Indian Super League Set to Start February 14; All Clubs Confirm Participation

The Indian Super League (ISL), India's premier football competition, is set to commence on February 14, 2026, after all 14 participating clubs confirmed their involvement, officials announced on January 14. The decision resolves months of uncertainty surrounding the league's flagship tournament, which typically runs from September to April. The announcement from Agence-France Presse (AFP) comes amid ongoing preparations for a truncated season, highlighting the resilience of Indian club football despite administrative hurdles.

The delay stemmed from the expiration of a commercial rights agreement between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the entity that had operated the ISL, on December 9, 2025. This left the league without a primary sponsor, prompting financial strains across clubs. Reigning champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant, along with others, halted player salaries and suspended training activities in December as negotiations dragged on. The confirmation of participation by all teams, including Mumbai City FC, Kerala Blasters FC, and Bengaluru FC, ensures the competition can proceed without forfeits or withdrawals.

The ISL, launched in 2013 as a joint venture between Reliance Industries and IMG, has grown into Asia's top domestic football league, boasting over 500,000 attendees per season and attracting international stars like Hugo Boumous and Dimitrios Petratos. Featuring 14 teams divided into two regions for the league stage, the format culminates in playoffs and a grand final. Past seasons have been marked by high-stakes rivalries, such as the Mumbai Derby and the Southern Derby between Kerala Blasters and Bengaluru FC, drawing massive fan engagement across India.

Also Read: INDvsNZ 2nd ODI : India Set 285, New Zealand Stumble at 2 Down in 2nd ODI

In response to the impasse, the AIFF has proposed assuming direct control of the ISL operations starting from the 2025-26 season under a 20-year framework, as reported by local media outlets. This shift aims to stabilize governance, secure long-term broadcasting deals—previously held by Viacom18 and Star Sports—and enhance revenue sharing with clubs. The federation's intervention follows criticism over its handling of the crisis, with stakeholders emphasizing the need for sustainable financial models to retain talent and invest in youth development.

The February 14 kickoff will feature a compressed schedule to accommodate the delay, potentially spanning 12-14 matchdays per team before playoffs in April or May. Clubs have resumed preparations, with preseason camps focusing on fitness and tactical drills. This development boosts morale in Indian football, which has seen national team progress under coach Manolo Marquez, including a recent AFC Asian Cup qualification push. Fans anticipate a competitive season, with Mohun Bagan aiming to defend their title against challengers like Odisha FC and FC Goa.

The resolution underscores broader challenges in Indian sports administration, including dependency on private conglomerates and the push for self-reliance. As the ISL prepares for its December 2026 return under potential AIFF oversight, the league remains a cornerstone for promoting football in a cricket-dominated nation, fostering grassroots participation and infrastructure growth through initiatives like the Reliance Foundation Young Champs.

Also Read: UP Warriorz vs Delhi Capitals: Full WPL Head-to-Head Record Revealed