The English Premier League (EPL) continues to strengthen its global footprint. On Tuesday, the league announced the opening of a new office in Mumbai, India. This move signals a significant step in the Premier League’s long-term commitment to the development and promotion of football in the country. Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters emphasized the importance of the Indian market, calling the new office a “milestone moment” in the league’s journey.
Building on an 18-Year Commitment
The Premier League has invested in India’s football ecosystem for almost two decades. Since 2006, the league has rolled out several community football programs, partnering with local organizations to promote grassroots football. Through initiatives like “Premier Skills,” the league trained thousands of coaches and referees across India. These efforts not only improved the technical abilities of young footballers but also broadened the reach of the sport to regions beyond the major metros.
In recent years, the Premier League expanded its relationship with India through collaboration with the Indian Super League (ISL). This partnership aimed to elevate the standard of professional football in India, introducing better coaching methods, youth development strategies, and operational expertise.
Opening a permanent office in Mumbai signals that the Premier League now plans to deepen these ties even further. By setting up a local base, the league can directly engage with fans, broadcasters, sponsors, and development partners, creating a more agile and responsive presence in a market that continues to demonstrate immense potential.
Why Mumbai?
Mumbai serves as the financial capital of India and acts as a hub for media, entertainment, and sports. Many of India’s major sports broadcasters, advertising agencies, and corporate sponsors operate from the city. By choosing Mumbai, the Premier League places itself right at the heart of India’s sporting business ecosystem.
The new office will allow the Premier League to work more closely with existing broadcast partners like Star Sports and JioCinema. These platforms already deliver Premier League content to millions of Indian viewers. With a direct local presence, the league can offer better support, create tailored marketing campaigns, and foster deeper partnerships.
Moreover, Mumbai boasts a vibrant football culture. Clubs like Mumbai City FC, which competes in the ISL, enjoy strong support. Grassroots initiatives thrive in the city, providing fertile ground for the Premier League’s community outreach efforts. By tapping into this environment, the league can foster organic growth and develop a more loyal and passionate fanbase.
A Growing Indian Fanbase
Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters praised the passionate and knowledgeable Indian fans during the announcement. “We and our clubs have a fantastic and knowledgeable fanbase in India, and we know football continues to grow in popularity,” he said.
Recent studies back this claim. Surveys show that more than 155 million Indians follow the Premier League actively. Weekend matches often trend on social media platforms, and top clubs like Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea boast massive Indian fan communities. Local fan clubs organize watch parties, football quizzes, and charity events, reflecting the depth of engagement.
The Premier League recognizes this enthusiasm and plans to nurture it further. By creating more direct channels of communication through the Mumbai office, the league can organize fan events, merchandising initiatives, and localized digital campaigns. These efforts will not only increase fan loyalty but also create new revenue streams.
Learning from International Expansion
The Mumbai office will become the Premier League’s fourth international office after successful launches in Singapore, New York, and Beijing. Each office played a crucial role in strengthening the league’s brand in its respective region.
In Singapore, the Premier League opened its first overseas office in 2019. Initially, the league aimed to fight content piracy and support broadcasters more efficiently. Over time, the Singapore office expanded its focus to marketing initiatives and community outreach.
The New York office, launched in 2023, allowed the league to capitalize on the growing interest in football in the United States. It helped establish new commercial partnerships and media rights deals while connecting more effectively with American fans.
In Beijing, the Premier League opened its third international office to cater to the massive Chinese market. The Beijing team worked on localized content strategies, educational programs, and partnerships with Chinese broadcasters and sponsors.
Learning from these experiences, the Premier League now plans to customize its India strategy by combining commercial expansion with grassroots development. The Mumbai office will not simply act as a commercial arm but also as a cultural bridge between the league and Indian football fans.
Partnership with JioStar and Local Development
Masters specifically mentioned the strengthening relationship with JioStar, a collaboration between Reliance Industries’ Jio Platforms and Star India. JioStar serves as a key broadcast partner for the Premier League in India. With streaming services like JioCinema growing rapidly, the Premier League intends to leverage this momentum to reach new audiences, especially in smaller towns and rural areas where mobile-first content consumption dominates.
Furthermore, the league remains committed to supporting local football. Expect new initiatives to develop youth academies, train local coaches, and create opportunities for Indian players to engage with Premier League clubs. The Mumbai office will play a crucial role in coordinating these efforts, ensuring that the development aspect stays at the heart of the league’s India strategy.
Opportunities Ahead
Opening an office in Mumbai unlocks a range of possibilities. Firstly, the Premier League can now engage in real-time marketing tailored to Indian festivals, sports calendars, and fan culture. Secondly, the league can co-create local content with influencers, athletes, and entertainers, making its brand even more relatable to Indian youth.
Thirdly, the Premier League will find it easier to negotiate merchandising deals, sponsorships, and collaborative events such as trophy tours, football clinics, and exhibition matches. Indian fans may soon see legends of the game visit their cities more often for meet-and-greets, masterclasses, and fan festivals.
Moreover, the move boosts India’s standing in global football. As the Premier League intensifies its presence, it will inspire other major leagues, clubs, and investors to invest in Indian football, ultimately raising the profile of the sport in the country.
Conclusion
The Premier League’s decision to open an office in Mumbai marks a landmark moment in its international growth journey. More importantly, it reflects the league’s long-term belief in India’s potential as a footballing nation.
By combining commercial ambitions with community development, the Premier League sets a strong example of how global sports brands can integrate meaningfully into local cultures. As Richard Masters and his team embark on this new chapter, Indian football fans can look forward to closer engagement, more opportunities, and a deeper connection with the world’s most-watched football league.
The future looks incredibly exciting — not just for the Premier League, but for Indian football as well.
