New Delhi, November 13, 2026: The Indian Football League (IFL) announced on Friday that Star Cement will continue as the Title Sponsor of the for the full 2026-27 season, after the two parties signed the new agreement. The competition will now be known as the Star Cement Indian Football League 2026-27.
Star Cement, the pioneer cement brand of Northeast India and a fast-growing brand across the country, has earned a reputation in the infrastructure sector for reliability, strength and resilience. The company has consistently linked its brand identity with sport, backing athletes and sporting initiatives as part of a wider vision of promoting excellence, determination and community engagement.
Mr. Nildeep Mondal, Chief Executive Officer, Indian Football League, said, “Star Cement’s decision to continue as our title sponsor is a strong vote of confidence in the Indian Football League. They backed the league in its first season under a new identity, and we are delighted to carry that partnership into a full home-and-away campaign. With new clubs, new venues and wider broadcast reach this season, the league is growing in every direction, and it means a great deal to have a partner who shares our ambition for Indian football. We thank Star Cement for their continued support and look forward to building on what we started together last season.”
Mr. Pradeep Purohit, Chief Operating Officer, Star Cement, “Our continued partnership with the Indian Football League reflects our belief in the potential of Indian football and the importance of sustained support for its growth. With our roots in the Northeast, we share a special connection with the passion the game inspires. The IFL brings that passion to a national stage, giving clubs and players across the country a platform to earn recognition and inspire young talent. We are proud to continue as title sponsor and look forward to supporting the league as it reaches more communities and builds a stronger future for Indian football.”
The renewal extends a partnership that began on March 11, 2026, when the AIFF and Star Cement signed a deal for the 2025-26 season. That campaign was the league’s first since its rebranding from the I-League, and Star Cement became the first title sponsor of the competition under its new identity.
The first season of the partnership was a productive one for the league, with viewership for the IFL four times higher than in the 2024-25 season. Under the renewed agreement, Star Cement will again be integrated across the league’s branding and promotional activities throughout the season.
Member, League Managing Committee and Owner of Shillong Lajong FC, Mr. Larsing Ming Sawyan said, “Star Cement came on board when the Indian Football League was taking its first steps under a new identity, and their decision to continue as title sponsor shows real faith in where the league is heading. Last season gave us a glimpse of what is possible, and with a full home-and-away campaign, new clubs and new venues this time, we are confident the league will keep growing from strength to strength. On behalf of the entire league, I would like to thank Star Cement for standing by Indian football and continuing this journey with us.”
The Star Cement Indian Football League 2026-27 kicked off on October 30, when Real Kashmir FC hosted debutants Nagaland United SC at the TRC Stadium in Srinagar. Eleven clubs are competing in a full home-and-away round-robin format, with each side playing 20 matches before the season concludes on March 20, 2027.
The new season has also broadened the league’s reach. Nagaland United SC and Samaleswari Sporting Club have joined as new entrants, while Nagaland and Odisha have been added as host venues, taking IFL football to new audiences in the Northeast and eastern India.
Every match is being telecast live on DD Sports, with selected fixtures also shown on Unite8 Sports. All matches are streamed live on Z5, WAVES and the official Unite8 Sports YouTube channel.
