Premier League India Office Launch | Football Development and Fan Engagement

Premier League Opens India Office to Deepen Football Engagement and Development

The Premier League has officially launched its new office in Mumbai, marking a major strategic step in expanding its global footprint. The decision to establish a dedicated Premier League India office underscores the League’s long-term commitment to one of its most passionate and fast-growing markets. From grassroots programmes to elite youth competitions, the League’s presence in India has steadily evolved, and this new hub aims to strengthen connections with local fans, partners, and footballing institutions.

Premier League India Office: A Long-Term Vision Becomes Tangible

India is home to millions of Premier League followers, making it one of the most engaged fanbases outside the UK. Recognising this, the League has now solidified its on-ground presence in Mumbai, a city that already serves as a hub for Indian football operations through the Indian Super League (ISL) and Reliance Foundation initiatives.

This India office will serve as the regional headquarters to accelerate the League’s mission of deepening engagement in South Asia. The Premier League has already opened international offices in Singapore, New York, and Beijing. The Mumbai branch becomes its fourth global outpost and signals a broader intent to deliver culturally relevant and locally tailored football experiences.

Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters stated, "We and our clubs have a fantastic and knowledgeable fanbase in India, and we know football continues to grow in popularity. Opening this office marks a significant milestone. It will allow us to operate more effectively locally, build on our existing work, and strengthen our relationship with fans, JioStar and other partners."

Strengthening Fan Engagement and Broadcaster Partnerships

The League’s media rights are a critical component of its international expansion strategy. In India, JioStar (a JioCinema and Viacom18 initiative) holds the exclusive broadcast rights and has been central to bringing Premier League matches to millions of households. With a growing appetite for digital-first viewing, the new Premier League India office is expected to work closely with JioStar to enhance the matchday experience and build out interactive fan initiatives.

Expect fan events, club visits, grassroots activations, and a more consistent digital presence through regional content creators and social media campaigns. The aim is to convert passive viewership into active football communities, tapping into India's tech-savvy and football-loving younger demographics.

Building on Premier League’s Grassroots Legacy in India

Since 2007, the Premier League has invested in grassroots football development in India through its Premier Skills programme, a collaboration with the British Council. Over the last 18 years, this initiative has operated across 18 states, training over 7,300 coaches, referees, and community educators, and positively impacting more than 124,000 young players.

This commitment will continue through the Mumbai office, with a renewed focus on integrating football into educational and social upliftment initiatives. The Premier League's India strategy is not just about brand visibility but fostering the sport’s ecosystem from the ground up.

Collaboration with ISL and the Rise of the Next Gen Cup

At the elite youth level, the Premier League's collaboration with the Indian Super League since 2014 has proven fruitful. It has enabled an exchange of expertise in governance, refereeing standards, youth academies, and sports science. One of the standout results of this partnership is the Next Gen Cup, a youth tournament that has grown in stature and relevance.

In May 2025, the sixth edition of the Next Gen Cup will be held in Mumbai, with ISL academy sides competing against U19 teams from top Premier League clubs. The tournament offers a high-performance platform for emerging Indian talent to test themselves against some of the best youth systems in the world, and scouts are expected to keep a keen eye on standout performers.

Looking Ahead: Football Development and the Business of Sport

The Premier League India office is also expected to play a role in the business-to-business ecosystem of football. By fostering stronger relationships with Indian sponsors, sports marketing firms, technology partners, and event agencies, the League aims to make its operations more agile and responsive to local market dynamics.

With Indian football undergoing its own transformation a growing league system, rising player salaries, improved infrastructure this move positions the Premier League as a valuable collaborator rather than a distant foreign entity. From fan growth to technical support, there is mutual benefit in closer ties.

Conclusion

The establishment of the Premier League India office is more than just a corporate expansion it’s a cultural commitment. By bringing operations closer to its Indian fans, doubling down on grassroots development, and collaborating with local institutions like the ISL, the League is embedding itself in the Indian football story for the long haul.

Whether it's through nurturing the next wave of Indian talent or delivering unforgettable fan experiences, the Premier League’s Mumbai office will be pivotal in scripting the next chapter of football's rise in India.