The Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 season will commence on October 10 and continue until May 2027, returning to a traditional home-and-away format under a new club-led model, the league announced.
The season will comprise 163 matches over eight months, featuring 13 teams competing in a round-robin format. The team finishing at the top of the league table will be crowned Shield Winners, recognised as the official champions of the ISL, and will secure a place in Asian competitions.
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The playoffs will also be reintroduced, with the top six teams contending for the ISL Cup Champions title.
As stated by the league, In keeping
As stated by the league, “In keeping with the league’s promotion-and-relegation principle, Diamond Harbour will not be eligible to earn any points this season and will, by default, be placed at the bottom of the table. They will not retain ISL status for 2027-28 and will compete in the IFL that season.” Diamond Harbour FC earned promotion after winning the 2025-26 Indian Football League title but failed to meet the administrative fee requirement for their ISL slot.
The league added, “The new club-led model will see the teams hold the reins to decisions and direction, in an attempt to deliver a comprehensive calendar of competitive football, greater investment in Indian talent, and a stronger, more sustainable ecosystem for the sport to grow.”
The participating teams are Bengaluru FC, Chennaiyin FC, Churchill Brothers FC, East Bengal FC, FC Goa, Inter Kashi FC, Kerala Blasters FC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Mumbai City FC, NorthEast United FC, Odisha FC, Punjab FC, and Sporting Club Delhi. Churchill Brothers’ participation remains subject to regulatory approvals.
The 2026-27 season marks a new phase for the ISL, incorporating structural changes that include the return of playoffs and a reinstated emphasis on the traditional league format.
Source: thenewsmill.com
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