Indian Women's League 2026-27 Season Launches with East Bengal vs Gokulam Kerala Showdown
Kickoff of the IWL 2026-27 Season
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], November 12: The Indian Women's League (IWL) is set to commence its 10th season on November 13, marking a significant return for the country's premier women's football tournament. The opening match will feature the two-time defending champions, East Bengal FC, facing off against the three-time champions, Gokulam Kerala FC, at Kalyani Stadium in Kolkata, starting at 7:00 PM IST.
Prior to the inaugural match, a press conference took place in Kolkata, gathering key figures, prominent players, and team representatives to celebrate the launch of the Lxme IWL 2026-27 season. Notable attendees included East Bengal FC's Sulanjana Raul and Head Coach Anthony Andrews, Gokulam Kerala FC's captain Baby Lalchhandami and Assistant Coach Priyanka Kangralkar, along with representatives from Kickstart FC and Sethu FC.
This season will showcase eight clubs competing in a total of 56 matches, providing a robust platform for the advancement of women's football in India. A pivotal moment for the league comes with Capri Sports' groundbreaking 15-year partnership with the All India Football Federation (AIFF), aimed at enhancing the commercial development and marketing of the Lxme IWL and IWL 2. Additionally, Lxme has become the league's inaugural Title Sponsor, marking a significant step forward in the commercial evolution of women's football in the country.
This partnership signifies increasing brand confidence in women's sports and is anticipated to enhance visibility and commercial backing for the league. With a long-term vision to cultivate audiences, elevate club and player visibility, and attract more commercial investments, the collaboration seeks to fortify the foundations of women's football in India.
Ahead of the season opener, Gokulam Kerala FC's Captain Baby Lalchhandam expressed, "Facing East Bengal in our first match, we are aware of their strengths and weaknesses. We have trained effectively to exploit their weaknesses. We are excited for the challenge ahead." She further noted, "Women's football is experiencing tremendous growth, making it an ideal time for aspiring young female players to embark on their professional journeys. The quality of football in the IWL is set to improve, which will also benefit Indian football overall."
East Bengal FC's Head Coach Anthony Andrews shared his insights at the pre-season press conference, stating, "I want to express my gratitude to Capri Sports for organizing this fantastic event. Our team's success hinges on our core strength and the mindset we've instilled in our players. We aim to defend our title with determination this season."
Apurv Gupta, Director of Football at Capri Sports, remarked, "The journey has been remarkable, and we are thrilled with the preparations for the new season. The enthusiasm and dedication from all parties involved have been inspiring, reflecting the growing support for women's football in India. These partnerships have established a solid foundation for future growth. With teams ready to compete, we anticipate an exciting season filled with competitive matches and outstanding performances from the players."
As the season kicks off with the highly anticipated match between East Bengal FC and Gokulam Kerala FC, the 2026-27 season aims to shine a spotlight on the talent, competition, and potential of women's football in India, striving to expand its reach and attract new audiences.