IWL 2026-27 to kick off on November 13 with eight clubs set to compete in Kolkata, Jamshedpur and Bengaluru
The Indian Women’s League (IWL) 2026-27 season will begin on November 13, 2026, with fixtures scheduled across Kolkata, Jamshedpur and Bengaluru, organisers have revealed. The upcoming campaign will feature eight clubs contesting the national women’s club title.
The IWL, India’s premier women’s club competition, will again serve as a national platform for leading women footballers as the league enters the new season. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Capri Sports will collaborate in running the competition following a recently announced 15-year partnership covering the commercial development and marketing rights of the IWL and IWL 2.
Six teams from last season will return to the top tier, joined by two promoted sides from IWL 2. HOPS FC and Juba Sangha FC secured promotion after finishing first and second respectively in the 2025-26 IWL 2 season.
Defending champions East Bengal FC enter the 2026-27 campaign off a 2025-26 season in which they recorded 13 wins and one loss. East Bengal’s Fazila Ikwaput finished as the league’s top scorer with 20 goals, while Nita Football Academy’s Pyari Xaxa and Sethu FC’s Lynda Kom were highlighted among other notable attackers.
Mr Apurv Gupta, Head of Contact Sports, Capri Sports, said, “The 2026-27 season marks an important milestone as Capri Sports begins its journey with the Indian Women’s League. We see immense potential in the league, and in the talent it brings together from across the country.” “Our focus will be on building a stronger platform for women footballers, enhancing the league’s visibility and creating an environment where clubs and players can thrive. We look forward to the upcoming season and to contributing to the long-term growth of women’s club football in India.”
Mr. M. Satyanarayan, Deputy Secretary General said, “The Indian Women’s League remains a cornerstone of the development of women’s football in India. The 2026-27 season will see eight clubs compete for the title, with players across the country looking to make their mark on the national stage.” “Alongside the IWL, the IWL 2 provides a valuable pathway for clubs and players to progress through the domestic structure. We look forward to an exciting season and remain committed to creating more opportunities for women footballers across India.”
The Indian Women’s League 2026-27 season is scheduled to begin on November 13, 2026; the eight participating clubs are East Bengal FC, Sethu FC, Kickstart FC, Nita Football Academy, Gokulam Kerala FC, Garhwal United FC, HOPS FC and Juba Sangha FC.