Sony Pictures Networks India Secures ISL 2025-26 Television Rights in FanCode Deal

Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has expanded its domestic football footprint after acquiring the linear television rights for the 2025-26 season of the Indian Super League (ISL) through a sublicensing arrangement with FanCode.

The agreement positions SPNI as the exclusive television broadcaster for the upcoming ISL season in India, with additional non-exclusive rights across select South Asian territories.

Broadcast Agreement and Regional Reach

FanCode, the official media rights holder for the ISL, has transferred the league’s television broadcast rights to SPNI for the 2025-26 campaign. Matches will be primarily aired on Sony Sports Ten 2.

Under the terms of the deal, SPNI holds exclusive TV broadcast rights within India. Outside the country, the network will operate on a non-exclusive basis in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

The collaboration brings together FanCode’s digital distribution strength and SPNI’s nationwide television network, enabling multi-platform access for football audiences.

Season Format and Opening Fixture

The 2025-26 ISL season is scheduled to begin on 14 February 2026. Organisers have introduced a single-leg round robin structure for the new campaign, resulting in a 91-match calendar.

The curtain-raiser will see reigning champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant take on Kerala Blasters, setting the tone for what is expected to be a competitive season featuring India’s top football clubs.

Strengthening SPNI’s Football Portfolio

The addition of ISL rights further consolidates SPNI’s football programming lineup. The broadcaster already holds rights to major international tournaments and leagues, including:

• UEFA EURO 2028

• UEFA Champions League

• UEFA Europa League

• UEFA Nations League

• Bundesliga

• FA Cup

• Durand Cup

By integrating India’s top-tier domestic league into its schedule, SPNI continues to reinforce its positioning as a leading football broadcaster in the country.

Industry Leadership Commentary

M. Satyanarayan, Deputy Secretary General of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), said the arrangement supports the federation’s objective of increasing the league’s accessibility. He noted that combining digital reach with established television distribution will help serve diverse audience segments across age groups.

Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer and Business Head – Sports and International at Sony Pictures Networks India, described the agreement as a milestone for the broadcaster’s sports strategy. He highlighted the growing viewership for football on Sony’s sports channels in 2025 and emphasised the importance of promoting domestic football talent through wider exposure.

Yannick Colaco, co-founder of FanCode, said the partnership aligns with the platform’s broader distribution strategy. He added that aligning digital-first streaming with strong linear television presence will provide fans comprehensive access to the competition.

Expanding the Football Ecosystem

The ISL remains a central pillar of India’s professional football structure. With SPNI taking charge of television distribution and FanCode overseeing digital streaming, the 2025-26 season is set to benefit from a unified broadcast ecosystem designed to maximise visibility and engagement.

The new arrangement underscores continued commercial confidence in Indian football as broadcasters compete to deepen their sports portfolios amid rising audience interest.