Indian football has entered a decisive new chapter with Sony Sports Network officially confirmed as the television broadcaster of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025–26 season.
The development signals more than just a broadcast shift it marks a structural reset for the country’s top-flight league.
Following the expiration of the Master Rights Agreement between the AIFF and FSDL in December 2025, the ISL has transitioned into a federation-governed model. In this restructured landscape, FanCode secured primary digital rights for the 2025–26 season, with Sony Sports Network coming on board as the official linear television partner through a sub-licensing agreement .
The move reshapes how Indian football will be consumed across platforms this season.
A Dramatic Media Rights Reset
Perhaps the most striking backdrop to Sony’s arrival is the sharp correction in ISL’s media valuation. For the 2023–24 and 2024–25 seasons, ISL’s media rights were valued at approximately ₹275 crore per season. However, after the governance transition and a delayed start to the new campaign, the 2025–26 rights were acquired by FanCode for ₹8.62 crore a staggering decline in value .
This recalibration reflects broader shifts in the Indian sports media economy. Consolidation among major broadcasters, changing advertising priorities, and a growing focus on cricket-heavy portfolios altered the competitive landscape for football properties.
Yet, within this reset lies opportunity.
Why Sony’s Entry Matters
Sony Sports Network’s return to top-tier Indian domestic football is strategically significant. Over the past few years, Sony has steadily built a diversified multi-sport portfolio that includes European football leagues, global athletics events, and combat sports. Adding the ISL strengthens its position as a destination for non-cricket sporting content.
The network is expected to broadcast ISL matches across:
- Sony Sports Ten 2 (English feed)
- Sony Sports Ten 3 (Hindi feed)
- Sony Sports Ten 4 (regional language feeds including Tamil and Telugu)
This multilingual approach is critical. Football in India thrives in regional strongholds — West Bengal, Kerala, Goa, the Northeast, and parts of Tamil Nadu. Regional commentary ensures deeper fan engagement and better market penetration.
For ISL clubs, national television exposure remains essential. While OTT platforms are growing rapidly, traditional broadcast still drives visibility, sponsorship value, and reach in football’s core markets.
The Digital-First FanCode Model
FanCode, owned by Dream Sports, will serve as the primary digital platform for ISL 2025–26. Its pricing strategy is designed to attract both dedicated and casual fans:
- Full season pass: ₹299
- Club-specific pass: ₹149
- Single match pass: ₹25
This micro-transaction model lowers entry barriers and reflects changing consumption patterns among younger sports audiences. The partnership between FanCode and Sony ensures that ISL remains accessible across both digital-native viewers and traditional television households a crucial balance in the Indian market.
A New ISL Format for 2025–26
The 2025–26 season will also feature a structural overhaul.
- 14 teams will compete.
- The league will follow a single-leg round-robin format.
- Each team plays 13 matches.
- No playoffs the league table topper will be crowned champion.
- Total matches: 91.
This truncated format is a result of the delayed season start and administrative restructuring. However, it adds a new dynamic every match becomes high-stakes. There is no second leg to recover lost ground.
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For the first time, the ISL is being operated directly under AIFF oversight.
A newly constituted Governing Council comprising club representatives and federation officials will oversee major commercial and operational decisions. The intent is to create transparency and distribute control more evenly among stakeholders. While the financial guarantees of the earlier corporate-backed model are no longer present, this structure aims to build long-term sustainability.
Participation fees have been reduced, and operational costs have been streamlined reflecting a leaner, recalibrated approach to league management.
Production Standards and Broadcast Quality
Production responsibilities for the season have been awarded to KPS Studios, tasked with delivering the world feed for both Sony and FanCode. Despite reduced production budgets compared to previous cycles, stakeholders have emphasized maintaining professional broadcast standards. High-quality match coverage remains essential to preserve league credibility.
Sony’s expertise in studio programming and pre/post-match analysis is expected to elevate presentation quality, particularly for marquee fixtures such as:
- Mohun Bagan vs Kerala Blasters
- Kolkata derbies
- Southern rivalries
Continental Implications
One complication of the shortened format is its impact on AFC competition eligibility. Standard AFC regulations typically require longer domestic seasons for direct group-stage qualification. AIFF is reportedly seeking exemptions to ensure the ISL champion secures continental participation, though likely via qualifying rounds.
This makes league performance even more critical not just for domestic prestige, but for maintaining India’s continental presence.
The 2025–26 season represents a reset rather than a regression.
Yes, media valuations have dropped sharply. Yes, the format is shortened. But the structural recalibration could provide a more sustainable foundation for future growth. Sony Sports Network’s involvement restores strong national television backing. FanCode’s digital flexibility introduces modern consumption models. AIFF’s governance framework aims to professionalize league management.
For Indian football, this season is less about glamour and more about stabilization. If the broadcast partnership succeeds in maintaining engagement, ensuring production quality, and delivering competitive football, the ISL could emerge leaner but stronger. The spotlight now shifts to the pitch.
And with Sony on board, Indian football’s next chapter will be watched across millions of screens.
