YouTube to distribute ISL for free as Sony bags TV, digital rights for 2026-27 season

The Indian Super League (ISL) has named YouTube as its digital distribution partner for the 2026-27 season, with all 163 matches to be streamed live and free on the platform, while Sony Sports Network will become the league’s exclusive television broadcaster in India and SonyLIV will stream all matches.

The multi-platform arrangement gives the ISL a free-to-view digital distribution platform through YouTube while retaining a conventional pay-TV and subscription streaming presence through Sony Sports Network and SonyLIV. The move is positioned by the league as part of a digital-first strategy aimed at expanding its reach and removing a subscription barrier for viewers.

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.”


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The YouTube partnership will also include match highlights, Shorts, interviews, behind-the-scenes content, analysis and fan-led conversations, allowing the ISL to build a wider digital ecosystem around the competition.

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 broadcast the ISL on television for the 2026-27 season, while SonyLIV will carry all 163 matches. Sony will televise more than 80 matches on its television channels.

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 and 78 Phase 1 matches from October 10, 2026 to January 17, 2027, with 53 matches scheduled for Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays.