Why Sony Sports Network is Trending: ISL Broadcast Rights Deal Explained

Searches for sony sports have spiked in India, with Google Trends reporting a 1,000% increase in activity over the last 24 hours. This surge is driven by the announcement that the sony sports network has secured the broadcasting rights for the Indian Super League (ISL) for the upcoming seasons.

Sony Sports Network Secures ISL Rights for 2026-28

Sony Sports Network, operating under Sony Pictures Network India (SPNI), has acquired both the linear television and Over-the-Top (OTT) broadcasting rights for the ISL 2026–27 and 2027–28 seasons source 1. This deal resolves months of media distribution uncertainty following the 2025–26 season, which saw a split between FanCode for streaming and Sony for television source 2.

The agreement provides the league with stability as it transitions to a club-led commercial model, where clubs now hold greater control over revenue-generating activities while the All India Football Federation (AIFF) maintains regulatory oversight source 2.

How to Watch: TV, OTT, and Global Streaming

Fans in India can access the matches through a multi-platform approach. The broadcast distribution is planned as follows:

• Television: Live matches will be aired on Sony Sports Network’s linear channels across the Indian subcontinent.
• Domestic Streaming: All matches will be streamed via the SonyLIV OTT platform.
• Global Access: YouTube is expected to provide online access to matches for audiences outside India source 2.

ISL 2026-27 Season Kick-off and Branding

The new season, now branded as the MG Indian Super League due to a title sponsorship deal with JSW MG Motor India, is scheduled to begin on October 10, 2026 source 1. The opening match will feature Bengaluru FC hosting the newly promoted Sporting Club Delhi at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru.

The first phase of the season will consist of 78 matches, running through January 17, 2027, returning the league to a full home-and-away format source 2.

Key Details at a Glance

Detail	Information
Broadcaster	Sony Sports Network
Streaming Partner	SonyLIV (India), YouTube (Global)
Season Duration	2026–27 and 2027–28
Opening Match	Bengaluru FC vs Sporting Club Delhi (Oct 10, 2026)
League Name	MG Indian Super League

While the partnership is confirmed, specific financial terms, channel allocations, and language feed details have not yet been publicly disclosed by the network or the league source 2.