Indian Super League 2025/26

The Indian Super League stands as the premier professional football competition in India. It operates under the authority of the All India Football Federation, having assumed sole top-tier status during the 2022–23 campaign after previously sharing the landscape with the I-League. This structural shift demoted the I-League to the second tier, consolidating the ISL's position at the apex of the domestic game.

The league employs a franchise-based ownership model that distinguishes it from traditional structures. This system involves significant investment from Bollywood and cricket celebrities, generating higher commercial value and media visibility compared to its counterpart. The season format consists of a 26-match double round-robin regular stage. Following this, the top six teams enter a knockout playoff phase. The leading two sides advance directly to the semi-finals, while those ranked third through sixth contest single-leg eliminator matches to determine the final participants.

The league recognises two distinct honours. The side finishing first in the regular season secures the League Shield, renamed the ISL Trophy for the current year. The victor of the subsequent playoff tournament is crowned the champion. Currently, promotion from the I-League remains active for champions such as Mohammedan SC, yet relegation is suspended. This suspension stems from a legal dispute over the Master Rights Agreement between the AIFF and Football Sports Development Limited, which expires in December 2025. The Supreme Court of India is mediating the situation, with reports suggesting a potential ten-year moratorium on movement between tiers.

EAST BENGAL FC holds the title of reigning champion following their victory in the 2025–26 season. Historically, ATK is cited as the most successful club with three titles, followed by Chennaiyin FC and Mumbai City FC with two each. The competition features fourteen clubs this year, including Inter Kashi and Bengaluru. This structure contrasts sharply with the traditional club setup of the I-League, marking a significant evolution in Indian football administration.