Star Cement confirmed as IFL title sponsor for 2026-27 season
The Indian Football League (IFL) announced on Friday that Star Cement will continue as the competition’s title sponsor for the 2026-27 season, and the league will be billed as the Star Cement Indian Football League 2026-27.
Star Cement, described in the announcement as a pioneer cement brand of Northeast India and a fast-growing national brand, has a history of associating its identity with sport and community engagement. The renewal extends a partnership that began on March 11, 2026, when the AIFF and Star Cement signed a deal for the 2025-26 season; that campaign was the league’s first after rebranding from the I-League and saw viewership four times higher than in 2024-25. Under the new agreement, Star Cement will be integrated across the league’s branding and promotional activities for the full 2026-27 campaign.
Mr. Nildeep Mondal, Chief Executive Officer, Indian Football League, said, “Star Cement’s decision to continue as our title sponsor is a strong vote of confidence in the Indian Football League. They backed the league in its first season under a new identity, and we are delighted to carry that partnership into a full home-and-away campaign. With new clubs, new venues and wider broadcast reach this season, the league is growing in every direction, and it means a great deal to have a partner who shares our ambition for Indian football. We thank Star Cement for their continued support and look forward to building on what we started together last season.”
Mr. Pradeep Purohit, Chief Operating Officer, Star Cement, said, “Our continued partnership with the Indian Football League reflects our belief in the potential of Indian football and the importance of sustained support for its growth. With our roots in the Northeast, we share a special connection with the passion the game inspires. The IFL brings that passion to a national stage, giving clubs and players across the country a platform to earn recognition and inspire young talent. We are proud to continue as title sponsor and look forward to supporting the league as it reaches more communities and builds a stronger future for Indian football.”
Member, League Managing Committee and Owner of Shillong Lajong FC, Mr. Larsing Ming Sawyan, added, “Star Cement came on board when the Indian Football League was taking its first steps under a new identity, and their decision to continue as title sponsor shows real faith in where the league is heading. Last season gave us a glimpse of what is possible, and with a full home-and-away campaign, new clubs and new venues this time, we are confident the league will keep growing from strength to strength. On behalf of the entire league, I would like to thank Star Cement for standing by Indian football and continuing this journey with us.”
The 2026-27 season kicked off on October 30 when Real Kashmir FC hosted debutants Nagaland United SC at the TRC Stadium in Srinagar. Eleven clubs are competing in a full home-and-away round-robin format, with each side scheduled to play 20 matches before the season concludes on March 20, 2027.
Nagaland United SC and Samaleswari Sporting Club have joined the competition as new entrants, and Nagaland and Odisha have been added as host venues, broadening the league’s footprint into the Northeast and eastern India. Broadcasting arrangements for the season include live telecasts of every match on DD Sports, selected fixtures on Unite8 Sports, and streaming of all matches on Z5, WAVES and the official Unite8 Sports YouTube.
The sponsorship renewal keeps Star Cement associated with the IFL through the end of the 2026-27 campaign, which concludes on March 20, 2027.