IPL-style Indian Shooting League launching this November; all you need to know

The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) is set to revolutionise Indian shooting sport with the launch of the Shooting League of India (SLI), a franchise-based, mixed-team format competition modelled after successful Indian leagues like the IPL. 

Reports mentioned that the league is expected to run from November 20 to December 2, 2025, with the inaugural edition of SLI aiming to bring high-performance shooting into the national spotlight.

Format and venue

As per preliminary planning reports, the first edition will be held at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range in Delhi.

The tournament will feature eight teams, split into two pools. The league stage will take place from November 21 to 26, with the top two teams from each pool progressing to the knockout phase.

Unlike traditional formats, SLI will exclusively feature mixed-team competitions across six Olympic disciplines spread across 10m air rifle, 10m air pistol, 25m sports pistol, 50m rifle 3 positions, trap, and skeet. 

Further, each franchise will field six men and six women, with a maximum of four foreign shooters.

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Athlete structure and team balance

To ensure competitive balance, athletes will be grouped into four performance tiers: Elite Champions, World Elite, National Champions, and Junior/Youth Champions.

Each team must include at least two Indian shooters under 21, and selections are expected through a structured auction mechanism. A salary cap of Rs 1.2 crore per team has been fixed, according to reports on X.

Broadcaster focus and prize pool

In a strategic shift to enhance viewer engagement, the league will adopt a TV-friendly format, targeting 25–30-minute matches to retain audience attention and reduce shooter fatigue. The NRAI is in discussions with OTT platforms and broadcast partners to maximise reach.

A substantial prize pool is also planned, positioning SLI as the most lucrative event in the shooting calendar.

International approval and interest

The International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) has granted an exclusive window for the event, which is included in its official calendar between the Cairo World Championships and the Doha World Cup final.

Over 70 Indian and 40 international shooters have already registered interest, underlining the global appeal of this novel league.

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It is worth noting that franchise-based leagues have rarely succeeded in individual sports in India beyond cricket and kabaddi. However, the NRAI believes that the team format, gender inclusivity, and fast-paced structure of SLI offer a transformative viewing experience.