The journey of Indian Super League has passed a decade. From being run alongside I-League to taking I-League’s place as the premier tournament of India, ISL has come a long way.
As India gets ready to welcome the tournament, here are things that would be seen in ISL for the first time:
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12-team league
For the first time, Indian Super league have 12 teams instead of 11. This means teams will play two extra matches this season.
Punjab FC
Punjab FC are the new entrants in ISL. The team from North India (previously Roundglass FC) won the I-League last season. They were subsequently promoted to the ISL. The newcomers will surely spice up the league as they look to secure a place in the top half of ISL table on their first time.
Viacom18
For the first time since the Indian Super League started, Viacom18 bagged the tournament’s broadcasting rights. The media giants pipped Disney-Star to the race after the 10-year agreement between FSDL and Star Sports came to an end.
ISL live streaming in 190 countries
FSDL teamed up with OneFootball to spread the viewership of the premier tournament of India to other countries. OneFootball will live-stream all the ISL matches to over 190 countries. The football website will provide highlights as well.
No ACL spot for ISL teams
The Indian Super League teams will no longer be eligible to compete for a place in the 2024–25 AFC Champions League due to the implementation of the new Club Tournament Ranking System, which has a disadvantageous effect on the teams. Consequently, they will now be eligible to participate in the AFC Cup Group Stage instead of a direct berth in the Asian Champions League (ACL).
Glory for league champions
Starting this season, the league champions will be considered the ISL Champions, not the knockout winners. That means Mumbai City, the 2022–23 champions, will get the ISL Champions tag instead of Mohun Bagan.