Archive · 9 Oct 2026
ISL 2026-27 Starts October 10 With 13 Teams
The Indian Super League’s new season starts on October 10.
Thirteen teams will play 163 matches until May 2027.
Each team will play the others at home and away.
The team with the most points at the top of the league will win the Shield and be recognised as the league champion.
The top six teams will also enter playoffs to compete for the ISL Cup.
Clubs will have a bigger role in running the league this season.
Fans can watch on Sony Sports Network, SonyLIV, or YouTube, where streaming will be free.
The Indian Super League 2026-27 season begins October 10 and is scheduled to run until May 2027.
The campaign will feature 13 teams and 163 matches over eight months in a home-and-away format.
The league leader will be crowned Shield Winner and official ISL champion; the top six qualify for the ISL Cup playoffs.
It will be the first season under a club-led structure that gives participating clubs a greater role in league decisions.
Matches will air on Sony Sports Network, stream on SonyLIV, and also be available free on YouTube.
- Who
- Thirteen teams will compete in the Indian Super League 2026-27 season.
- What
- A 163-match season will use a home-and-away league format, followed by playoffs for the top six.
- When
- The season starts October 10 and is scheduled to run until May 2027.
- Where
- Matches are available on Sony Sports Network, SonyLIV, and YouTube; the article does not specify match venues.
- Why
- The season is being played under a new club-led model, with a return to the traditional home-and-away format and playoffs.
- Season dates
- October 10, 2026, to May 2027
- Participating teams
- 13
- Scheduled matches
- 163
- Format
- Home-and-away league campaign, followed by playoffs
- Playoff qualification
- Top six teams qualify for the ISL Cup playoffs
- Television
- Sony Sports Network
- Streaming
- SonyLIV and free streaming on YouTube
- Teams
- 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