SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Diya TV) — For Vivek Ranadivé, Bollywood Night is more than just a themed event. It represents a larger vision for how sports can celebrate culture and connect people across the world.
Ranadivé, the majority owner and chairman of the Sacramento Kings, is one of the most prominent Indian American figures in professional sports. A tech entrepreneur turned NBA owner, he has long pushed the idea that basketball can grow beyond borders and become a truly global game. That belief is at the core of what he calls “NBA 3.0,” a vision centered on innovation, globalization, and cultural connection.
Speaking in an exclusive conversation with Diya TV’s Ravi Kapur, Ranadivé explained how Bollywood Night became a key part of that mission. “I started Bollywood Night many years ago,” he said. “Indians love to celebrate. They love sport. They love dance, music, food… and I just wanted to share the culture of our beautiful country India, the vibrancy, the richness, and share it with American fans.”
Bollywood Night at Kings games transforms the arena into a celebration of Indian culture. The event typically features Bollywood-style dance performances, Indian music, themed entertainment, and a vibrant game-day atmosphere that reflects the energy of Indian festivals. For many fans, especially within the South Asian community, it serves as a rare moment of cultural visibility on a major American sports stage. For others, it is an introduction to a new culture through the universal language of sport.
What began as a cultural celebration has grown into something more significant. It now reflects Ranadivé’s broader philosophy of using basketball as a bridge between communities. “The NBA is becoming more and more of a global game,” he said, pointing to the league’s rapid growth in India and its strong presence in China. “It’s one of the fastest growing games in India… it’s already big in China… so it’s really taken it to the next level.”
For Ranadivé, this expansion is not just about reaching new markets. It is about creating shared experiences. “At this time where there’s a lot of division in the world, I think sport is really important,” he said. “We don’t care where you come from. We only want to know do you have game. If you have game, come join us.”
That message is central to his NBA 3.0 vision. By integrating cultural events like Bollywood Night into the fan experience, he is redefining what an NBA game can be. It is no longer just about basketball on the court, but about building a global community in the stands.
Ranadivé also addressed the challenges that come with running an NBA franchise. Reflecting on the Kings’ recent seasons, he pointed to injuries as a key obstacle. “Obviously it’s tough to lose, but injuries are a fact of life,” he said. “I don’t think we’ve had a single game where we’ve had all our starters together… we’ve had the injury plague this year.”
Despite those setbacks, his long-term vision remains unchanged. Through cultural initiatives, international outreach, and a focus on inclusivity, Ranadivé continues to position the Kings as more than just a team. They are part of a larger movement shaping the future of the NBA.
As basketball continues to expand globally, Bollywood Night stands as a clear example of that future in action. It brings together sport, culture, and community under one roof, reinforcing Ranadivé’s belief that the game can unite people from all walks of life.