isl

ISL is an acronym that most commonly refers to the Indian Super League, a professional football league in India. The league was founded in 2013 and began play in 2014. It is organized by Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) in partnership with the All India Football Federation, with support from various investors and sponsors. The ISL operates on a franchise model in which private owners operate city-based clubs. It sits alongside the I-League as part of the top tier of Indian football and is a leading platform for expanding the sport’s presence in the country.

Season structure typically spans from around October to March or May, featuring a regular season of league matches followed by knockout playoffs that culminate in a final to determine the champion. Teams play in home and away formats, and the league has employed foreign player quotas and marquee player rules to balance international talent with the development of domestic players. The ISL has also emphasized investment in youth academies and development programs as part of its broader growth strategy.

Impact and growth have included increased attendance and television viewership, enhanced sponsorship, and greater exposure for Indian players on both national and international stages. The league has helped raise the profile of football in India, contributed to the professionalization of the sport, and driven infrastructure improvements across participating clubs.

Other uses of the acronym ISL exist in different fields, but the Indian Super League is the best-known usage.