The Indian Super League (ISL) is expanding its broadcast and streaming reach for the 2026-27 season through a multi-platform partnership with YouTube, Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV. Under the new arrangement, all 163 ISL matches will be available live on Sony LIV, while YouTube will stream every match live and free, removing the subscription barrier for digital viewers. Sony Sports Network will bring the league to television audiences across India.
The partnership gives football fans multiple ways to follow the competition across television, connected TV and digital platforms. YouTube will also carry match highlights, Shorts, interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, analysis and fan-led content, extending engagement beyond the live fixtures.
Karan Yadav, CEO, Indian Super League, said, “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. YouTube significantly expands our digital and connected-TV reach, while Sony Sports Network brings the scale, reach and expertise of a leading sports broadcaster to the League, providing fans with a premium live broadcast experience. India’s connected TV audience has grown by 23% year-on-year to 166 million monthly viewers, while YouTube CTV device-hours in India have grown by 77% over the last two years. By bringing together the strengths of digital and broadcast, we can make the ISL more accessible across screens and open the League up to a wider audience than ever before.”
Gunjan Soni, Managing Director – India, YouTube, said, “YouTube is where millions of Indians come every day to discover, follow and engage with the content they love. We are delighted to partner with the Indian Super League and make every match of the 2026-27 season available live and free on YouTube. This partnership brings Indian football to fans across the country on a platform they already use every day, while giving them more ways to follow their clubs, players and the League throughout the season.”
Sony Sports Network will serve as the television broadcast partner for the season, complementing YouTube’s free digital coverage and Sony LIV’s streaming offering.
Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer and Business Head, Sports and International, Sony Pictures Networks India, said, “Indian football has passionate supporters, deep local loyalties and rivalries that deserve a national stage. The ISL brings all of that together, and we are delighted to welcome it to Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV. With all 163 matches on Sony LIV and over 80 matches on our television channels, fans can follow their clubs through the season. We look forward to bringing our experience in football broadcasting to the league and helping its clubs and players connect with audiences across India.”
The 2026-27 season will feature 13 teams, with Phase 1 comprising 78 matches between October 10, 2026 and January 17, 2027. The schedule is designed around weekends, with 53 of the 78 Phase 1 fixtures taking place on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays. The distribution strategy gives the ISL a wider digital footprint while retaining traditional television coverage, with free YouTube streaming opening another route for audiences to access Indian football.
