AIFF & Capri Sports enter 15-year partnership for IWL & IWL 2 commercial development & marketing rights
IWL 2026-27 will get underway from October 16, 2026.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Capri Sports have entered into a 15-year partnership for the commercial development and marketing rights of the Indian Women’s League (IWL) and Indian Women’s League 2 (IWL 2).
Under the partnership, Capri Sports will lead the commercial development and marketing of the country’s top two tiers of women’s club football, working closely with the AIFF and participating clubs to build audiences, increase the visibility of clubs and players, attract brands and investment, and strengthen broadcast and digital engagement.
AIFF and Capri Sports sign a long-term deal
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The partnership comes at a time when women’s football in India has seen significant growth in participation and competition opportunities. The expansion of the ASMITA Football League has provided more girls with opportunities to play football, alongside an increase in player registrations and greater participation across age groups.
The AIFF has also expanded the competitive pathway for young female players through dedicated youth competitions. The U17 Women’s Youth League was held in July, while the inaugural U15 Women’s Youth League is scheduled to begin in October, further strengthening the progression pathway from grassroots football to the senior club game.
The growth at the developmental level has also coincided with encouraging performances by India’s women’s national teams. In 2026, the senior women’s team qualified for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup for the first time through the qualifiers route, while India also returned to the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup and AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup after long absences from the respective continental competitions.
With greater participation at the base and stronger representation at the continental level, the AIFF believes the next phase of development requires sustained investment in the club ecosystem, stronger commercial structures and further professionalisation of the IWL and IWL 2.
The long-term partnership with Capri Sports is aimed at building on this momentum over the next decade and a half, creating stronger and more sustainable platforms for clubs and players while increasing the reach and commercial value of women’s club football in India.
Mr Kalyan Chaubey, AIFF President, said, “The timing of this partnership is very important for women’s football in India. In recent years, we have seen greater participation through initiatives such as the ASMITA leagues, growth in player registrations, and the introduction of dedicated U17 and U15 women’s youth competitions. At the same time, our senior, U20 and U17 national teams have all made significant progress at the Asian level in 2026.”
“The next step is to ensure that our club competitions also grow in strength and professionalism. A long-term commercial partner with the right intent can help us build on this momentum, create greater value for our clubs and players, and develop a stronger women’s football ecosystem over the next 15 years.”
Mr M Satyanarayan, AIFF Deputy Secretary General, said, “The Indian Women’s League has an important role to play in the growth of women’s football in the country, and having a long-term commercial partner will help us take the league forward.”
“With Capri Sports coming on board for both the IWL and IWL 2, we have an opportunity to build greater visibility for the leagues, create more interest among fans and partners, and provide a stronger platform for our clubs and players. We look forward to working together to develop women’s club football in India.”
The partnership aims to strengthen women’s football
Ms Jinisha Sharma, Director & Promoter, Capri Sports, said, “Women’s football is entering a defining era globally, with leagues attracting new audiences, investment and cultural relevance. India has the talent and scale to be part of this momentum, but our players need strong competition, professional environments and clear pathways to grow.”
“Our ambition is to build the IWL and IWL 2 into aspirational and commercially sustainable platforms, strengthening clubs, developing talent, and investing in storytelling, fan engagement and on-ground experiences that bring more people, brands and investment into the game.”
Mr Apurv Gupta, Head of Contact Sports, Capri Sports, stated, “We are delighted to partner with the AIFF on the Indian Women’s League and Indian Women’s League 2. With the two leagues representing the top two tiers of women’s club football in India, we see a significant opportunity to build a stronger commercial ecosystem around the sport.”
“Our focus over the next 15 years will be on building audiences, increasing visibility for clubs and players, strengthening broadcast and digital engagement, and creating meaningful opportunities for brands and partners to participate in the growth of women’s football. We look forward to working closely with the AIFF, clubs, players and all stakeholders to build leagues that are commercially sustainable and can create lasting value for the wider ecosystem.”
What is the new AIFF and Capri Sports partnership?
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Capri Sports have entered into a 15-year partnership for the commercial development and marketing rights of the Indian Women’s League (IWL) and Indian Women’s League 2 (IWL 2).
How long will the partnership between AIFF and Capri Sports last?
The partnership will run for 15 years, making it a long-term commercial association for India’s top two tiers of women’s club football.
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