The Indian esports community just got hit with some disappointing news. KRAFTON India officially cancelled the much-anticipated BGMI Franchise League, citing that the current environment doesn’t support their original vision.
This wasn’t just any tournament. The league was designed as an IPL-style franchise model that would’ve revolutionized how BGMI esports works in India. Instead of the usual open tournament format, teams would buy permanent slots, creating stability for players, sponsors, and organizations.
What Went Wrong
KRAFTON had been actively seeking franchise partners since June, generating massive buzz in the community. The plan was ambitious – somewhere between 16 to 24 teams, each backed by corporate investors or celebrities, similar to how cricket’s IPL operates.
But here’s where things got messy. Multiple reports suggest the real issue was insufficient franchise slot sales. Despite strong initial interest, around 3-4 team slots reportedly failed to attract buyers, making the financial model unsustainable.
KRAFTON’s official statement tells a different story. They claim the decision came “after careful consideration” and that while “the idea received strong interest, the current environment does not fully support the scale and impact originally envisioned”.
What This Really Means
The cancellation stings because teams had already started building rosters and preparing for what was supposed to be a game-changing league. For players who’d invested time and energy into bootcamps and preparation, this feels like a major setback.
But KRAFTON isn’t abandoning Indian esports entirely. Their statement makes it clear that “the franchise model remains a part of our long-term vision”. Translation: they’re not giving up, just waiting for better timing.
The Road Ahead
For now, BGMI esports will continue through established tournaments like BGIS and BMPS. There’s also speculation about a replacement tournament planned for September-October 2025, though nothing’s confirmed yet.
KRAFTON’s commitment to Indian esports remains strong – they’ve invested heavily in the market and continue running major tournaments with substantial prize pools. The franchise league might be on hold, but it’s not dead forever.
Sometimes the best moves in competitive gaming happen when the timing’s right, not when the pressure’s on.