Chennai: Two-time Indian Super League champions Chennaiyin FC have signed the Indian Super Gaming League (ISGL), India’s first franchise-based esports league, as their Principal Sponsor for the ISL 2026 season.
As part of the agreement, ISGL will feature as the front-of-shirt partner for Chennaiyin FC throughout the 2026 campaign, with its logo prominently displayed on matchday jerseys and training wear. The collaboration also includes strong digital and on-ground visibility, with branding across the club’s digital platforms and at the Marina Arena during home fixtures.
In addition, ISGL will gain access to the club’s logo and player image rights, player engagement initiatives, and key media-facing inventory, creating a multi-dimensional partnership that bridges traditional sport and competitive gaming.
Speaking on the partnership, Chennaiyin FC COO Akhil Prakash said, “We are delighted to welcome the Indian Super Gaming League (IGSL) as the Principal Sponsor of Chennaiyin FC for the ISL 2026 season. This partnership is a natural fit for us. Our fan base is young, dynamic and constantly seeking new experiences — and gaming today sits at the heart of youth culture. Through this collaboration, we aim to create deeper engagement opportunities that connect football and gaming in meaningful ways, bringing our community even closer to the club. We look forward to building something exciting together this season.”
One of India’s most established football clubs and a consistent presence in the country’s top-flight league, Chennaiyin FC have played a significant role in nurturing and showcasing Indian talent over the years. ISGL, meanwhile, has been structured as a merit-driven national esports league aimed at discovering, developing and elevating gaming talent across the country.
By combining high-performance competition with elements of creator culture, music, live audiences and immersive fan engagement, ISGL reflects how today’s youth engage with sport and entertainment—both online and on-ground. The partnership represents a convergence of two evolving sporting ecosystems that share a focus on structured pathways, competitive excellence and youth engagement.
Commenting on the occasion, Gautam Badalia, Co-Founder, LetsGameNow, ISGL’s parent organisation, said, “At ISGL, our mission has always been to identify, nurture, and provide a platform for young talent to shine. Partnering with Chennaiyin FC as Principal Sponsor is a natural extension of that vision. Chennaiyin FC represents the footballing aspirations of Tamil Nadu on the national stage, and shares our belief in building structured pathways for emerging talent. Whether in competitive gaming or professional football, excellence is driven by discipline, opportunity, and ambition—and through this partnership, we aim to inspire the next generation across sport and gaming.”
The partnership will be on full display when Chennaiyin FC face Mumbai City FC in their opening fixture of the ISL 2026 season, kicking off a four-match away run. The Marina Machans will then return to the Marina Arena for their first home game against Mohammedan on March 13, marking the beginning of their home campaign under the new principal sponsorship.
