The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has taken a significant step toward strengthening the commercial structure of domestic football after announcing Star Cement as the title sponsor for the Indian Football League (IFL) 2025–26 season.
The partnership, officially confirmed on March 11, 2026, marks an important milestone for the league as it continues to evolve following its recent rebranding.
The Indian Football League, formerly known as the I-League, is currently in its first season under the new identity. The addition of a title sponsor not only enhances the league’s commercial appeal but also reflects growing corporate confidence in the future of Indian football.
Strengthening the League’s Financial Ecosystem
For the AIFF, securing a title sponsor is a crucial move in ensuring long-term sustainability for the competition. Domestic leagues often rely on corporate partnerships to improve financial stability, enhance marketing reach, and invest in player and infrastructure development. Speaking about the partnership, M. Satyanarayan, Deputy Secretary General of the AIFF, described the agreement as a significant development for the league.
“This partnership with Star Cement represents an important milestone for the Indian Football League. As we work to strengthen the structure and commercial sustainability of the competition, such collaborations provide the support needed to take the league forward,” he said.
Satyanarayan added that the association would help enhance the league’s visibility and contribute to the broader growth of football in India.
“We believe this association will play a valuable role in elevating the profile of the competition and supporting the continued growth of football in India,” he said.
Star Cement’s Growing Association with Sports
Star Cement, one of the leading cement brands originating from Northeast India, has built a strong reputation in the infrastructure sector across the country. Known for its emphasis on reliability and strength, the company has also consistently engaged with sports as part of its brand identity.
The company’s decision to support the Indian Football League aligns with its broader philosophy of promoting determination, resilience, and community engagement through sport.
Pradeep Purohit, Chief Operating Officer of Star Cement, highlighted the connection between the company’s values and the league’s vision. “As a leading corporate house from the Northeast, Star Cement has always believed in supporting platforms that reflect strength, resilience, and community spirit,” he said.
Sport, according to Purohit, has long been part of the company’s brand approach. “Through initiatives such as our ‘Har Ghar Mein Star’ campaign, we have consistently associated with athletes and sporting personalities. Our association with the Indian Football League brings strong synergy between our brand values and the vision of the league,” he added.
Purohit expressed optimism about the long-term prospects of the partnership. “We are happy and privileged to come on board as the title sponsor and look forward to a meaningful and long-term association with AIFF and the league,” he said.
Boost for Clubs and Domestic Football
The announcement has also been welcomed by stakeholders within the league, including club owners and administrators who see the deal as a major step forward for Indian football’s domestic structure. Larsing Ming Sawyan, Member of the League Managing Committee and owner of Shillong Lajong FC, described the sponsorship as a breakthrough moment.
“Star Cement coming on board as the title sponsor is a big breakthrough for the Indian Football League,” he said. Sawyan emphasized that corporate support would help the league continue to develop.
“Now, with a title sponsor associating with the IFL, it is our hope that the league will grow from strength to strength each season,” he said. He also acknowledged the company’s roots in the Northeast, a region that has historically played a vital role in Indian football.
“I take this opportunity to thank Star Cement, which has roots in the North-east, on behalf of the entire league for taking this magnanimous step in coming forward to support Indian football,” Sawyan added.
Integration Across League Branding
As part of the agreement, Star Cement’s branding will be integrated across the league’s promotional activities throughout the season. The company’s presence will feature prominently in match-day broadcasts, digital platforms, stadium branding, and league marketing campaigns. Such integration not only increases the sponsor’s visibility but also helps elevate the league’s professional image and reach among football fans.
New Identity, New Format
The Indian Football League 2025–26 season is already underway following the competition’s rebranding earlier this year. The league currently features 10 clubs competing in a new two-stage format designed to increase competitiveness and fan engagement. The season began on February 27, 2026, with teams first playing a home-and-away round-robin league stage. After the completion of this phase, the table will split into two groups: a championship round and a relegation round.
The top teams will compete for the league title and the opportunity to earn promotion to the Indian Super League (ISL), while the lower-ranked teams will battle to avoid relegation.
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For Indian football, the arrival of a title sponsor at this stage of the league’s development represents a positive step toward building a more sustainable ecosystem. Corporate partnerships remain essential for strengthening domestic competitions, improving infrastructure, and supporting grassroots football initiatives.
With Star Cement now backing the league, the Indian Football League hopes to continue expanding its reach and competitiveness while laying a stronger foundation for the future of professional football in India.
