Nivia retains ISL match-ball rights in new two-year deal from 2026-27

Nivia Sports and the Indian Super League have agreed a new two-year partnership beginning with the 2026-27 season that will keep Nivia as the league’s official match-ball and equipment partner. The deal will see Nivia supply match balls and other items across the competition for the duration of the agreement.

Under the contract, Nivia will provide the official match balls for the ISL and for all 14 participating clubs, and the arrangement also covers referee kits and apparel for the ISL central team. The exact financial value of the agreement has not been disclosed. Nivia faced competition from two foreign sports brands during the selection process before retaining the rights.

“Nivia beat competition from two foreign brands to continue its association with the ISL. The agreement includes a cash component along with all the league’s match-ball requirements, referee kits and kits for the ISL central team,” a source tracking the development told Khel Now.

Nivia’s association with Indian football predates its ISL role, with involvement at various levels including a long-standing relationship with the Santosh Trophy dating back to the 1970s. The company has worked with Indian clubs as a kit and equipment partner over the years and first became the ISL’s official ball partner in the 2018-19 season.

The Nivia agreement is the third major commercial partnership secured by ISL clubs since they assumed the league’s commercial and operational responsibilities following the end of Football Sports Development Limited’s Master Rights Agreement with the All India Football Federation. Earlier reports stated the ISL had concluded a new four-year licensing agreement with EA Sports to keep the league in the EA Sports FC franchise after the previous deal expired.

Separately, the ISL agreed a four-year partnership with Swiss sports technology company Sportradar worth US$6 million, under which Sportradar will continue as the league’s Data and Integrity Partner through the 2029-30 season. With the Nivia deal in place alongside the EA Sports and Sportradar agreements, clubs have retained three existing commercial partners as they move to the new club-led structure.

The 2026-27 ISL season is expected to kick off in early October, with clubs continuing preparations both on and off the pitch for the league’s new club-led era.