ISL 2026-27 to Proceed with 13 Clubs as Diamond Harbour Misses Payment Deadline
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has confirmed that the Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 season will feature 13 clubs after Diamond Harbour FC failed to meet the final deadline for their participation fee. The season will begin on October 10, 2026, under a new club-led model, with Churchill Brothers replacing Jamshedpur FC. Media rights remain unresolved, but the league has secured key commercial deals.
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 season will kick off with 13 clubs, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced. This follows Diamond Harbour FC's failure to pay the second instalment of their participation fee by the August 19 deadline, leaving them out of the competition.
The AIFF had set the annual participation fee at ₹1.10 crore, split into two equal payments of ₹55 lakh each. Thirteen clubs, including Churchill Brothers, completed the payment process, while Diamond Harbour missed the final deadline despite earlier extensions. The league will now proceed without them, and no replacement team will be added.
ISL 2026-27: Key Changes and New Structure
The upcoming season marks the beginning of the ISL's new club-led model, shifting greater commercial and operational control to the participating clubs. The AIFF will retain oversight of sporting regulations, licensing, and governance. The league will operate under this framework for an initial four-year period, with a review option after two years.
The 2026-27 campaign will also feature a double round-robin format, with teams playing home and away matches. This follows a truncated single-leg season in the previous edition, offering clubs a more stable schedule.
| Club | Status |
|---|---|
| Diamond Harbour FC | Missed payment deadline |
| Churchill Brothers | Replaced Jamshedpur FC |
| Jamshedpur FC | Withdrew from the league |
Churchill Brothers' entry came after Tata Steel transferred its stake in Jamshedpur Football and Sporting Private Limited (JFSPL) to the Goan club for ₹100. The transaction includes Jamshedpur FC’s ISL sporting licence, pending approval. Churchill Brothers have also taken over contracts for 12 players and two coaches from September 2026.
Media Rights and Commercial Deals
While the league has finalized its participating clubs, the media rights situation remains unresolved. Only one bid was submitted for the upcoming four-season cycle, prompting direct talks between clubs and broadcasters like Zee and Sony Sports. Google has also explored streaming matches on YouTube.
Despite this uncertainty, the ISL has secured major commercial agreements under the new model:
- EA Sports: A four-year licensing deal to feature in the FC video game series.
- Sportradar: A four-year extension (until 2030) worth ₹57 crore as Data and Integrity Partner.
- Nivia Sports: A two-year renewal as the official ball and equipment partner.
The season is set to begin on October 10, 2026, with the league navigating both operational and commercial challenges in its first year under the club-led structure.
