The Indian Football League, formerly known as the I-League, has earned a big broadcast boost for the next season, which is set to begin on February 27, with Doordarshan as its official broadcast partner and WAVES as its streaming partner.
The cooperation is a deliberate step toward broadening the league’s reach to both traditional television audiences and digital realm fans. With Doordarshan’s huge terrestrial network across India, the league expects to reach a larger audience of football enthusiasts, particularly in regions where free-to-air coverage is critical for the sport’s accessibility and growth.
On the digital front, WAVES will offer live streaming coverage, allowing fans to follow the action from several platforms. The move is consistent with Indian sports consumers’ shifting consumption patterns, as mobile-first and OTT viewing continues to climb significantly.
AIFF Deputy Secretary Mr. M. Satyanarayan, said, “We are happy to state that the IFL season is kicking off, and we have Doordarshan as the broadcast partners for the league. Last season, the title race went right down to the final day, and we hope this year, it will be just as exciting. The Indian Football League has its own distinct charm, and we are confident it will live up to expectations once again. We believe the overall quality of the league will be strong, and fans can look forward to a highly competitive season.”
The rebuilt Indian Football League, which is the second-tier tournament in the country’s football pyramid, is critical in developing homegrown talent and providing teams with a competitive road to the top level. By expanding its broadcast and streaming coverage, the league hopes to increase awareness for teams, players, and commercial interests.
This dual-platform strategy is designed to increase fan engagement, sponsor value, and overall financial viability, bolstering the league’s standing in India’s football landscape.
The IFL 2025-26 season will begin on Friday with Namdhari FC taking on Aizawl FC in Ludhiana at 16:00 IST, followed by the second match of the day between newly promoted Chanmari FC and previous champions Gokulam Kerala FC in Aizawal at 18:30 IST.
