Krafton India Unveils PUBG Battlegrounds Esports Franchise League

Krafton India invites franchise bids for its new PUBG Battlegrounds esports league, aiming to transform competitive gaming in India with a franchise-based model.

Mumbai, India – June 26, 2025 – Krafton India, the creators of the massively popular PUBG Battlegrounds, has launched an ambitious esports initiative to revolutionize competitive gaming in India. The company is now accepting franchise bids from corporates, sports legends, public figures, esports enthusiasts, and investors to establish a franchise-based esports league for PUBG Battlegrounds, inspired by the Indian Premier League (IPL).

A New Era for Esports in India

This innovative esports ecosystem aims to create a sustainable and structured competitive platform for PUBG Battlegrounds, which has achieved over 250 million downloads and a 35.7% revenue growth in 2024. As India emerges as one of Krafton’s top global markets, this franchise league is poised to leverage the country’s booming esports industry, projected to surpass ₹1,100 crore in revenue by 2025, driven by a 400% surge in viewership over the past three years.

Krafton India is seeking visionary stakeholders to own and operate franchise teams for PUBG Battlegrounds, offering permanent slots to ensure long-term stability for players and organizations. This shift from open qualifiers to a franchise model will foster a professional and consistent competitive environment.

Krafton India Unveils PUBG Battlegrounds Esports Franchise League

How to Join the Franchise League

Interested parties must submit their expressions of interest by July 4, 2025. After the deadline, Krafton will provide a detailed information deck and a Letter of Intent (LOI) to begin discussions with potential franchise owners. The initiative is expected to attract a diverse range of investors, from sports organizations to influential figures in entertainment and business, all eager to shape the future of esports in India.

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Krafton’s Commitment to India

Krafton’s investment in India’s gaming ecosystem is significant, with $170 million already committed and an additional $140 million planned over the next two years. This funding will support PUBG Battlegrounds and related industries, such as content creation and technology development. The franchise league is a key part of Krafton’s vision to build a robust esports infrastructure that empowers players, teams, and fans.

Krafton India Unveils PUBG Battlegrounds Esports Franchise League

The Future of Competitive Gaming

With millions of players and viewers engaging with PUBG Battlegrounds daily, the game has become a cultural phenomenon in India. The introduction of a franchise-based league, announced on June 26, 2025, at 11:05 PM IST, marks a major step toward professionalizing esports, offering opportunities for sponsorships, player development, and global recognition. By creating a stable competitive framework, Krafton aims to elevate the esports scene in India to new heights.

As the July 4 deadline approaches, the gaming community is buzzing with anticipation. Krafton India’s PUBG Battlegrounds franchise league promises to redefine competitive gaming, positioning India as a global esports powerhouse.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the PUBG Battlegrounds Franchise League?
    A franchise-based esports league for PUBG Battlegrounds (BGMI), designed to create a professional, long-term competitive ecosystem in India, unlike open tournaments like BGIS or BMPS.
  • Who can apply?
    Corporates, sports legends, public figures, esports enthusiasts, and investors are eligible to bid for franchise ownership.
  • What is the deadline?
    Expressions of interest are due by July 4, 2025, with further details provided via an information deck and LOI.
  • How does it impact players?
    The league offers stability, sponsorship opportunities, and professional growth for PUBG Battlegrounds players and teams.
  • How to contact Krafton?
    Visit krafton.in for more details or to submit inquiries.

For more information on participating in the franchise league, contact Krafton India’s official channels.