Indian Super League 2026: Delayed ISL Football Season Set to Kick Off Next Month

Indian Super League to Kick Off on February 14: ISL Season Confirmed After Months of Uncertainty :

The delayed Indian Super League (ISL) will officially begin on February 14 after all 14 participating football clubs confirmed their involvement, officials said on Wednesday, bringing relief to fans after months of uncertainty.

The Indian Super League, India’s premier football competition, is traditionally played between September and April, but the upcoming season was pushed back due to commercial and administrative hurdles.

The delay followed the expiration of a commercial rights agreement between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) on December 9, leaving the league without a commercial partner or title sponsor.

The uncertainty had a direct impact on clubs, with several teams — including reigning champions Mohun Bagan — suspending football operations and delaying player salaries in December.

According to local media reports, the AIFF plans to take over the management of the Indian Super League from the 2025–26 season, under a 20-year proposal circulated among ISL clubs.

“Many clubs had agreed earlier, but the remaining few came on board on Tuesday,” an AIFF source told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Discussions are still ongoing to finalise a home-and-away format for a 91-match ISL season, after Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya confirmed last week that all 14 clubs would compete.

Launched in 2014, the franchise-based ISL sought to transform Indian football by attracting global stars such as Italy legend Alessandro Del Piero, generating widespread attention in its early years.

However, declining television ratings and weak sponsor interest have posed major challenges in recent seasons. Despite inviting bids for a new commercial partner under the supervision of a Supreme Court-appointed committee, the AIFF failed to attract any bidders.

Indian football continues to face struggles on the global stage despite a passionate fan base and a rich sporting history. The Indian men’s national team is currently ranked 142nd in the FIFA world rankings, highlighting the need for long-term structural reform.

The confirmed February 14 kickoff now gives the Indian Super League a crucial chance to regain momentum and restore confidence in India’s top-tier football competition.

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