Ravens Basketball Club unveils 2026-27 season jerseys, announces landmark player pay matrix

HEMIKA NAG

GANGTOK,: The Ravens Basketball Team marked a significant milestone with the unveiling of its new jerseys and team kit for the 2026-27 season themed ‘Purple Reign’ on Friday, which celebrated the club's achievements, honoured its players, and outlined an ambitious vision for the future of basketball in Sikkim.

The event was attended by guest of honour Tshering Wangchuk Lepcha, Additional Political Secretary to the Chief Minister, along with guests KC Nima, founder and director of Freedom Rehabilitation Centre, and Bikesh Kayastha of PVE Network, Nepal. Team co-owner Tenzin C. Tashi was also present along with the club players.

The jersey unveiling ceremony highlighted the impressive performances of both the men's and women's teams over the past season. The Ravens women's team, which made its debut only last year, enjoyed a remarkable campaign, finishing runners-up in the Sikkim Basketball League 2025, winning the 30th Darjeeling Gorkha Hills Basketball Cup and the 1st Namchi Open Basketball Cup, while also securing second place in the Sikkim State Opens.

The Ravens men's team also enjoyed a successful season, emerging champions of the Sikkim Basketball League 2025 and lifting the 30th Darjeeling Gorkha Hills Basketball Cup. The team also secured third place at the 1st Namchi Open Basketball Cup and reached the quarter-finals of the Sikkim State Opens.

A major highlight of the ceremony was the launch of the Ravens Pay Matrix 2026, making the Ravens the first team in Sikkim's basketball history to introduce a structured per match-payment system for all players. Under the new initiative, every player will receive payment for each match played.

Additionally, selected players will be eligible for a 50 per cent match-fee appraisal bonus at the conclusion of the regular season.

The appraisal, scheduled between September 7 and 11, will be conducted jointly by the Ravens administration and coaching staff based on four performance criteria. Four men's team players and four women's team players will be selected to receive the bonus.

The club also unveiled its complete rebranding through a collaboration with Jinozi, introducing a new logo and visual identity. The newly designed emblem features a raven symbolising the spirit of Sikkim, embodying speed and courage. The silhouette of Mount Khangchendzonga in the background represents protection and serves as a reminder of the team's roots.

According to Jinozi, the logo reflects Sikkim's heritage, culture and identity, inspiring players to compete with pride, respect and determination while carrying the blessings of their homeland.

In an emotional moment, the Ravens announced the permanent retirement of Jersey No. 77, previously worn by Tenzing Tsepel Bhutia, who has departed to join the Yeti Team after eight years of dedicated service to the club. The club declared that the number will never again be worn by another Ravens player to honor Bhutia.

The ceremony featured the unveiling of the team's new warm-up shirts and official match jerseys, followed by an oath-taking ceremony led by the team co-owner, where players pledged their commitment to representing the club with discipline, integrity and excellence.

Players formally signed their contracts for the upcoming season and each player received a bonus from the team management. Honorary members of the Ravens family were also presented with commemorative jerseys in recognition of their support and contributions to the club.

With a redefined identity, an innovative player welfare programme and a renewed commitment to sportsmanship, the Ravens basketball team begins the new season aiming to build on its recent successes while setting new standards for the growth of basketball in Sikkim.