The Indian Super League’s 2026-27 season now has a confirmed start date, a confirmed format, and a confirmed headcount — but not the one everyone was hoping for. The ISL will return on October 10, 2026, with just 13 clubs after Diamond Harbour FC failed to pay the second instalment of their mandatory participation fee before the 2:00 PM IST deadline on August 19, 2026. The AIFF and all participating clubs have now officially confirmed that the league will proceed without the newly promoted IFL champions.
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Diamond Harbour FC — Out Before They Even Began
It is a painful and abrupt end to Diamond Harbour FC’s ISL dream before a single ball has been kicked. The club, who won the Indian Football League in 2025-26 to earn their place in the top flight, failed to clear the second instalment of their ₹55 lakh participation fee before the 2:00 PM IST deadline on August 19.
The AIFF had already shown considerable flexibility. The first instalment had been adjusted against prize money owed to Diamond Harbour following their IFL title win. After the club missed the original August 14 deadline for the second instalment, they were granted a further extension — a final deadline of 2:00 PM on August 19. Diamond Harbour sought additional time from the AIFF but were unable to complete the payment within the grace period.
With the deadline now passed, the AIFF and all 13 participating clubs have officially confirmed that the ISL 2026-27 season will proceed without Diamond Harbour FC.
Diamond Harbour FC — Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2025-26 | Diamond Harbour FC win IFL title; earn ISL promotion |
| August 14, 2026 | Original payment deadline missed |
| August 18, 2026 | Club seeks additional time from AIFF |
| August 19, 2026 — 2:00 PM IST | Final deadline passes; payment not made |
| August 19, 2026 (Post 2PM) | AIFF and clubs confirm league to proceed with 13 teams |
Why October 10 — The Delay Explained
The ISL 2026-27 season was originally expected to begin on September 4, 2026. The new campaign is expected to get underway after the upcoming FIFA international window, which includes India’s highly anticipated friendly against Brazil on October 3, while the AIFF is also reportedly negotiating with another 2026 FIFA World Cup participant for a second fixture during the same window.
With October 10 now confirmed as the start date, clubs have less than two months to finalise their squads and complete preparations for the new season.
The Format — Double Round-Robin, Home and Away
With 13 clubs confirmed, the 2026-27 ISL season will be played in a double round-robin format on a home-and-away basis — meaning each club will face every other club twice over the course of a full seven-month campaign.
At 13 clubs, the league will produce a total of 156 matches in the regular season alone, before the playoffs. This marks a return to the full-length ISL season format after the truncated 2025-26 edition.
ISL 2026-27 Confirmed 13 Clubs
| Club | Note |
|---|---|
| Mohun Bagan Super Giant | Confirmed |
| East Bengal FC | Confirmed |
| Mumbai City FC | Confirmed |
| FC Goa | Confirmed |
| Kerala Blasters FC | Confirmed |
| Bengaluru FC | Confirmed |
| NorthEast United FC | Confirmed |
| Odisha FC | Confirmed |
| Punjab FC | Confirmed |
| Hyderabad FC (as Delhi FC) | Confirmed |
| Inter Kashi | Confirmed |
| Churchill Brothers | Confirmed (new — via Jamshedpur FC licence) |
| Diamond Harbour FC | Excluded — missed payment deadline |
Churchill Brothers, who acquired the ISL licence of Jamshedpur FC and are set to make their debut in the league, have completed the full payment to the AIFF and are confirmed for the season ahead.
The New Club-Led Model — What It Means
The upcoming campaign will also mark the start of the league’s new club-led model, with participating clubs taking collective responsibility for the competition’s commercial and operational side.
Clubs now hold the broadcasting and sponsorship rights, while the AIFF retains administrative and regulatory oversight. The AIFF also collects 10% of the league’s net profit under the new arrangement. This was announced at a joint press conference on July 8, 2026, and represents the most significant structural shift in the league’s history since its founding in 2014.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Season | ISL 2026-27 |
| Start Date | October 10, 2026 |
| End Date | April–May 2027 |
| Format | Double Round-Robin (Home & Away) |
| Number of Clubs | 13 (confirmed) |
| Diamond Harbour FC | Excluded — missed payment deadline |
| Commercial Model | Club-Led (inaugural season) |
| Participation Fee Per Club | ₹1.10 crore (two instalments) |
| AIFF Revenue Share | 10% of net profit |
| Broadcast Deal | Yet to be finalised |
The Broadcast Problem
The bigger unresolved question remains off the pitch. The ISL is yet to finalise a broadcast partner for the 2026-27 season. FanCode is currently the only broadcaster to have shown interest following Zee and Sony Sports’ direct talks with clubs over the rights package.
At the same time, clubs are exploring the possibility of streaming the league on YouTube to expand its visibility if a broadcast deal is not finalised before the October 10 start date.
Key Changes from Last Season
| Change | Detail |
|---|---|
| Format | Returns to full home-and-away double round-robin |
| Commercial Model | Club-led (first season) |
| New Club | Churchill Brothers (via Jamshedpur FC licence) |
| Excluded Club | Diamond Harbour FC (failed to pay fee) |
| Relegated Club | Mohammedan SC |
| OCI Player Rule | OCI players counted as foreign players |
| AFC Slot | AFC Challenge League preliminary stage |
| Total League Matches | 156 (13-team double round-robin) |
| Season Duration | 7 months |
Read More: Zee & Sony Sports in Direct Talks With ISL Clubs Over Media Rights for 2026-27 Season
FAQs
When does the ISL 2026-27 season start and how many teams will play?
The ISL 2026-27 season will begin on October 10, 2026, with exactly 13 clubs. Diamond Harbour FC were excluded after failing to pay the second instalment of their mandatory ₹1.10 crore participation fee before the 2:00 PM IST deadline on August 19, 2026.
Why was Diamond Harbour FC excluded from ISL 2026-27?
Diamond Harbour FC, who earned promotion to the ISL by winning the IFL 2025-26 title, failed to pay the second instalment of their ₹55 lakh participation fee by either the original August 14 deadline or the extended final deadline of 2:00 PM on August 19, 2026. The AIFF and all 13 participating clubs subsequently confirmed the league would proceed without them.
What is the format of ISL 2026-27?
The ISL 2026-27 season will be played in a double round-robin format on a home-and-away basis, with each of the 13 clubs facing every other club twice. This produces 156 regular season matches across a seven-month campaign, before the knockout playoff stages.
Has ISL 2026-27 secured a broadcast partner?
Not yet. The ISL is yet to finalise a broadcast partner for the 2026-27 season. FanCode is currently the only broadcaster to have shown interest. Clubs are simultaneously exploring the possibility of streaming matches on YouTube should a broadcast deal not be confirmed before the October 10 start date.
Which new clubs are joining ISL 2026-27?
Churchill Brothers are the only new entrant in ISL 2026-27, having acquired the ISL licence previously held by Jamshedpur FC. They have completed their full participation fee payment to the AIFF and are confirmed for the season. Diamond Harbour FC, the other new entrant, have been excluded following their failure to meet the payment deadline.
