Former champions Bengaluru FC will take on the opening clash of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 season, on Saturday as they host Sporting Club Delhi at the at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. The ISL 2026-27 will be played in its traditional home and away format, after the previous season was played in single leg because of administrative delays.
A total of 16 matches will be played in ISL 2026-27, out of which the schedule of first 78 matches have been announced in the first phase. The All India Football Federation () on August 19 had announced that ISL 2026-27 will have 13 teams after Kolkata’s Diamond Habour FC failed to complete its outstanding participation-fee payment.
Unlike the previous seasons, ISL 2026-27 won’t see , who shut their first-team operations in August. Backed by TATA Group, , had won the League Winners’ Shield in the 2021-22 season. They were replaced by Churchill Brothers from Goa.
The ISL 2026-27 transfer window saw a mix of youth and experienced Indian players move here and there. Mohun Bagan Super Giant roped in Lallianzuala Chhangte from Mumbai City FC. The Mariners also added the likes of Dejan Drazic, Samir Zeljkovic, Miguel Figueira and Rahul Bheke as part of their squad reshaping.
Defending champions have added Ake Loba, Dani Ramírez and Chris Ikonomidis among the big overseas moves. Mumbai City FC have also made some big signings. Carlos Delgado, Sergio Llamas, Leandro Otormín, Wilmar Jordán Gil and Lazar Ćirković have joined the Islanders.
Jorge Ortiz returned to FC Goa. Kerala Blasters bolstered their squad with the arrival of experienced goalkeeper Amrinder Singh, who has 150 appearances to his name in ISL. The Kerala-based side have also added young forward Mohammed Sanan and midfielder Mohammad Yasir.
The ISL 2026-27 will be different from the previous seasons. The tpurnament has signed a ₹25 crore sponsorship deal with automotive giant MG for two seasons and also secured a digital streaming partnership with YouTube. These multi-pronged deals will ensure greater audience penetration and viewership, also offering the league a chance to reach the heights it once aspired to.
This time, the clubs too have a greater say in the running of the league after paying ₹1.1 crore to the AIFF as a participation fee. The AIFF, which ran the ISL last season after Reliance cut its ties with the league, will look after the administrative aspects.
Besides the Bengaluru FC vs SC Delhi clash, Chennaiyin FC will open their campaign against FC Goa at the latter’s home venue on the same day. Bengaluru finished fourth last season with 23 points from 13 matches, and the former champions will be eager to do better this year. East Bengal are the defending champions, having edged out Mohun Bagan last season.
