KRAFTON invites bids to launch a groundbreaking Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) franchise league, aiming to create a sustainable esports ecosystem in India and tap into the country’s booming mobile gaming market.
South Korean game publisher KRAFTON has announced the opening of bids for what it calls a “revolutionary esports initiative” in India, signaling plans to launch a new franchise league for its flagship mobile title, Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI). This move aims to transform the competitive mobile gaming landscape in the country by establishing a long-term sporting ecosystem comparable to the world’s most iconic leagues.
Though the announcement stops short of explicitly naming a franchise league, the context and KRAFTON’s past investments strongly indicate that the project revolves around creating a robust, professionally structured BGMI league with franchise ownership. In a June 24 press release, KRAFTON India stated:
“We’re pleased to open select slots for a pioneering esports initiative in India, marking the beginning of a bold new chapter that aims to reshape the future of competitive gaming in the country.”
The publisher highlighted the massive growth of mobile esports in India, driven by increasing smartphone penetration and a passionate fan base hungry for competitive content. To tap into this expanding market, KRAFTON is inviting a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including corporations, public figures, sports legends, esports enthusiasts, and investors interested in gaming, youth culture, and digital engagement, to participate in the bidding process. Interested parties have until July 4, 2025, to submit their applications via email, after which KRAFTON will provide detailed documentation, including a Letter of Intent (LOI), and begin formal discussions.
This franchise initiative is designed to offer partners significant opportunities not only to own teams but also to co-build the league’s ecosystem, promoting their brands while connecting with millions of mobile esports fans across India. The emphasis on long-term sustainability and commercial viability signals KRAFTON’s ambition to elevate BGMI’s competitive scene to new heights.
Background on BGMI and Esports in India
BGMI is the Indian adaptation of KRAFTON’s globally successful PUBG Mobile title. Launched in 2021 following the ban of PUBG Mobile in India, BGMI quickly reclaimed a large share of the country’s mobile battle royale audience. Despite a brief ban in 2022, the title made a strong comeback in 2023 and has since maintained a dedicated player and viewer base.
While BGMI’s esports viewership hasn’t yet matched titans like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang or Free Fire globally, it has built a significant presence in India. For instance, the recent BGMI Series attracted 485,132 peak viewers and featured 32 competing teams battling for a prize pool of ₹32,100,000 INR (~£274,000), underscoring its growing competitive appeal.
In recent years, KRAFTON has forged numerous partnerships with local and international esports stakeholders to strengthen BGMI’s infrastructure and visibility, aiming to create a sustainable competitive ecosystem. The new franchise league bid represents the next logical step in these efforts.
Looking Ahead
With the esports market in India expanding rapidly, driven by a youthful population and increasing internet access, KRAFTON’s initiative could set a new standard for mobile esports leagues in the region. The company’s emphasis on collaboration with diverse stakeholders suggests a league that is commercially savvy, community-focused, and geared toward long-term growth.
As the bidding process unfolds, all eyes will be on how this ambitious project shapes the future of competitive mobile gaming in India, potentially positioning BGMI alongside the world’s premier esports leagues.
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