Anticipation around Indian Super League football "seems to be building with the organisers receiving positive response from about 30 interested parties," according to the PTI. Tournament organizer IMG-Reliance said in a statement, "In terms of the numbers, this is by far the highest level of interest that any similar franchise-based sports property has garnered in India." Some of the "big names from the country's corporate world, Bollywood biggies and present sports team owners have come forward with a wish to be part of the event that promises big-ticket action." The nine cities "in the reckoning" are Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Guwahati, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Pune. Eight "will be shortlisted." Sources indicated "each team will have to present a robust business plan that includes developing grassroots talent in their city and having an academy by the next five years." The ISL also "aims to reach to one million school kids in the country." It was "also said that each of the franchise owners" will have to spend Rs 2 crore ($327,000) on "grassroot development every year" (PTI, 3/23).
