ISGL launches India’s franchise esports league

MUMBAI: India’s esports just levelled up to league status because when football clubs swap pitches for pixels, the game changes forever. The Indian Super Gaming League (ISGL), a franchise-based national esports competition organised by Letsgamenow (LGN), was unveiled on 24 February 2026, marking a structured shift for the sector beyond standalone tournaments.

Founders Santanu Basu and Gautam Badalia, alongside Andhra Pradesh sports minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy, actors Ranbir Kapoor and Abhishek Bachchan, launched the league with 8 founding teams: Mumbai City FC, FC Goa, Chennaiyin FC, Kerala Blasters FC, Inter Kashi, Puneri Paltan, Bangalore Bhargavas, and Andhra Agneyas. The cross-sport expansion brings established football brands into competitive gaming.

The inaugural season later this year will feature a nationwide qualifier circuit in respective cities, culminating in a grand finale in Vizag. Permanent team ownership and season-led format aim to foster continuity, professional governance, and talent pathways.

Letsgamenow co-founder Gautam Badalia said, “India has scale, talent, and passion for gaming. What it now requires is structure. ISGL is built to create continuity, professional governance, and sustainable opportunity.”

Co-founder and professional esports athlete, Santanu Basu added, “For Indian players to compete globally, the domestic ecosystem must meet global standards. ISGL is about creating consistent platforms, exposure pathways, and a professional environment.”

In a market already among the world’s largest by audience size, ISGL’s franchise model promises stable identities and progression for players turning raw passion into pro leagues, one pixelated pitch at a time.