ISL clubs take commercial control as home-and-away era returns

Clubs in the Indian Super League begin a new chapter on Saturday in Bengaluru as they assume control of the competition’s commercial rights and the league resumes a full home-and-away format. The All India Football Federation will continue to handle administrative control and oversee key operational aspects.

The restructuring departs from the ISL’s previous model by giving clubs the commercial rights and a greater stake in shaping the league’s future. That shift creates both opportunity and responsibility: clubs’ ability to generate revenue and deliver a compelling match-day experience will directly affect their financial health. The build-up to the season has been unsettled, with the announcement of the fixture list delayed and the signing of a new broadcast deal also postponed.

Two teams dropped out during the run-up: Jamshedpur FC, owned by Tata Steel, and Diamond Harbour FC both withdrew, leaving 13 clubs to contest the campaign. For those 13 clubs, the article says, success — both financial and sporting — will depend on what happens on the pitch.

Competition returns to a double round-robin after a curtailed, single-leg campaign last time, meaning teams will meet each other home and away. The longer schedule is expected to test squad depth, fitness and consistency while giving coaches more scope for tactical adjustments.

Supporters are identified as an important factor in the league’s reset; despite last season’s uncertainty, strong local followings helped Mohun Bagan Super Giant, East Bengal FC and Bengaluru FC keep interest in the stands. "Sunil Chhetri’s experience will come in handy for BFC."

Entertaining football and competitive contests are cited as crucial to attracting new followers and retaining existing ones, and Saturday’s double-header is framed as the first test of whether a more sustainable model can take shape. The ISL will aim to establish a stable footing through the season-long, home-and-away schedule.

The opening fixtures are Bengaluru FC vs. SC Delhi (Bengaluru, 5 p.m.) and FC Goa vs. Chennaiyin FC (Margao, 7.30 p.m.), forming Saturday’s double-header that kicks off the campaign.