Indian Women's League 2026-27 Season Kicks Off with Exciting Matchup
Exciting Start to the Indian Women's League
The highly anticipated Indian Women's League (IWL) is set to commence its 10th season on November 13, 2026-27, in Kolkata, West Bengal. This year’s opening match will feature the two-time champions, East Bengal FC, facing off against the three-time titleholders, Gokulam Kerala FC, at Kalyani Stadium, starting at 7:00 PM IST.
Prior to the inaugural game, a press conference took place in Kolkata, gathering key figures from the league, including prominent players and team representatives, to celebrate the launch of the Lxme IWL 2026-27 season.
Notable attendees included Sulanjana Raul and Head Coach Anthony Andrews from East Bengal FC, Captain Baby Lalchhandami and Assistant Coach Priyanka Kangralkar from Gokulam Kerala FC, as well as 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.
This season also signifies a pivotal moment in the league's evolution, following a significant 15-year partnership between Capri Sports and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) aimed at enhancing the commercial and marketing aspects of the IWL. Lxme has joined as the league's inaugural Title Sponsor, marking a crucial step in the commercial development of women's football in the country.
This partnership is expected to boost visibility and commercial backing for the league, with a focus on expanding audiences, enhancing club and player profiles, and attracting more investment into women's football.
Captain Baby Lalchhandami of Gokulam Kerala FC expressed her excitement for the upcoming match against East Bengal, stating, “We are aware of their strengths and weaknesses. We have trained well to exploit their weaknesses, and we are eager for the challenge.”
She further emphasized the growth of women's football in India, noting, “This is an ideal time for young girls aspiring to play professionally. The standard of football in the IWL is set to rise, which will also elevate Indian football overall.”
East Bengal FC's Head Coach, Anthony Andrews, shared his gratitude towards Capri Sports for organizing the event, highlighting the team's strong core and mindset as keys to their success. “We aim to defend our title with style this season,” he stated.
Apurv Gupta, Director of Football at Capri Sports, remarked on the encouraging journey leading up to the new season, praising the enthusiasm and commitment shown by all involved. He expressed optimism for an exciting season filled with competitive matches and outstanding performances.
With the highly anticipated match between East Bengal FC and Gokulam Kerala FC set to kick off the season, the 2026-27 IWL promises to shine a spotlight on the talent and potential within women's football in India, aiming to broaden its reach and appeal.