Indian Super League Adopts Club‑Led Home‑And‑Away Format Ahead of 2026‑27 Season

ISL launches the 2026-27 season on Oct 10, adopting a club‑led home‑and‑away schedule that replaces the previous centralized format and aims to give teams more control over match planning across the country.

John Abraham, owner of NEUFC, states football will become the sport that draws the same audience as cricket in India and forecasts a major shift in fan interest as the ISL season approaches for the next decade.

Club‑Led Model gives each franchise authority over ticket pricing, local sponsorship deals, and broadcast rights for its matches, shifting revenue generation from the league to individual clubs and negotiate local media contracts through the season.

Implications include higher attendance potential, increased media coverage, and greater investment in player development as clubs manage their own marketing and matchday operations under the revised structure and strengthen community ties.