The 2026-27 Indian Super League season will launch on October 10 under a new club-led model, featuring 163 matches over eight months and the return of play-offs.
The next edition of the Indian Super League (ISL) is set to kick off on October 10, 2026, introducing a revamped, club-led structure that will run through May 2027.
The tournament will follow a home-and-away format totaling 163 matches across eight months. The team finishing at the top of the table will be crowned Shield Winners as official ISL champions, earning indirect qualifying slots for the AFC Champions League Two via zonal qualifiers. Additionally, the top six teams will compete in a returning play-off format for the ISL Cup Champions title.
Developed collaboratively by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the clubs, the new club-led model aims to put decision-making in the hands of the clubs. According to a statement, the shift seeks to deliver a comprehensive competitive calendar, increase investment in Indian talent, and foster a stronger, more sustainable football ecosystem.
Thirteen teams are currently set to compete, with Churchill Brothers FC awaiting final regulatory approval. The other sides in the competition include Bengaluru FC, Chennaiyin 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.
However, 2025-26 Indian Football League (IFL) champions Diamond Harbour FC will not participate despite earning promotion. After failing to fulfill the administrative fee requirement for the 2026-27 season, competition rules dictate that they will be placed at the bottom of the table and must return to play in the IFL for the 2027-28 season.
Reporting sourced from The Hindu Football. Photo courtesy The Hindu Football.