Mumbai: After two seasons of testing the franchise model, the Global Chess League (GCL), a brainchild of Mahindra Group chairman Anand Mahindra, is preparing to expand.The league is betting on rising fan engagement, growing interest among women players and sponsors, and a format it believes is ready to scale. "In fact, we are looking to expand the league to two more franchises next year," said Peeyush Dubey, chairperson of GCL. "The league has grown, fan interest is high and now is the right time for us to expand."Interest in new teams is coming from outside India as well, including Central Europe, Scandinavia and the US, Dubey said. The league currently has six franchises: Ganges Grandmasters, Triveni Continental Kings, Alpine SG Pipers, PBG Alaskan Knights, upGrad Mumba Masters and Fyers

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