city during a designated period.

The competition later evolved as IBL introduced the home-and-away system in 2023. Under this format, clubs can host games in their respective home venues, bringing professional basketball closer to local fans.

Junas delivered the statement during the National Sports Competition Ecosystem Talk Show at Indonesia Sports Summit (ISS) 2026. The session was held at Cendrawasih Hall, JICC Senayan, Jakarta, on Sunday, September 13, 2026.

“Attendance increased 400 percent from the series format to the home-and-away format. This is an indicator that, God willing, we are moving in the right direction,” Junas said.

The format change also significantly increased the number of games in the competition. Previously, all teams played in one city for seven days, producing 28 games, while the competition now features around 150 games over more than 150 days.

He said IBL's development focuses not only on matches but also on building a broader sports ecosystem and industry. The league therefore works with partners, communities, and sponsors while developing products such as IBL TV and youth programs.

He said Indonesia also has significant potential for basketball development. Based on data he presented, interest in basketball among Indonesian youth is estimated to exceed 80 percent.

“This is an extraordinary potential for us to develop together,” Junas said. IBL aims to turn that potential into stronger participation and a more sustainable basketball ecosystem.

Then, IBL aims for Indonesia to become one of Southeast Asia's basketball powers. Developing the league, clubs, competitions, and related intellectual property is expected to strengthen the industry and create broader benefits for Indonesian sports.