ISL Returns With New Ownership Era and Wide-Open Title Race

Indian football's biggest club competition is back, and this time the stakes extend well beyond the pitch. The 2026/27 Indian Super League season kicks off on Saturday, October 10, marking a significant structural shift after the AIFF handed over commercial rights of the league to the participating clubs themselves. It's a moment many believe could reshape the competition's long-term direction, even as the on-field questions remain just as compelling.

Thirteen teams will contest the season, one fewer than originally planned, after IFL champions Diamond Harbour FC were unable to meet the ISL's participation fee. As a result, the AIFF has confirmed the Kolkata-based side will finish bottom of the table without kicking a ball. It's a reminder that even as the league modernises its ownership model, the gap between India's top flight and the tier below remains a persistent challenge - one that will need addressing if the pyramid is to function as intended. teen patti namaste

Familiar Powers, New Dugouts

East Bengal head into the campaign as favourites, with serial winner Antonio Habas now in charge and Anwar Ali, arguably India's in-form player, anchoring the side. Their biggest complication isn't on paper - it's the calendar, with AFC Champions League 2 commitments threatening to stretch a squad that otherwise boasts strong depth. Mohun Bagan, under new coach Panagiotis Dilmperis, look best placed to challenge them, built around Golden Boot favourite Jamie Maclaren and a club culture that rarely lacks winners, even if pre-season form has given fans pause.

Mumbai City FC and Bengaluru FC occupy the next tier of expectation. Manolo Marquez returns to Mumbai with a reshaped attack led by Wilmar Jordan, though replacing Lallianzuala Chhangte's creativity won't be straightforward. Bengaluru, under Pep Munoz, have the continuity of a settled Indian core and a fully completed pre-season behind new coach Pep Munoz, which could make them this year's dark horses if their foreign signings click early.

Mid-Table Rebuilds and Fresh Faces

Punjab FC, Kerala Blasters and FC Goa all enter the season amid varying degrees of upheaval. Punjab have again turned to a Greek coach, Pavlos Dermitzakis, replacing Dilmperis and hoping to maintain the overachieving momentum built on a strong Indian spine. Kerala Blasters retain Ashley Westwood after he steadied the ship last season, with Adrián Luna's return from loan a major boost - though a change in ownership has complicated preparations. FC Goa, meanwhile, have placed faith in rookie head coach Gouramangi Singh, with Sandesh Jhingan remaining the one constant in an otherwise transformed squad.

Survival Battles at the Other End

NorthEast United, with Juan Pedro Benali staying on and Alaaeddine Ajaraie back in the fold, will hope their attacking talent can paper over familiar defensive concerns. Inter Kashi face the toughest road of all - a scratch squad assembled under new coach Carlos Vaz Pinto with barely a week of preparation, raising real questions about their competitiveness from matchday one. As the season begins, the league's new commercial structure will be watched closely, but for now, the football itself promises no shortage of intrigue.