Indian Super League returns to original format for 2026-27 season; clubs to hold full commercial rights
The league will return to home-and-away play with knockout rounds, while clubs hold commercial rights and must confirm participation with a Rs. 1.1 crore fee.
- On Tuesday, the All India Football Federation and Indian Super League clubs announced a roadmap for the 2026-27 season, establishing a commercially club-led model to manage the top-tier competition.
- This transition follows a year of uncertainty after the rights agreement with Football Sports Development Limited expired, prompting clubs to assume full commercial control while the AIFF retains administrative oversight.
- AIFF Deputy Secretary General M. Satyanarayan confirmed that signing Overseas Citizen of India cardholders is now optional, as is mandating an Indian striker on the field for the full 90 minutes.
- Newly promoted IFL 2025-26 champions Diamond Harbour FC are included among the 14 expected teams, with each club required to pay an annual participation fee of Rs. 1.1 crore in two installments.
- Aiming to make the league the best in Asia, the four-year framework allows clubs to reassess their involvement after two years, signaling commitment to long-term commercial and financial sustainability.
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AIFF Hands ISL Commercial Rights To Clubs, Upcoming Season To Be In Original formatF
A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will be formed as a private limited company to run the ISL with each club contributing Rs 1.1 crore in two instalments as administrative fees to be given to the AIFF
Indian Super League returns to original format for 2026-27 season; clubs to hold full commercial rights
Last season, the ISL was shortened to a round-robin format after the start of the competition was delayed due to administrative challenges and financial constraints within the AIFF.
OCI players, Indian striker not mandatory in ISL: AIFF
The AIFF has clarified that signing Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) players for the 2026-27 ISL season is optional, with any OCI recruit counting towards the six-player foreign quota. It also confirmed that fielding an Indian striker for the full 90 minutes is only a recommendation, not a mandate, leaving team selection and tactics entirely to individual clubs and coaches.
AIFF, ISL club committee announce new four-year deal, shares update on OCI players
The AIFF and ISL club committee have confirmed a four-year club-led model for the Indian Super League from 2026-27, with clubs free to review their participation after two years. OCI players will count as foreigners, while no mandatory Indian No. 9 rule will be introduced.
AIFF and ISL clubs agree on club-led commercial model for the Indian Super League
Source: AIFF Media The All India Football Federation and the Managing Committee of the Indian Super League, represented by FC Goa, NorthEast United FC and Sporting Club Delhi, held a press conference in New Delhi on Wednesday, July 8, 2026. The press conference was addressed by Mr M Satyanarayan, Deputy Secretary General, AIFF, Mr Akshay Rohatgi, Head of Competitions, AIFF, Mr Ravi Puskur, CEO, FC Goa, Mr Mandar Tamhane, CEO, NorthEast United FC…
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