The Indian Super League has finally resumed to entertain Indian football fans across the country. Fans are curious to know when and where to watch the football league, and the good news is that it is available online. The development comes just a day after the new season kicked off on 10 October. Bengaluru FC secured a dramatic 3-2 victory in a topsy-turvy encounter at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, while FC Goa and Chennaiyin FC played out a 1-1 draw later in the evening.
The 2026-27 campaign features 13 teams and a return to a fuller home-and-away schedule after the previous season. Phase 1 alone includes 78 matches running until mid-January 2027, with a heavy concentration of weekend fixtures designed to boost both stadium attendances and viewership. October 10 kick-off marked the beginning of the season after a delayed start.
When and where to watch Indian Super League as ISL football season resumes
Saturday’s opening fixtures Bengaluru FC vs Sporting Club Delhi and FC Goa vs Chennaiyin FC were live on the streaming services but were not shown on any television channel. Hence, fans who rely primarily on traditional television were left without coverage of these high-profile openers. Earlier this month, the ISL announced a multi-platform distribution strategy designed to maximise reach. This marks the first time the ISL has been streamed on YouTube.
Indian Super League to be live streamed on SonyLIV and YouTube; drops telecast hints
The ISL has confirmed that its 2026-27 season matches are currently available only through digital streaming platforms, with television coverage yet to begin. In a statement issued on Sunday, the league said matches are being streamed live on SonyLIV and YouTube while it works closely with Sony Sports Network to make them available on television at the earliest.
The league’s official communication on social media stated:
“The MG Indian Super League would like to inform fans that matches are currently being streamed live on YouTube and SonyLIV. The league is working closely with Sony Sports Network to make the matches available on television at the earliest.”
YouTube was named the free digital streaming partner, meaning all 163 matches of the season are available live without a subscription. SonyLIV holds the rights to stream the entire season as part of its paid service, while Sony Sports Network secured the television rights and is scheduled to broadcast more than 80 matches.
The switch from the previous season’s primary digital partner, FanCode, was intended to bring greater television exposure alongside the comprehensive digital offering. However, the delay in launching television coverage for the opening weekend has created an unexpected gap for traditional viewers. Many households that subscribe to sports packages through cable or DTH operators expected to find the matches on Sony Sports channels.
East Bengal to begin title defence this day
Meanwhile, East Bengal will begin its title defence in an away game against Churchill Brothers on October 18. The team won the title after a 22-year wait and will look to defend it to continue their stunning campaign. On the other hand, their rivals Mohun Bagan will kick off their season on October 12 when they will face NorthEast United.
Indian Super League was suspended indefinitely
The ISL was suspended indefinitely following unresolved legal, financial, and governance issues. It came after the expiration of the Masters Rights Agreement (MRA) and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), which was set to expire in 2025 on December 8. In addition to this, the AIFF was also prohibited from renewing any contract until the constitutional review following this; the ILS season was halted, and the players and the fans suffered. The football league is now finally back to entertain the fans.
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