ISL 2026-27 begins 10 October with 13 clubs
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has confirmed the Indian Super League 2026-27 season will start on 10 October 2026 with 13 participating clubs, playing a double round-robin, home-and-away format that runs through to April-May 2027. The season was originally slated to begin on 4 September but was pushed back until after the FIFA international window closes on 6 October.
Why two clubs are gone from last season
Jamshedpur FC announced its withdrawal from the ISL from 2026-27 onwards, confirmed by Jamshedpur Football and Sporting Private Limited, the Tata Steel-owned entity that operated the club. Churchill Brothers FC has taken its place, paying the full ₹1.1 crore participation fee to join the league.
Separately, Diamond Harbour FC's participation fell through after the club missed the deadline to pay the second instalment of its participation fee -- ₹55 lakh -- reducing the total number of clubs from a planned 14 down to 13.
A new, club-led model
2026-27 is the first season under a restructured, club-led model, where participating clubs take on greater responsibility for the league's commercial and operational running, while the AIFF continues to oversee sporting regulations and standards.
What's not confirmed yet
The full match-by-match fixture list has not been released. Fixtures are typically published a few weeks before kickoff once broadcast and travel logistics are finalised, so opening-day matchups, venues for specific rounds, and broadcast partner details are all still pending as of this article.
When does ISL 2026-27 start?
The season kicks off on 10 October 2026.
How many teams are playing in ISL 2026-27?
13 clubs will compete this season, down from 14 planned earlier in the year.
Why did Jamshedpur FC leave the ISL?
Jamshedpur Football and Sporting Private Limited, the Tata Steel-owned operator, announced the club's withdrawal from the league starting 2026-27; Churchill Brothers FC has taken its slot.
What happened to Diamond Harbour FC in ISL 2026-27?
Diamond Harbour FC missed the deadline to pay a ₹55 lakh instalment of its participation fee, and its withdrawal cut the league from 14 to 13 clubs.
Is the ISL 2026-27 fixture list out yet?
No, the detailed fixture list has not been published yet and is expected closer to the October start date.
How long does the ISL 2026-27 season run?
The double round-robin regular season runs from 10 October 2026 through to April-May 2027, before playoffs.