The Indian Super League (ISL) has been India’s top football competition since its launch on October 12, 2014. Over the years, it has grown in popularity, and its champions represent India in Asian tournaments. As the 2025–26 season approaches, fans are increasingly asking: when will ISL 2026 start? This question is now at the center of discussions among clubs, media, and football enthusiasts.
The excitement around the ISL is mixed with uncertainty due to ongoing disputes between the league organizers and the All India Football Federation (AIFF). Recently, Kalyan Chaubey mentioned, “In 7–10 days, we will meet again to decide on the date, format, and the course of the Super Cup.” This has led fans to speculate even more about when will ISL 2026 start.
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FSDL and AIFF Dispute Over Master Rights Agreement
The ISL is organized by Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) under a Master Rights Agreement (MRA) signed with AIFF in 2010. Under this agreement, FSDL paid AIFF either ₹50 crore per year or 20% of the ISL revenue, whichever was higher.
However, this MRA is set to expire in December 2025. FSDL has informed clubs that they cannot proceed with the next season until contractual clarity is achieved. With the league’s future uncertain, one question dominates Indian football: when will ISL 2026 start?
The delay is linked to AIFF waiting for the Supreme Court of India to finalize a new constitution for the federation. The new rules will include tenure limits, age restrictions, and procedures to remove officials. Further hearings are scheduled to begin on July 14, 2026, keeping fans on edge about when will ISL 2026 start.
| Parameter | Details |
| Agreement Start | 2010 |
| Agreement End | December 2025 |
| Annual Fee Paid by FSDL | ₹50 crore or 20% of ISL revenue |
| Organizing Body | FSDL |
| Governing Body | AIFF |
| Status | Pending renewal |
| Supreme Court Hearing | July 14, 2026 |
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When Will ISL 2026 Start: Official Clarification
Rumors circulated that ISL 2025–26 might be excluded from the football calendar. However, AIFF has officially confirmed that the ISL season will start on 14 September 2025 and conclude by 30 April 2026.
Before the league begins, clubs will participate in the Durand Cup (22 July – 24 August 2025) and the Super Cup in September 2025. Knowing the official dates has partially answered the key question for fans: when will ISL 2026 start.
This announcement reassures supporters that the league will follow a similar timeline to the 2024–25 season, which started on 13 September 2024, making it easier to plan for the matches.
| Tournament | Dates |
| Durand Cup | 22 July – 24 August 2025 |
| Super Cup | September 2025 |
| ISL 2025–26 Start | 14 September 2025 |
| ISL 2025–26 End | 30 April 2026 |
Defending Champions: Mohun Bagan
Mohun Bagan had a stellar performance in the 2024–25 ISL season. They won both the ISL League Shield and the ISL Championship, defeating Bengaluru FC in the final to secure the ISL Cup and complete a remarkable double.
Football fans will closely watch if Mohun Bagan can defend their titles in the upcoming season. The team is expected to be the team to beat when the question of when will ISL 2026 start is finally answered.
| Competition | Result |
| ISL League Shield | Winners |
| ISL Championship | Winners |
| ISL Final Opponent | Bengaluru FC |
| ISL Double Achieved | Yes |
ISL 2025–26 Season After FSDL-AIFF Meeting
Following a recent meeting between FSDL and AIFF, it was confirmed that the ISL 2026 season might begin in December 2025. Earlier speculation suggested a late August start, but updated reports indicate a later kickoff.
Clubs have been instructed to select their preparation venues ahead of the season. The Supreme Court has directed both FSDL and AIFF to reach an agreement before finalizing league planning. AIFF is expected to submit its final proposal in line with the court’s instructions.
| Detail | Information |
| Proposed Start | December 2025 |
| Previous Speculation | Late August 2025 |
| Preparation Venues | Selected by clubs |
| Supreme Court Role | Directed AIFF and FSDL to reach agreement |
| AIFF Proposal | Pending submission |
Ongoing ISL Controversy
The ISL controversy has attracted significant attention in Indian football. Fans, media, and clubs are closely following developments, as the future of the league is tied to the Master Rights Agreement and the new AIFF constitution.
The Supreme Court’s ruling is expected to introduce major reforms, including:
- Tenure limits for AIFF officials
- Age restrictions for federation positions
- Rules for removing officials from office
Until these reforms are finalized, uncertainty continues regarding the structure and schedule of the ISL 2026 season and the key question of when will ISL 2026 start remains partially unresolved.
| Issue | Current Status |
| MRA Expiry | December 2025 |
| Renewal Status | Pending |
| Governing Reforms | Supreme Court review ongoing |
| Impact | ISL 2026 schedule uncertain |
| Clubs’ Preparation | Ongoing |
FAQs
1. When will ISL 2026 start officially?
The AIFF has confirmed that the ISL 2025–26 season will begin on 14 September 2025. However, ongoing legal and contractual discussions could slightly affect the schedule. Fans are still asking: when will ISL 2026 start exactly?
2. Why is there uncertainty about when ISL 2026 will start?
The uncertainty is due to the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between FSDL and AIFF expiring in December 2025, and the Supreme Court’s review of AIFF’s new constitution. Until these matters are finalized, the exact start date remains under discussion.
3. Will the defending champions affect when ISL 2026 will start?
Defending champions like Mohun Bagan influence the hype and preparation, but the start date depends on AIFF, FSDL, and Supreme Court decisions. Fans continue to ask: when will ISL 2026 start to plan their viewing and support.
4. How can fans stay updated on when ISL 2026 will start?
Fans can follow official AIFF and ISL announcements, sports news outlets, and club communications. Social media channels also regularly update schedules, helping answer the question: when will ISL 2026 start.