ISL 2026 Kicks Off: New Signings, Major Exits, Truncated Season & Financial Shifts

• ISL 2026 season begins February 14 with 14 teams, including newly promoted Inter Kashi, after AIFF intervention.
• Season features a truncated format with 91 matches, each team playing 13 games; no playoffs this year.
• Significant financial changes include a drastic drop in media rights value and a reduced prize pool of Rs 5 crore.
• Several clubs, including FC Goa and Bengaluru FC, implemented salary cuts due to financial pressures.
• Mohun Bagan Super Giant faces Kerala Blasters in the opening match at Salt Lake Stadium.