Indian Super League 2026-27 Guide: Live Streaming, Clubs, Format And Schedule - All You Need To Know About ISL

The Indian Super League (ISL) returns on October 10 for its 13th season, with Indian football entering a new phase under a club-led commercial model.

After the uncertainty and truncated format of the previous campaign, the 2026-27 season will restore a more familiar competitive structure, with clubs competing for the League Winners' Shield and the ISL Cup.

Morris Garages (MG) has joined the competition as the title sponsor, making it the MG Indian Super League. The clubs have also collectively taken charge of the league's commercial rights, marking a significant shift in its administration.

With 13 clubs in the competition, the season begins with Bengaluru FC taking on Sporting Club Delhi, followed by FC Goa facing Chennaiyin FC. The return of the playoffs and a longer league campaign make this an important season for Indian club football.

ISL 2026-27: Key Details

• Tournament: Indian Super League 2026-27

• Season: 13th edition

• Start date: October 10, 2026

• Expected end: May 2027

• Participating clubs: 13

• Format: Double round-robin league followed by playoffs

• Title sponsor: Morris Garages (MG)

• Opening match: Bengaluru FC vs Sporting Club Delhi

• Defending champions: East Bengal

• Live streaming: YouTube and SonyLIV

• TV broadcast: Sony Sports Network

ISL 2026-27: Format

The 2026-27 Indian Super League will return to a double round-robin format, with every club facing the other participating teams twice, once at home and once away. The league stage will be followed by the reinstated ISL Cup playoffs, bringing back the familiar route to the season's title.

The campaign is scheduled to run until May 2027. The longer season places greater importance on squad depth, consistency and player fitness, with clubs needing to maintain their performances across a demanding run of fixtures.

The League Winners' Shield will reward the team that finishes at the top of the standings, while the ISL Cup playoffs will determine the season's champions.

ISL 2026-27: Opening Day Fixtures

The new season begins with two matches on Saturday, October 10. Bengaluru FC host Sporting Club Delhi at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, while FC Goa take on Chennaiyin FC at the Fatorda Stadium.

• Bengaluru FC vs Sporting Club Delhi: 5:00 PM IST

• FC Goa vs Chennaiyin FC: 7:30 PM IST

ISL 2026-27: First Phase Schedule

The first phase of the Indian Super League features the opening round of fixtures, with clubs looking to establish early momentum in the competition.

The opening day features Bengaluru FC against Sporting Club Delhi and FC Goa against Chennaiyin FC. Subsequent fixtures will shape the standings as teams compete for the League Winners' Shield and a place in the playoffs.

ISL 2026-27 - First Phase Fixtures

ISL 2026-27 Teams: All 13 Clubs

Thirteen clubs will compete in the 2026-27 Indian Super League:

1. Bengaluru FC

2. Chennaiyin FC

3. Churchill Brothers FC

4. East Bengal FC

5. FC Goa

6. Inter Kashi

7. Kerala Blasters FC

8. Mohun Bagan Super Giant

9. Mumbai City FC

10. NorthEast United FC

11. Odisha FC

12. Punjab FC

13. Sporting Club Delhi

Why Are There 13 Teams In ISL 2026-27?

The 2026-27 season will feature 13 clubs following changes to participation arrangements and club ownership.

Diamond Harbour FC, the Indian Football League champions from the previous season, could not pay the participation fee required to enter the ISL and will therefore not compete in the top flight this season.

Meanwhile, the Tata Group transferred Jamshedpur FC's club rights and associated contracts to Churchill Brothers, bringing the Goan club into the competition.

These developments have shaped the final line-up for the new campaign. Diamond Harbour FC's absence also means there will be no conventional relegation battle during the season.

ISL 2026-27: Live Streaming And TV Telecast

The official YouTube channel will offer free live streaming, while SonyLIV will provide an additional online viewing option. Fans can also watch matches on Sony Sports Network.

What Is Different About ISL 2026-27?

The biggest change is the shift to a club-led commercial model, with the participating clubs collectively taking charge of the league's commercial rights.

This marks a departure from the previous season, which was managed by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) amid uncertainty surrounding the competition.

The arrival of MG as title sponsor is another significant development. The return to a double round-robin league stage and the reinstatement of the ISL Cup playoffs restore a more familiar structure to the competition.

The revised format gives clubs a longer opportunity to build consistency and offers supporters a full campaign after the disruptions of the previous season.

What To Expect From ISL 2026-27

The new season brings together 13 clubs with different ambitions. Defending champions East Bengal will look to retain their title, while Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Bengaluru FC and Mumbai City will aim to challenge for the top honours.

Kerala Blasters, FC Goa, NorthEast United and Punjab FC will also look to make their mark, while the longer league stage will test the consistency and depth of every squad.

With the playoffs returning and a new commercial structure in place, the 2026-27 season represents an important chapter in the development of the Indian Super League and as Indian football fans, we hope to not jinx it.