The All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Indian Super League (ISL) Managing Committee have announced a significant restructuring of the league’s operational framework. Under the new structure, clubs will take charge of the competition’s commercial rights, while the national federation will maintain administrative oversight and regulatory responsibilities. The announcement was made at a joint press conference attended by key officials from AIFF and ISL clubs.
The ISL will shift to a club-led commercial model, with the Managing Committee handling broadcasting and sponsorship rights. Meanwhile, the AIFF will continue to manage the league’s governance and essential operational aspects. The move aims to enhance the league’s long-term financial stability, as explained by NorthEast United FC CEO Mandar Tamhane during the press conference.
The upcoming season will witness a return to a complete home-and-away league format, addressing previous scheduling constraints. Each team will play their home and away games in a full format, ensuring a more robust competition. The league calendar will align with FIFA international match windows in September, October, November, and March, accommodating the AFC club competition commitments of Indian representatives.
The Managing Committee will soon issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) to appoint a broadcast partner and secure commercial sponsorships. Simultaneously, the AIFF will reach out to all 14 participating clubs to confirm their participation in the 2026-27 campaign. Discussions have also commenced with clubs to ensure longer preparation periods for the Indian team, emphasizing the importance of player availability for national duty.
