Indian Super League returns with new club-led model after months of chaos

The Indian Super League is back almost a year and three months after its previous season faced an indefinite delay. The restart follows a turbulent period involving court hearings, club closures, and a fundamental change in how the league is owned and managed. Despite the changes, the competition keeps its name and returns to the standard league stage and playoff format.

Table Troubles

Signs of ongoing instability remain visible in the setup. The official league website lists only 13 clubs, while a fourteenth team, Diamond Harbour FC from West Bengal, has already been relegated. Diamond Harbour won promotion last season but failed to pay the required administrative fee for the 2026/27 season. The All India Football Federation placed them at the bottom of the table by default, shielding other competing clubs from relegation this year.

Ownership Shifts

Churchill Brothers FC will play in the ISL for the first time after decades in Indian football. The team entered the league because Tata Steel sold Jamshedpur FC to them for a token amount of 100 rupees. Jamshedpur are former ISL Shield winners, and news of their planned closure previously sparked public pleas from rival players and fans to save the club.

Free Streaming

Clubs will run the ISL for the next four years under a new model. Broadcasting arrangements have shifted following a 95 percent drop in per-match broadcasting evaluation before the 2025/26 season. Matches will air on Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV, and will also stream for free on YouTube to maximize visibility and accessibility for fans.

Context

The Indian Super League serves as the top tier of men's professional football in India. The competition has undergone significant structural changes and financial adjustments in recent years to stabilize team operations and expand its viewer base across the country.