INDIA’S COMPETITIVE GAMING ecosystem has taken a significant step forward with the unveiling of the Indian Super Gaming League (ISGL), a franchise-based national esports tournament set to host its inaugural season later this year.
The launch event convened leading figures from across the esports and sports industries to outline the league’s long-term ambitions. Among those in attendance were ISGL founders Santanu Basu and Gautam Badalia; Andhra Pradesh Sports Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy; and actors and sports franchise investors Ranbir Kapoor and Abhishek Bachchan.
Organised by LetsGameNow (LGN), ISGL introduces a structured, season-based league model built around permanent team ownership, a shift away from standalone tournaments towards a city-backed, franchise-driven competitive framework. The league will be preceded by a nationwide qualifier circuit aimed at discovering and nurturing emerging talent. City-level qualifiers will culminate in a finale hosted in Vizag.
The inaugural season will feature a founding line-up representing participation from Mumbai City FC, FC Goa, Chennaiyin FC, Kerala Blasters FC, Inter Kashi, Puneri Paltan, Bangalore Bhargavas and Andhra Agneyas, signalling cross-sport backing for the league’s debut season.
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 ensuring Indian esports develops with the same seriousness as mainstream sport.”
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 that enables talent to rise and sustain.”
