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Under the new arrangement, Doordarshan will maintain its role as a key broadcaster, providing live coverage of every match on DD Sports. Additionally, selected fixtures will be available on Unite8 Sports. Digital accessibility is a central pillar of the new agreement, with all matches set to be streamed on Z5 and WAVES, the OTT platform managed by Prasar Bharati. Furthermore, fans will have the option to watch every game for free via the official Unite8 Sports YouTube channel.
Expanding the Reach of Indian Club Football
IFL CEO Nildeep Mondal highlighted the importance of this development, noting that the partnership is a strategic effort to connect with a more diverse demographic of football fans across India. By leveraging multiple distribution channels, the league intends to make domestic football more accessible to viewers in various regions, building on the momentum of the growing interest in the sport.
Bavesh Janavlekar, Chief Business Officer of Zee Sports Network, described the collaboration as a long-term commitment to the sport. He emphasized that the integration of Z5 and Unite8 Sports is intended to meet fans where they are, ensuring that the league remains a prominent fixture in the national sporting landscape.
A New Era for the 2026-27 Campaign
The 2026-27 season officially begins today, October 30, with a match between Real Kashmir FC and debutants Nagaland United SC at the TRC Stadium in Srinagar. The fixture is scheduled for a 6:30 PM IST kickoff. The competition will run until March 20, 2027, featuring 11 clubs competing in a full home-and-away round-robin format, with each team playing 20 matches.
Larsing LD Sawyan, Managing Director of Shillong Lajong FC, expressed optimism regarding the league's growth, noting that the inaugural season saw viewership figures 1.6 times higher than the ISL. He stated that the club-led model and the expanded broadcast network are expected to usher in a new era for domestic football in India. The inclusion of new teams, such as Nagaland United SC and Samaleswari Sporting Club, further highlights the league's commitment to expanding its geographical footprint across the country.
