The Indian Super League (ISL) is India’s top-tier professional football competition, launched in 2013 and inaugurated in 2014. Founded by IMG–Reliance, Star Sports, and the All India Football Federation (AIFF), its main aim was to revolutionize football in India, similar to the IPL’s impact on cricket [1]. Over the years, the ISL has evolved into a competitive and prestigious league that attracts millions of fans and global attention.

ISL Journey: From 2014 to Now

The inaugural 2014 season featured eight franchise clubs: ATK (Atlético de Kolkata), Mumbai City FC, Kerala Blasters FC, FC Goa, Chennaiyin FC, NorthEast United FC, FC Pune City, and Delhi Dynamos. ATK won the first ISL Cup in a memorable final at DY Patil Stadium [2].

In 2017–18, the league expanded to ten clubs with the inclusion of Bengaluru FC and Jamshedpur FC, extending the calendar and creating more fixtures. The league continued growing, both in team strength and fanbase. Notably, FC Pune City exited after 2019 and was replaced by Hyderabad FC, while Delhi Dynamos moved to Odisha and rebranded as Odisha FC [3].

In a historic move, ATK merged with Mohun Bagan AC in 2020, forming ATK Mohun Bagan, now known as Mohun Bagan SG. That same year, East Bengal FC also joined the ISL, giving birth to the much-anticipated Kolkata Derby within the league.

By 2023, the ISL became the sole top-tier league in India. Punjab FC, champions of the 2022–23 I-League, became the first club to earn promotion to the ISL. In 2024–25, Mohammedan SC followed, making it a 13-team competition. Churchill Brothers, the 2024–25 I-League champions, are expected to join for the 2025–26 season [4].

League Format and Playoffs

Each ISL team plays 24 matches during the regular season—home and away games against every other club. Teams earn 3 points for a win, 1 for a draw, and none for a loss. Rankings are determined by points, followed by tie-breakers like goal difference and head-to-head results.

Since 2019–20, the team finishing at the top of the table is awarded the League Winners’ Shield. From 2022–23 onwards, this team is officially recognized as the ISL League Champion, while the playoffs determine the ISL Cup winner [5].

The top six clubs qualify for the playoffs. Teams ranked 1st and 2nd advance directly to the semifinals, while teams ranked 3rd to 6th face off in single-elimination quarterfinals. The semifinals are played over two legs, and the final is a one-match event, hosted by the higher-seeded finalist.

ISL Teams: Past and Present

Over time, the ISL has featured a mix of franchise teams and historic clubs. Some have rebranded or exited, while others have been promoted from the I-League.

Current ISL Teams (2024–25):

• Bengaluru FC
• Chennaiyin FC
• East Bengal FC
• FC Goa
• Hyderabad FC
• Jamshedpur FC
• Kerala Blasters FC
• Mohammedan SC
• Mohun Bagan SG
• Mumbai City FC
• NorthEast United FC
• Odisha FC
• Punjab FC

Notable Former Teams:

• Atlético de Kolkata (ATK): Three-time champions, merged with Mohun Bagan in 2020.
• Delhi Dynamos: Relocated and became Odisha FC.
• FC Pune City: Dissolved after 2018–19 and replaced by Hyderabad FC.

Clubs with Titles and Trophies

Success in the ISL has been shared among several clubs:

• ATK – 3 ISL Cup titles (2014, 2016, 2019)
• Chennaiyin FC – 2 ISL Cups
• Mumbai City FC – 2 ISL Cups and 2 League Shields
• Mohun Bagan SG – 1 ISL Cup, 2 Shields (as of 2023–24)
• Bengaluru FC – 1 ISL Cup (2018–19), 1 Shield
• Hyderabad FC – 1 ISL Cup (2021)

Rivalries That Define Indian Football

The ISL features intense rivalries rooted in history, geography, and fan loyalty. These high-stakes matches often decide playoff spots and stir passionate support.

Kolkata Derby:

Arguably the biggest clash, Mohun Bagan SG vs East Bengal FC electrifies Salt Lake Stadium. With Mohammedan SC now in the league, Kolkata fans enjoy a triple rivalry for the first time.

Southern Derby:

The fierce battles between Kerala Blasters FC and Bengaluru FC draw massive crowds in Kochi and Bengaluru. The passionate “Manjappada” (Yellow Army) of Kerala and the West Block Blues of Bengaluru light up the stadiums with color and chants.

Western Clash:

Mumbai City FC and FC Goa regularly compete for dominance in the West, with both clubs featuring in league and playoff title races.

Other Emerging Rivalries:

• Chennaiyin FC vs Odisha FC – East vs South
• NorthEast United FC vs East Bengal/Mohun Bagan – highlighting regional pride from India’s Northeast

ISL 2024–25 Season: Schedule, Streaming & TV Info

The 2024–25 ISL season began in September 2024 and runs through March 2025. Each match week features high-stakes games, with weekend doubleheaders and holiday fixtures.

How to Watch the ISL Live:

• Streaming: Watch all ISL matches live for free on JioCinema (app and website). Multi-language commentary is available in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Malayalam.
• TV Broadcast: Matches are aired on Sports18 channels in India, with analysis, highlights, and pre-match shows.
• International Viewers: Fans outside India can check local sports broadcasters or streaming platforms offering ISL coverage.
• Official Website: For full fixtures, results, team news, and ticket bookings.

The Future of Indian Football

The ISL has revolutionized the football landscape in India. By welcoming legacy clubs like Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, introducing promotion and relegation, and focusing on local talent, the league has created a sustainable model for growth. Stadiums like Salt Lake, JLN Kochi, and Mumbai Football Arena frequently sell out, reflecting football’s growing footprint.

As the league matures, expect more youth academies, international partnerships, and Indian players making their mark on the global stage. The ISL is no longer just a tournament—it’s a movement pushing Indian football into a new era.

Bibliography

[1] AIFFF, “Indian Super League,” The-aiff.com, 2023. https://www.the-aiff.com/competitions/isl.

[2] ISL, “ISL 2014 Schedule, Live Scores and Results,” 2024. https://www.indiansuperleague.com/schedule-fixtures/2014.

[3] PTI, “ISL expanded to 10 teams, Bengaluru FC one of them,” The Times of India, Jun. 12, 2017. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/indian-super-league/top-stories/isl-expanded-to-10-teams-bengaluru-fc-one-of-them/articleshow/59113316.cms.

[4] ISL, “Indian Super League welcomes Punjab FC as its 12th club,” Aug. 02, 2023. https://www.indiansuperleague.com/press-releases/indian-super-league-welcomes-punjab-fc-as-its-12th-club.

[5] N. Peter, “ISL winners: From ATK to Mohun Bagan Super Giant, a look at the Roll of Honour – full list,” Olympics.com, Mar. 18, 2023. https://www.olympics.com/en/news/isl-winners-champions-list-indian-super-league-final.