If you’ve heard people in India talking about football (or soccer, as some call it) in the last few years, chances are you’ve come across the term Indian Super League, or ISL. It’s often called the “IPL of Indian football,” but it’s so much more than just a copy of a cricket league.
So, what exactly is the Indian Super League? How did it start, how does it work, and who plays in it?
What is the Indian Super League?
The Indian Super League is the top-level professional football league in India, similar to how the Premier League works in England or La Liga in Spain. It was launched in 2014 with the goal of making football more popular in India and improving the quality of the game.
Before the ISL, football in India had fans, but the structure was a bit scattered. The I-League existed, but it didn’t get much media attention. Matches weren’t well-promoted, and stadiums were mostly empty. ISL changed all that.
It brought in glitz, structure, global players, and, most importantly, a professional approach to growing football in India.
How the Indian Super League Started:
The ISL officially kicked off in October 2014 with eight teams. It was backed by Reliance Industries, Star Sports, and the All India Football Federation (AIFF). The idea was simple but powerful: bring in local talent, mix them with international stars, and promote football with the same energy and production quality seen in cricket’s IPL.
Key Moments in ISL History:
- 2014: The first season begins with 8 teams. Atlético de Kolkata (now Mohun Bagan SG) wins the first title.
- 2017: The ISL gets recognized as part of India’s official football league structure by the AIFF and AFC (Asian Football Confederation).
- 2020: The ISL becomes the top-tier league in India, while the I-League becomes the second division.
- 2020-21: Due to COVID-19, the entire season is played in a bio-bubble in Goa.
- 2023 onwards: Youth development, grassroots programs, and fan support grow rapidly. Clubs are building stronger teams and youth academies.
So far, it’s been more than just a tournament, it’s a movement to make football a mainstream sport in India.
Format of the Indian Super League
The ISL follows a league-cum-knockout format, which means teams play a regular league first, and then the best ones move on to playoffs.
Let’s break it down step-by-step:
1. League Stage
- There are currently 12 teams.
- Each team plays home and away matches (total of 22 games per team).
- 3 points are given for a win, 1 point for a draw, and 0 for a loss.
- Teams are ranked on the points table.
2. Shield Winner
- The team that finishes first in the league stage wins the ISL League Winners Shield and qualifies for the AFC Champions League 2 (Asia’s continental tournament).
3. Playoffs
- The top six teams qualify for the playoffs.
- Teams ranked 1 and 2 go straight into the semi-finals.
- Teams ranked 3 to 6 play eliminator matches (3 vs 6 and 4 vs 5).
- The winners of the eliminators meet the top 2 in the semis.
- The two semi-final winners play the final to become ISL Champions.
So technically, there are two honors:
- Shield Winner (for league consistency)
- ISL Champion (for winning the final)
Teams in the Indian Super League (As of 2025)
Current 12 Teams in the Indian Super League (ISL)
-
ATK Mohun Bagan FC
- City/Region: Kolkata
- Founded: 2020 (after merger with Mohun Bagan)
- Stadium: Salt Lake Stadium
-
East Bengal FC
- City/Region: Kolkata
- Founded: 2020 (joined ISL)
- Stadium: Salt Lake Stadium
-
Bengaluru FC
- City/Region: Bengaluru
- Founded: 2013
- Stadium: Sree Kanteerava Stadium
-
Chennaiyin FC
- City/Region: Chennai
- Founded: 2014
- Stadium: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
-
Kerala Blasters FC
- City/Region: Kochi (Kerala)
- Founded: 2014
- Stadium: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
-
FC Goa
- City/Region: Goa
- Founded: 2014
- Stadium: Fatorda Stadium
-
NorthEast United FC
- City/Region: Guwahati (North-East India)
- Founded: 2014
- Stadium: Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium
-
Hyderabad FC
- City/Region: Hyderabad
- Founded: 2019
- Stadium: G.M.C. Balayogi Stadium
-
Jamshedpur FC
- City/Region: Jamshedpur
- Founded: 2017
- Stadium: JRD Tata Sports Complex
-
Mumbai City FC
- City/Region: Mumbai
- Founded: 2014
- Stadium: Mumbai Football Arena
-
Odisha FC
- City/Region: Bhubaneswar
- Founded: 2019
- Stadium: Kalinga Stadium
-
Punjab FC
(formerly RoundGlass Punjab)
- City/Region: Ludhiana/Chandigarh
- Founded: 2023
- Stadium: Guru Nanak Stadium
*ATK and Mohun Bagan merged in 2020. East Bengal joined the ISL officially in 2020.
Each of these clubs represents a different part of India, bringing in unique playing styles, fan cultures, and rivalries.
Why is the Indian Super League Important?
India has always been known for cricket, but football has a deep-rooted history too, especially in states like West Bengal, Kerala, Goa, and the North-East. The ISL gave Indian football a modern structure and a global platform.
Here’s why the Indian Super League matters:
Better Infrastructure
Before ISL, many stadiums were outdated. Now, clubs are investing in world-class stadiums, training grounds, and academies.
Youth Development
Young Indian players like Lallianzuala Chhangte, Akash Mishra, Jeakson Singh, Sahal Abdul Samad, and others have emerged thanks to ISL opportunities.
Global Exposure
International stars like Robert Pires, Diego Forlán, Nicolas Anelka, and later, younger foreign players have helped improve the quality and competitiveness of the league.
Media and Fan Culture
ISL matches are broadcast in multiple languages on TV and online platforms like JioCinema and Sports18. There’s active coverage, analysis, and fan interaction, something that was missing before.
Challenges the Indian Super League Still Faces
Of course, the Indian Super League isn’t perfect. It still has some challenges to overcome:
- Short season: The ISL lasts just 4–5 months. Players need more match time to develop.
- Less grassroots coverage: Not all clubs invest equally in youth development, though it’s getting better.
- Fan engagement outside match days: Clubs are working on creating year-round engagement.
- Competition with cricket: Cricket still dominates media attention, especially during the IPL season.
But these are being addressed slowly, with efforts from AIFF, clubs, and fans alike.
What’s Next for the Indian Super League?
The future looks bright. Here’s what we can expect in the coming years:
- Longer seasons with more matches
- Promotion-relegation system with the I-League
- More participation in Asian club competitions
- Growth in women’s football through the Indian Women’s League (IWL)
- Rise of homegrown coaches and support staff
The Indian Super League has already done a lot in just over a decade. And if it stays on the right path, it could genuinely make India a competitive football nation in Asia.
Final Thoughts
The Indian Super League may have started as a bold experiment, but today, it’s the heart of Indian football. It’s helped develop players, build communities, and give fans a reason to follow the sport all year round.
Sure, it’s not yet at the level of Europe’s top leagues, but it’s growing and most importantly, it’s creating hope for footballers and fans across India.
