Bengal Super League
The Bengal Super League is a professional football league in the Indian state of West Bengal, organized by the Indian Football Association. Established in July 2025, the league features district-based franchise teams and is aimed at developing grassroots football, creating a structured pathway for district talents, professionalizing the sport in Bengal, establishing a feeder system for national leagues, and boosting infrastructure, fan engagement, and commercial investment in rural ecosystems.
History
The league was officially launched on 8 July 2025 at the Great Eastern Hotel, by the Indian Football Association in association with sports management company Shrachi Sports, under a ten-year agreement between the two organizations. In October 2025, the BSL announced Lothar Matthäus as the league ambassador.
Format
The BSL follows a model similar to the ISL. Eight teams representing different districts were announced for the inaugural season. Each team is allowed a 25-member squad. The competition features a total of 61 matches, including double round-robin fixtures, semifinals, and a final. Each team builds its squad through a player draft system. Teams are required to field at least seven state-grown players, including U-19 footballers, in their playing XI. Only two foreign players and two national-level outstation players are permitted in each team.
Teams
Broadcasting
The league announced broadcast deal with Zee, including digital streaming on ZEE5.