KRAFTON Announces BGMI Franchise League Bidding: Revolutionary Esports Initiative

South Korean game publisher KRAFTON has opened bidding for a groundbreaking esports project in India. The company describes this as a revolutionary esports initiative that will reshape competitive gaming. Additionally, the project likely involves creating a new franchise league for Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI).

KRAFTON announced this initiative through a press release on June 24th. The publisher emphasizes building a long-term sporting ecosystem rather than just launching another tournament. Furthermore, they aim to create a league that stands alongside the most iconic global competitions.

Building India's Premier Mobile Esports League

KRAFTON India explains their ambitious vision for the project. The company states they are opening select slots for a pioneering esports initiative. Moreover, this marks the beginning of a bold new chapter in Indian competitive gaming.

The initiative goes beyond traditional tournament structures. Instead, KRAFTON focuses on creating a foundation for sustainable esports growth. Consequently, this approach aims to establish permanent value for all stakeholders involved.

Target Participants and Opportunities

KRAFTON specifically invites diverse stakeholders to participate in the bidding process. The company targets corporations, public figures, and sports legends for involvement. Additionally, esports enthusiasts and investors can join this revolutionary initiative.

Participants gain multiple engagement opportunities through this platform. They can promote brands and connect directly with mobile esports fans. Furthermore, stakeholders can own teams, co-build franchises, or become permanent investors in the ecosystem.

The publisher emphasizes opportunities in gaming, storytelling, youth culture, and digital engagement. Therefore, this initiative appeals to various business sectors and investment strategies.

Simple Bidding Process and Timeline

Interested parties can easily participate in the franchise bidding opportunity. First, they must reach out to KRAFTON via email before July 4th, 2025. This deadline ensures all serious participants have adequate time to prepare applications.

KRAFTON then shares comprehensive information with qualified applicants. The company provides detailed presentation decks and Letter of Intent documentation. Subsequently, they initiate detailed discussions with potential franchise partners.

BGMI's Growth Story in India

Battlegrounds Mobile India launched in 2021 as PUBG Mobile India initially. The game served as KRAFTON's PUBG Mobile version specifically for the Indian market. However, authorities banned the title from the country in 2022.

The game returned successfully one year later to continue its growth trajectory. Since then, BGMI has built a substantial local audience despite facing initial challenges. Moreover, the title demonstrates resilience and adaptability in the competitive mobile gaming market.

Impressive Viewership and Prize Pools

BGMI has achieved significant success in the Indian esports landscape. This year's BGMI Series attracted 485,132 peak viewers during competition. Additionally, 32 teams competed for a substantial prize pool of ₹32,100,000 INR (approximately £274,000).

While BGMI hasn't reached the scale of global mobile esports titles like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and Free Fire, it shows strong local growth. The viewership numbers demonstrate genuine fan engagement and market potential. Therefore, this creates solid foundation for franchise league success.

Strategic Partnerships Drive Expansion

KRAFTON actively forms partnerships to expand BGMI's esports offering. The company collaborates with both local and international stakeholders. These partnerships strengthen the game's competitive infrastructure and market reach.

Local partnerships help KRAFTON understand Indian market dynamics better. Meanwhile, international collaborations bring global expertise and best practices. Consequently, this dual approach positions BGMI for sustainable long-term growth.

Market Opportunity in Indian Mobile Gaming

India's mobile gaming market presents enormous opportunities for esports development. The country hosts millions of mobile gamers across diverse demographics. Additionally, mobile esports viewership continues growing at impressive rates.

KRAFTON recognizes this market potential through their franchise initiative. The company positions stakeholders to capitalize on India's digital entertainment boom. Furthermore, early participants gain competitive advantages in this expanding ecosystem.