The Indian Super League (ISL) 2025–26 season is set to start in December 2025, after a delay caused by contractual disputes between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL). This postponement aligns the league schedule with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) calendar, allowing seamless participation of Indian clubs in continental competitions.
The 12th edition of the ISL will feature 14 teams, including established clubs and newly promoted sides from the I-League, such as Mohammedan SC and Punjab FC. The season is expected to be intensely competitive, with defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant aiming to retain their title against strong contenders like Mumbai City FC, Bengaluru FC, and FC Goa. The league will also introduce promotion and relegation as per the AFC’s roadmap, marking a significant structural change in Indian football.
Fixtures and Venues for ISL Season 2025-26
The full fixture list will be announced closer to the kickoff, but key venues for the 2025–26 season have been confirmed across the country. Matches will be hosted in stadiums with varying capacities, offering fans nationwide opportunities to witness top-tier football. Notable stadiums include:
| Team | Captain (2025-26 season) | City | Stadium |
| Bengaluru FC | Sunil Chhetri | Bengaluru | Sree Kanteerava Stadium |
| Chennaiyin FC | Ryan Edwards | Chennai | Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Chennai) |
| East Bengal FC | Cleiton Silva | Kolkata | Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan |
| FC Goa | Odei Onaindia | Margao | Fatorda Stadium |
| Sporting Club Delhi | Alex Saji | Delhi | Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Delhi) |
| Jamshedpur FC | Javi Hernández | Jamshedpur | JRD Tata Sports Complex |
| Kerala Blasters FC | Adrián Luna | Kochi | Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Kochi) |
| Mohun Bagan Super Giant | Subhasish Bose | Kolkata | Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan |
| Mumbai City FC | Lallianzuala Chhangte | Mumbai | Mumbai Football Arena |
Read More: History of Indian Football
Important Season Updates
- The ISL starts in December 2025 to align with AFC calendar requirements.
- Promotion and relegation between ISL and I-League will begin this season.
- AIFF now oversees league operations post-FSDL contract expiry.
- The league has seen active squad strengthening in the transfer window.
- Matches will be broadcast on Star Sports and streamed on JioHotstar.
This season promises a showcase of emerging talents and seasoned stars, making it a critical chapter in Indian football’s rise domestically and on the Asian stage.
Reasons Behind the Delay of ISL 2025-26
The 2025–26 ISL season was postponed primarily because the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) expired on December 8, 2025. The Supreme Court of India directed AIFF not to renew or sign any contract until its constitution was finalised, which legally prevented the renewal of the MRA. Without a valid agreement, FSDL stated it could not organise or commercialise the league, leading to the season being put on hold.
This has caused financial strain on clubs, with some halting operations or suspending salaries. While the league is expected to start in December 2025, this date remains tentative, pending legal and contractual resolutions. The football community eagerly awaits clarity to resume the league smoothly.
What to Expect in ISL Season 12?
The delayed season will be packed with competitive matches as defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant face stiff competition from Mumbai City FC, Bengaluru FC, and others. This season also marks a crucial step toward promotion and relegation integration, enhancing Indian football’s domestic structure
Frequently Asked Questions
You can watch ISL 2025-26 live on Star Sports channels on TV across India. For online streaming, the official digital partner is JioCinema, where matches will be available live and on demand.
The ISL isn’t run by FIFA but operates under the AIFF, India’s FIFA-affiliated governing body, making it officially recognised within Indian football.
The ISL is jointly operated by the AIFF, Reliance Industries, and Star Sports, with the league’s commercial rights formerly held by Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL).
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