The Indian Super Gaming League (ISGL) is the big winner this week after a round co-led by Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra and Bestvantage Investments raised ₹30 crore (about $3 million) Let’s Game Now, a Bengaluru-based esports company. The money will go straight to the ISGL, a league where franchise teams carry the names of Indian football and kabaddi clubs.
As of the time of writing, Let’s Game Now’s valuation is still under wraps, as is the equity investors received and the size of each backer’s share. It’s also unclear what funding stage we’re at or how the cash will be split across marketing, operations and technology.
What the ISGL is
The ISGL was revealed earlier this year in March. Pitched as India’s first esports league, it comes with permanently owned franchises that play in seasons (just the same as traditional sports leagues). The title list covers Cricket 26, EA Sports FC 26, chess, Call of Duty: Mobile, FAU-G.
The eight founding teams are each tied to an established sports brand:
| Founding team | Background |
|---|---|
| Kerala Blasters FC | Indian Super League football |
| Mumbai City FC | Indian Super League football |
| Chennaiyin FC | Indian Super League football |
| FC Goa | Indian Super League football |
| Inter Kashi | Football club |
| Puneri Paltan | Pro Kabaddi League |
| Bangalore Bhargavas | Franchise team |
| Andhra Agneyas | Franchise team |
Mahindra’s pitch
Mahindra confirmed the investment on his socials, where he compared the project to the Pro Kabaddi League, which he helped to establish. He said he was excited to back a league whose action “isn’t on a mat. It’s on a screen.”
He was also quick to remind everyone of founder Santanu Basu’s playing past. Basu was one of India’s early professional esports players who competed internationally in the FIFA football video game and finished third at an international tournament. Mahindra added that responsible competitive esports requires teamwork, strategy, reflexes, and discipline, and can open up career paths for those who participate.
Why the timing fits
Let’s Game Now Raises Rs 30 Crore Led by Anand Mahindra
Gaming and esports company @lets_game_now raises Rs 30 crore, co-led by Anand Mahindra and Bestvantage Investments, to develop the Indian Super Gaming League.— siliconindia – India Edition (@SINewsUpdates) October 29, 2026
The Indian government banned real money gaming in 2025, after which several companies transitioned into esports, tournaments, and brand-led gaming. The Indian gaming market is now reported to be worth close to USD 3.8 billion, and has a projected growth to USD 9.2 billion by FY29, with an estimated 591 million gamers.
Let’s Game Now itself, meanwhile, boasts an impressive track record of 2,000 events+. It’s also served more than 30 clients, reached 18 countries and recorded over 50 million viewers. The ISGL gives them a recurring property, which is better than a few one-off events here and there, even if the league’s success depends heavily on landing sponsors, franchise owners and broadcast partners. They also need viewers.
Writer’s take
Eight franchise names with built-in fan bases is a head start most new leagues would love but usually don’t get. This is just the start, though; the hardest bit is creating a watchable season that keeps viewers coming back after launch week.
Let’s Game Now hasn’t revealed a launch date for the first ISGL season, the franchise structure, or how the league will make money.
About the Author
