- Quras will compete in eight teams
- Focus on defending champions East Bengal
- Emphasis on the development of women's football
The 2026-27 season of the Indian Women's League (IWL), India's premier women's club football competition, will begin on November 13. In this season, 8 teams will compete for the title and the matches will be played in Kolkata, Jamshedpur and Bangalore.
This season is considered to be important for the development of women's club football in India. The league is working to provide a competitive platform to the talented women footballers of the country.
Rangaran Churas in 8 teams
Six teams from the previous season will participate in this season. They include East Bengal FC, Setu FC, Kickstart FC, Neeta Football Academy, Gokulam Kerala FC and Garhwal United FC. In addition, Hopes FC and Juba Sangh FC, who were promoted after finishing first and second respectively in the 2025-26 season of IWL 2, will also play this year.
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Focus on defending champions East Bengal
Defending champions East Bengal FC will enter the field with the determination to retain the title this year as well. Last season, the team had a strong performance with 13 wins. They had only one loss to face.
On an individual note, East Bengal FC's Fajila Equaput was the top scorer last season with 20 goals. Pary Jaxa of Neeta Football Academy and Linda Kom of Setu FC also impressed with their aggressive play.
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Emphasis on the development of women's football
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Capri Sports have a 15-year partnership for the commercial development and marketing rights of IWL and IWL 2. Through this collaboration, the emphasis is on providing more opportunities and platforms for Indian women's football.
AIFF Deputy General Secretary M. Satyanarayana said that the Indian Women's League is an important pillar for the development of women's football in India. The eight-team competition will give players from across the country a chance to make their mark at the national level.
IWL 2 also provides a pathway for clubs and players to move up the domestic football structure. He also expressed hope that the upcoming season will be exciting.