India’s competitive gaming landscape entered a new chapter today with the announcement of the Indian Super Gaming League (ISGL), a franchise-based national esports competition set to stage its inaugural season later this year.
The launch event brought together ecosystem partners, industry leaders, and notable dignitaries to outline the long-term vision for the league. Key attendees included ISGL Founders Santanu Basu and Gautam Badalia, Honourable Sports Minister of Andhra Pradesh Sri Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy, and actors and sports franchise stakeholders Ranbir Kapoor and Abhishek Bachchan.
Organised by LetsGameNow (LGN), ISGL is built around permanent team ownership and a season-led competitive format. The league introduces a structured model to Indian esports, moving the ecosystem beyond standalone tournaments into an organised, city-backed competition framework.
The competition will feature eight teams across five esports titles. The league will be preceded by a nationwide qualifier circuit designed to identify emerging talent from across the country. The qualifiers will be conducted in their respective cities, with the grand finale set to take place in Vizag.
ISGL launches with a founding line-up comprising individual participation from the following established sports franchises:
- Mumbai City FC
- FC Goa
- Chennaiyin FC
- Kerala Blasters FC
- Inter Kashi
- Puneri Paltan
- Bangalore Bhargavas
- Andhra Agneyas
The entry of these franchises into esports marks a significant cross-sector expansion in Indian sport in recent years, extending recognised team brands into competitive gaming. The transition into the digital arena is supported by the professional expertise of the clubs and their respective leadership. The curtain raiser witnessed the unveiling of the eight teams that have confirmed participation in the league.
Gautam Badalia, Co-Founder, LetsGameNow, 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 ensuring Indian esports develops with the same seriousness as mainstream sport.”
Santanu Basu, Co-Founder, LetsGameNow and professional eSports athlete, 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 that enables talent to rise and sustain.”
India already ranks among the world’s largest gaming markets by audience size. With ISGL’s formation, esports in the country formally adopts a franchise-led league architecture, creating continuity across seasons, stable team identities, and defined progression pathways for players.
