Exclusive: Sony Sports Network to broadcast ISL in five languages; YouTube in English & Hindi

Pre-match, half-time and post-match analysis shows a return to the ISL after three seasons.

Sony Sports Network will broadcast the Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 season in five languages — English, Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil and Bengali — on television and SonyLIV, while YouTube will stream matches in English and Hindi only, Khel Now can exclusively reveal.

The regional language feeds will be available only when the teams from those regions are in action.

Pre-match, half-time and post-match analysis shows are also back in the ISL this season, after three seasons without them.

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What the league announced today?

As Khel Now revealed earlier, and as the league confirmed on October 7, Sony Sports Network will show the ISL on television in the Indian subcontinent, with up to 120 matches on its channels. SonyLIV will stream all 163 matches of the season in India.

YouTube will stream every match live and free across India and worldwide, with no subscription required.

“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,” ISL CEO Karan Yadav said in the league’s announcement.

Regional commentary stays with Sony

The language split gives Sony Sports Network exclusive regional commentary across its TV channels and SonyLIV.

With regional feeds tied to the teams in action, that points to Malayalam commentary for Kerala Blasters matches, Tamil for Chennaiyin FC and Bengali for Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal. 

Khel Now understands YouTube’s multi-audio option for live sport currently supports only two or three language tracks, which is likely why its coverage has been limited to English and Hindi.

Analysis shows return

The pre-match, half-time and post-match shows in English will be produced from the stadium rather than a studio, Khel Now understands.

A busy first month for the club-led ISL

With India’s friendlies against Panama, Brazil and Uruguay done, the focus is back on the ISL. The 2026-27 season marks the start of a club-led structure, under which the participating clubs share responsibility for the competition’s commercial and operational side.

In a short span, the clubs have restructured the league office with full-time staff, including chief executive Karan Yadav, the former chief commercial officer of JSW Sports, who was appointed on September 21.

Since the clubs took over commercial responsibilities, the league has closed several major deals. MG Motor became the title sponsor in a deal worth over ₹25 crore for two seasons, with the competition now known as the MG Indian Super League.

As Khel Now reported earlier, the ISL and EA Sports have agreed a new four-year licensing deal that keeps the league in EA Sports FC games for the duration of the partnership.

The league has also signed a four-year agreement with Sportradar worth around ₹57 crore, keeping Sportradar as the ISL’s official data and integrity partner until 2030. Nivia Sports has extended its association through a new two-year agreement as the league’s official ball and equipment partner.

Accessibility has been one of the clubs’ main priorities. 53 of the 78 Phase 1 matches are scheduled on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays to build match-going crowds, and the YouTube deal puts every game in front of fans at no cost.

ISL 2026-27 opening weekend

The season begins on October 10, with Bengaluru FC hosting Sporting Club Delhi. Phase 1 runs until January 17, 2027, with kick-offs at 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM IST.

East Bengal sit out the opening week because of their AFC commitments and begin their campaign against Churchill Brothers on October 18. The first Kolkata derby of the season is on November 29.

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