Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has acquired the television broadcast rights for the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025–26 season, following a sublicensing agreement with FanCode, the league’s official media rights holder. As part of the partnership, the tournament will be primarily telecast on Sony Sports Ten 2, strengthening SPNI’s football offering in the country.
Under the agreement, SPNI will hold exclusive linear television rights for the ISL 2025–26 season within India, along with non-exclusive broadcast rights across Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. The season is set to commence on 14 February 2026 and will feature 91 matches, played under a new single-leg round-robin format. The opening fixture will see defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant take on Kerala Blasters, setting the tone for a highly competitive season.
The addition of ISL further bolsters SPNI’s expansive football portfolio, which already includes marquee international tournaments such as the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, Bundesliga, FA Cup, and UEFA Nations League. With this acquisition, SPNI continues to reinforce its positioning as the “Home of Football” in India, catering to the growing appetite for the sport among Indian audiences.
Commenting on the partnership, M. Satyanarayan, deputy secretary general of the All-India Football Federation, said the collaboration aligns with AIFF’s goal of expanding ISL’s reach across demographics. He highlighted how FanCode’s digital-first strategy, combined with SPNI’s television scale, ensures greater accessibility for fans nationwide.
Rajesh Kaul, chief revenue officer and business head for sports and international at SPNI, noted that nearly 100 million viewers tuned into football on Sony’s sports channels in 2025, reflecting the sport’s rising popularity. Yannick Colaco, co-founder of FanCode, added that the partnership creates a robust multi-platform ecosystem, ensuring fans never miss a moment of India’s premier football league.
