ISL 2026-27 kicks off October 10: schedule, teams, and where to watch
Synopsis
The ISL 2026-27 season — the first under a club-led model and the return of home-and-away football — kicks off October 10 with 13 teams and 163 matches. Diamond Harbour FC's last-minute exclusion despite winning promotion is the season's first major talking point, and a reminder that structural reform in Indian football still has unfinished business.
Key Takeaways
ISL 2026-27 kicks off on October 10 and runs through May 2027 , featuring 163 matches .
13 clubs will compete in a full home-and-away format for the first time in recent seasons.
The Shield Winners (league toppers) are the official ISL champions; the top six also contest the ISL Cup in playoffs.
This is the first ISL season under a new club-led governance model , giving clubs greater decision-making power.
Diamond Harbour FC , who won the 2025-26 Indian Football League title, were excluded after reportedly failing to pay the administrative fee.
Matches are broadcast on Sony Sports Network , streamed on SonyLIV , and available free on YouTube .
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 season is set to begin on October 10, with 13 teams competing across an eight-month campaign that runs through May 2027. The new season marks the return of the full home-and-away format and introduces a significant structural overhaul under a new club-led model — the first of its kind in the league's history.
Format and Structure
The 2026-27 ISL season will feature 163 matches in total, with each of the 13 participating clubs facing every other side twice — once at home and once away. The team finishing atop the league standings will be crowned the Shield Winners and recognised as the official ISL champions, while the top six teams will advance to the playoffs to contest the ISL Cup. The extended format offers clubs a much longer runway to build consistency compared to previous short-format seasons.
Club-Led Model: A New Era for Indian Football
This season is the first under a new club-led administrative structure, which grants participating clubs a greater say in shaping the league's direction, governance, and key decisions. The shift marks a significant departure from the earlier centralised model and is seen by many in Indian football circles as a step toward greater club ownership and long-term sustainability. Notably, this structural change coincides with the revival of the home-and-away format, giving clubs more incentive — and responsibility — to build their local fanbases.
The 13 Competing Teams
The full list of clubs for ISL 2026-27 is: Bengaluru FC, Chennaiyin FC, Churchill Brothers FC, East Bengal FC, FC Goa, Inter Kashi FC, Kerala Blasters FC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Mumbai City FC, NorthEast United FC, Odisha FC, Punjab FC, and Sporting Club Delhi. The league had been expected to feature 14 teams, but Diamond Harbour FC — who earned promotion by winning the 2025-26 Indian Football League title — were unable to participate after reportedly failing to meet the required administrative fee. Their absence leaves a notable gap and raises questions about the financial readiness of newly promoted clubs entering India's top flight.
Where to Watch ISL 2026-27
Fans can catch all 163 matches live on the Sony Sports Network TV channels. Live streaming will be available on SonyLIV, while matches will also be accessible via free live streaming on YouTube, broadening access for fans across the country. With the season running from October 2026 to May 2027, the expanded broadcast footprint is expected to drive larger viewership than previous editions.
What to Expect This Season
The combination of the home-and-away format, a club-led governance model, and the extended league phase means the ISL 2026-27 is shaping up to be among the most competitive and structurally sound editions of the tournament. Clubs will need to maintain form across eight months — a test of squad depth and management that shorter seasons never demanded. The forward-looking structure also sets the stage for Indian club football's potential integration into broader Asian Football Confederation (AFC) competitions down the line.
Point of View
It cannot afford a system where promotion is earned on the pitch but forfeited at the accounts desk. The new governance model is only as strong as its lowest-resourced member.
NationPress
9 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When does ISL 2026-27 start and end?
The ISL 2026-27 season begins on October 10, 2026 and runs through May 2027, spanning eight months and 163 matches across the home-and-away league phase and playoffs.
Which teams are playing in ISL 2026-27?
The 13 competing clubs are Bengaluru FC, Chennaiyin FC, Churchill Brothers FC, East Bengal FC, FC Goa, Inter Kashi FC, Kerala Blasters FC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Mumbai City FC, NorthEast United FC, Odisha FC, Punjab FC, and Sporting Club Delhi. Diamond Harbour FC were excluded despite earning promotion.
Where can I watch ISL 2026-27 matches live?
ISL 2026-27 matches are broadcast on the Sony Sports Network TV channels. Live streaming is available on SonyLIV, and free live streaming is also available on YouTube.
Why is Diamond Harbour FC not playing in ISL 2026-27?
Diamond Harbour FC won the 2025-26 Indian Football League title and earned promotion to the ISL, but reportedly failed to meet the administrative fee requirement, resulting in their exclusion from the 2026-27 season.
What is the new club-led model in ISL 2026-27?
The club-led model is a new governance structure introduced from the 2026-27 season, giving participating clubs a greater role in the league's administration, direction, and key decisions. It marks a shift from the earlier centralised ownership model that had governed the ISL since its launch.
