Sony Sports Network is set to become the official national television broadcast partner for the Indian Super League’s 2025-26 season, with FanCode retaining exclusive digital streaming rights. The agreement marks a significant broadcasting milestone for Indian football after months of uncertainty surrounding the league’s media rights.
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The Broadcasting Partnership
FanCode, which holds the league’s exclusive media rights for the 2025-26 season, has reached a final stage of talks with Sony Sports, with all major terms and conditions already agreed. The partnership structure ensures comprehensive coverage across both traditional television and digital platforms, maximizing reach for ISL fans nationwide.
Sony Sports Network’s entry is a significant boost for the ISL, bringing established sports channels, proven football broadcast experience, and strong household popularity across India.
ISL 2025–26 Broadcasting Rights Structure
| Component | Partner | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Streaming | FanCode | Exclusive digital home for all matches |
| National Television | Sony Sports Network | Free-to-air television coverage |
| Production | KPS Studios | World-feed broadcast production |
| Total Matches | Both Platforms | 91 matches in truncated format |
| Season Start | Both Platforms | February 14, 2026 |
| Season Format | Both Platforms | Home-and-away (14 teams) |
Media Rights Bidding Details
| Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| FanCode Bid | ₹8.62 crore |
| Previous Broadcast Value | ₹275 crore (163 matches) |
| Value Per Match (Old) | ₹1.68 crore approximately |
| KPS Studios Production Bid | ₹5.22 crore |
| Estimated Net Media Revenue | ₹3.4 crore |
| Season Format | Truncated (91 matches) |
What Makes This Deal Significant
The Indian Super League faced major broadcasting uncertainty after FanCode secured the exclusive media rights for the upcoming season with a bid of ₹8.62 crore. Sony Sports Network’s involvement as the television partner resolves concerns about the league’s visibility and accessibility across India’s traditional television audience.
The partnership ensures that ISL matches reach households throughout the country via Sony Sports Network’s established channels while simultaneously providing digital convenience through FanCode’s streaming platform. This dual approach maximizes the league’s potential viewership and fan engagement.
FanCode’s Role and Digital Coverage
FanCode continues as the exclusive digital streaming platform for India’s top-tier club competition. The platform will offer comprehensive coverage of all 91 matches, allowing fans to stream matches on demand through the FanCode app and website.
FanCode has introduced multiple subscription options, including a season pass, team-specific passes, and individual match passes, giving fans flexibility in how they consume ISL content.
The Production Partnership
Kaleidoscope Production and Services (KPS Studios) handles the world-feed broadcast production after winning their bid with ₹5.22 crore. KPS ensures uniform broadcast quality and standard production across all platforms, maintaining the professional presentation of the league.
ISL 2025–26 Season Overview
The truncated 2025-26 season features 14 teams competing in a home-and-away format, producing exactly 91 matches. Each club will feature in 13 matches throughout the campaign. The season officially kicks off on February 14, 2026, with defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant hosting Kerala Blasters FC in Kolkata.
Why Sony Sports Network?
Sony Sports Network previously expressed strong interest in becoming the sole destination for Indian football, including both ISL and I-League coverage. The network brings extensive sports broadcasting expertise, multiple regional language channels, and established reach across Indian households, making it an ideal partner for national television coverage.
The network’s portfolio includes Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu language channels, enabling ISL matches to reach audiences across multiple linguistic regions throughout the country. This multilingual approach broadens the league’s appeal beyond English-speaking audiences.
Future of ISL Broadcasting
The partnership between Sony Sports and FanCode represents a fresh start for ISL broadcasting following the previous broadcast agreement’s collapse.
By combining traditional television reach with modern digital streaming capabilities, the league positions itself for sustainable growth in fan accessibility and engagement.
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FAQs
Where can I watch ISL 2025-26 matches?
ISL 2025-26 matches will air on Sony Sports Network channels on television and stream exclusively on FanCode’s digital platform.
When does the ISL 2025-26 season start?
The season begins on February 14, 2026, with defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant hosting Kerala Blasters FC in Kolkata.
How many matches will be played in ISL 2025-26?
A total of 91 matches will be played in a home-and-away format with 14 participating teams.
What are FanCode’s subscription options?
FanCode offers a season pass, team-specific passes, and individual match passes, allowing flexible viewing options for fans.
Is Sony Sports’ television coverage free?
Yes, Sony Sports Network provides free-to-air television coverage of ISL matches across its national channels.
