Sony Sports acquires broadcasting rights of ISL 2026-27; SonyLIV to stream all games, most matches also on TV

East Bengal is the defending champion of the Indian Super League. | Photo Credit: East Bengal Media

The upcoming season of the Indian Super League (ISL) finally has a broadcast partner, with Sony Pictures Networks India signing a deal for the rights on Thursday.

The move shifts the broadcasting of India’s men’s top flight partially from FanCode, which streamed the league last season, having brought the broadcasting rights for over Rs. 8 crore.

“The agreement is signed. Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), a subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation, has acquired both the linear television and streaming rights to the Indian Super League,” a source privy to the developments told Sportstar.

“Accordingly, all ISL matches will be live-streamed on Sony LIV, and most games will be broadcast on the Sony Sports Network,” they added.

The race to acquire broadcasting rights initially had Google, YouTube, Zee and Sony Sports as interested parties, with Zee and Sony entering the final stages of negotiations.

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ZEE has invested heavily in sports broadcasting in the last few months, having launched its Unite8 Sports channels and also streamed the FIFA World Cup 2026 on its streaming platform, ZEE5.

However, Sony outbid ZEE to get the deal, though it refused to reveal the monetary details when asked to comment. The group had also televised the league last season.

“Sony has always been in the scheme of things for Indian football broadcasting. The I-League, now called the Indian Football League, was previously shown on the platform. And now India vs Brazil will also be shown on it,” the source said.

“Naturally, the broadcaster was sort of a natural ally in the football market,” they added.

The 2026-27 season of the ISL will begin on October 10, with Bengaluru FC hosting Sporting Club Delhi in the campaign opener. British automotive manufacturer MG Motor is likely to be the title sponsor of the league.