ISL announces YouTube, Sony Sports Network as streaming partners

The Indian Super League (ISL) has announced YouTube, Sony Sports Network and SonyLIV as its multi-platform partners for the 2026-27 season, giving fans multiple ways to follow the competition.

Every ISL match will be available live and free on YouTube, removing a subscription barrier for digital viewers. Sony Sports Network will provide television coverage in India, while SonyLIV will stream all 163 matches of the season.

The new distribution model comes as the ISL enters its first season under a club-led commercial structure, with participating clubs holding the league's commercial rights.

Karan Yadav, CEO of the Indian Super League, said the partnership was aimed at making the competition more accessible.

“We want the ISL to be the most accessible league in the country, and that means being present across the platforms where fans are choosing to watch and follow football.”

Yadav pointed to the growth of connected television in India, with the country's connected TV audience reaching 166 million monthly viewers, according to figures cited by the league.

YouTube's partnership will also extend beyond live matches, with highlights, Shorts, interviews, behind-the-scenes content, analysis and fan-led content forming part of the league's broader digital ecosystem.

Gunjan Soni, Managing Director - India, YouTube, said every match being available live and free would give fans more ways to follow their clubs and players.

Sony Sports Network will provide the ISL's television coverage, while SonyLIV will carry all 163 matches digitally. More than 80 matches will also be available on Sony's television channels.

Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer and Business Head, Sports and International, Sony Pictures Networks India, said the broadcaster would bring its football broadcasting experience to the league.

The 2026-27 ISL season will feature 13 teams and begin on October 10. Phase 1 will comprise 78 matches between October 10 and January 17, with 53 fixtures scheduled across Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

The season will also introduce new destinations and fixtures, including the first-ever ISL Goa Derby between Churchill Brothers and FC Goa. NorthEast United FC will also host Sporting Club Delhi at Imphal's Khuman Lampak Stadium on November 24.

The three-platform distribution strategy gives the ISL a combination of free digital access through YouTube, television distribution through Sony Sports Network, and subscription-based streaming through SonyLIV as the league begins its new commercial era.