ACG SPORTS HAS appointed former Rajasthan Royals Chief Executive Officer Jake Lush McCrum as its new Chief Executive Officer, entrusting him with leading the strategic direction and commercial evolution of the company as it prepares to launch the India Basketball League (IBL).
Based in Mumbai, McCrum will play a central role in developing the league into India’s premier professional basketball competition, with the inaugural season scheduled for early 2027.
McCrum joins ACG Sports after an eight-year stint with Indian Premier League franchise, Rajasthan Royals, where he oversaw the team’s commercial growth, digital expansion and global brand positioning. During his tenure, the Royals significantly expanded their fan base, strengthened digital engagement and enhanced the impact of the Royals Foundation’s community initiatives across Rajasthan.
The India Basketball League is being developed by ACG Sports in partnership with the Basketball Federation of India (BFI) as India’s first fully professional basketball league. Designed as a sports and entertainment property, the competition aims to combine elite basketball with live entertainment and fan-focused experiences while providing a structured pathway for Indian and international players.
The league forms part of ACG’s broader vision to create a comprehensive basketball ecosystem in India. Beyond the professional competition, the company has committed significant investments towards grassroots development, including the establishment of a residential High Performance Centre, nationwide talent identification programmes and coaching initiatives designed to strengthen the sport’s long-term pipeline. Former National Basketball League (Australia) CEO, Jeremy Loeliger, is also involved as Director of ACG Sports, providing strategic guidance for the league’s development.
McCrum’s appointment is viewed as a significant statement of intent by ACG Sports. Having successfully managed one of the Indian Premier League’s most innovative franchises, he brings extensive expertise in commercial strategy, sponsorship development, fan engagement and sports business operations—skills considered vital as the company prepares to launch a new national basketball property.
The move also reflects the growing professionalisation of Indian basketball. In recent years, the Basketball Federation of India and ACG have expanded grassroots initiatives through programmes such as the ACG Jr. NBA and announced plans to build a sustainable player development ecosystem leading into the launch of the professional league.
