Indian Super League Adopts Club‑Led Model Ahead of 2026‑27 Season Launch

AIFF has agreed in principle to a two‑year club‑led model for the Indian Super League, shifting governance to the clubs and introducing a home‑and‑away schedule for the 2026‑27 season, a change intended to boost competitive balance and fan attendance.

Jamshedpur FC withdrew from the league after failing to meet the AIFF’s franchise fee deadline, reducing the number of participating clubs for the upcoming campaign and highlighting financial pressures on franchise owners.

John Abraham, owner of NorthEast United FC, said football will become “the new cricket” in India and predicts the club‑led format will drive larger fan engagement, higher broadcast revenues and broader commercial growth.

ISL is set to start the 2026‑27 season in early October, though some reports also mention a possible September 4 kickoff, reflecting ongoing adjustments to the calendar as the new club‑led structure is finalized and clubs prepare for the revised schedule.