Mr. Akash Jain,
Sr. Director, Business Development & Partnerships, NBA India

Akash Jain is currently Sr. Director of Business Development and Partnerships for NBA India. India is a key strategic growth market for the NBA. Basketball and the NBA have experienced significant growth in India over the last 3 years due to the League’s initiatives there.

Akash currently oversees the League's business development and partnerships in India, working to grow popularity of basketball and the NBA. In this role, Akash is responsible for driving the League’s day to day business interests including merchandising, sponsorship, events and marketing. He has created various business opportunities through strategic alliances with media and marketing partners such as Mahindra, Times of India, MSM, HP, adidas, and Sprite. Akash oversees all business operations and implementation of on-ground NBA marketing and event programs in India. He has been involved in the NBA’s development in India for 5 years. Akash relocated to India from New York in May 2011 to open the NBA’s first office in India.

In his previous capacity, Akash spent 3 years with the League's Global Merchandising Group based in New York. As part of a large team, his role encompassed managing the NBA’s international consumer products and licensing business. He spearheaded development of the group's international retail expansion strategy, which resulted in the opening of the NBA's first retail stores in China. Akash has a diverse professional experience spanning 14 years of which he has spent over 8 with the NBA. After acquiring a degree from Michigan State University, BA, Marketing, Akash went on to further pursue his interest and acquire an MBA from the University of Oregon, Warsaw Sports Business Center.

On the personal front Akash is an avid sports fan and enthusiast, playing basketball, tennis and golf. He also enjoys traveling and reading.