BAI Opens Bidding Process to Revive India’s Professional Badminton League
The Badminton Association of India (BAI) has taken a significant step towards bringing back a professional badminton league by inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from experienced organisations capable of developing, managing and commercialising the competition. The initiative is aimed at creating a sustainable league that can elevate Indian badminton both on and off the court.
According to the federation, the selected partner will be responsible for the league’s complete ecosystem—from conceptualising the tournament and securing commercial partnerships to media rights, marketing, franchise operations, fan engagement and event execution. BAI is looking for an organisation with a proven track record in managing large-scale sporting properties and the financial strength to build a long-term, globally competitive league.
The EOI marks another attempt by the federation to revive a franchise-based badminton competition after the Premier Badminton League (PBL) was last held in 2020. While the PBL played an important role in increasing badminton’s popularity in India, the tournament has remained inactive for several years. BAI now hopes that a fresh commercial model and a new operating partner will help establish a stronger and more sustainable competition.
Interested organisations have been invited to submit their proposals by June 30, 2026, after which BAI will evaluate the bids before shortlisting suitable partners for the next stage of the process. The federation expects the successful bidder to create a league that not only attracts leading Indian and international shuttlers but also delivers value to broadcasters, sponsors and fans.
India has emerged as one of badminton’s strongest nations over the past decade, producing Olympic medallists, world champions and several world-class players. A professionally managed domestic league is expected to provide emerging talent with greater exposure, create additional competitive opportunities and strengthen the commercial ecosystem surrounding the sport.
If the project moves ahead as planned, the proposed league could mark the beginning of a new era for Indian badminton, combining elite competition with a modern business model designed to ensure long-term success. With badminton enjoying a rapidly growing fan base across the country, BAI’s latest initiative could help transform the sport into one of India’s leading franchise-based competitions.
Key Highlights
BAI has invited Expressions of Interest (EOI) to develop and manage a professional badminton league.
The selected partner will oversee league operations, commercial rights, sponsorship, broadcasting and marketing.
The previous Premier Badminton League was last held in 2020.
EOI submission deadline: June 30, 2026.
The initiative aims to strengthen India’s badminton ecosystem and create a sustainable franchise league.
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