Values of ISL clubs. The Indian Super League (ISL) was established in 2013 and has quickly grown to become one of the most-watched soccer leagues in Asia. After a decade of rapid expansion and investment, some clubs have emerged as the most financially powerful in the competition. Here is a closer look at the top 12 most valuable ISL clubs based on their estimated market value.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant – €7.70m
Mohun Bagan Super Giant tops the list at €7.70 million. Based in Kolkata, Mohun Bagan are one of India’s oldest and most successful clubs, having won multiple I-League titles before the inception of the ISL. Their huge fanbase and heritage value has enabled them to attract major sponsorship from Peerless, Greenply and others.
Their immense heritage and history of success spanning over 130 years has enabled Mohun Bagan to cultivate an unrivaled fanbase across West Bengal and the country. Numbering in the millions, their passionate supporters known as Mariners fill the 80,000 capacity Salt Lake Stadium for every home match. Mohun Bagan’s commercial appeal is unmatched, attracting major sponsorship from companies like Peerless, Greenply, and Tata Motors. As the most supported club in East India, Mohun Bagan’s brand value and heritage ensures they remain the most valuable ISL franchise.
Kerala Blasters FC – €6.08m
In second are Kerala Blasters FC at €6.08 million. Owned by Kerala businessman Nikhil Bharadwaj, the Blasters have developed a passionate following across Kerala since joining the ISL in 2014. Their brand partnerships with Vodafone, Coca-Cola and Titan have grown significantly.
Mumbai City FC – €5.70m
Mumbai City FC are valued at €5.70 million. Backed by City Football Group owners of Manchester City, Mumbai City have emerged as one of the strongest financially and in player recruitment. Their affiliation with the City Football Group global network has accelerated their rise.
Hyderabad FC – €4.93m
Hyderabad FC are valued at €4.93 million. They have developed into one of the most consistent teams on the field under manager Manolo Marquez. Their youth academy has also produced talents like Akash Mishra. Commercial deals with Trident Group, Adani Group and others fuel their continued rise.
Bengaluru FC – €4.55m
Bengaluru FC – Valued at €4.55 million, Bengaluru FC have established themselves as one of the most successful Indian clubs of the modern era. Based in Bengaluru, the Blues as they are known have won the National I-League a record three times and been ISL finalists on multiple occasions. Their strong fanbase known as West Block Blues numbers over 20,000 per home match, creating an intimidating atmosphere. Bengaluru operate their own youth academy and state-of-the-art training facilities that have produced Indian talents like Sunil Chhetri and Ashique Kuruniyan. Commercial partners include JSW Sports, Mysore Paints, and BeerBuddy.
Odisha FC – €4.38m
Odisha FC – Valued at €4.38 million, Odisha are one of the newer franchises joining the ISL in 2019. Based in Bhubaneswar, the Juggernauts are backed by mining giant Odisha Mining Corporation and have invested heavily in infrastructure like their Kalinga Stadium with a 25,000 capacity. Their new youth academy and training center aims to develop local talents from across Odisha. On the pitch, big-name foreign signings like Jonathas have attracted more fans. Commercial deals with Bharat Petroleum and Tata Steel are growing each season.
NorthEast United FC – €4.23 m
Northeast United FC – Valued at €4.23 million, the Highlanders as they are known have developed a loyal fanbase across India’s northeastern states since joining the ISL in 2018. Their home base in Guwahati sees passionate sold-out crowds at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium. Northeast operate their own youth academy and have produced talents like India international Ashutosh Mehta. Commercial partners include DHL, Hero MotoCorp, and Star Health. On the pitch, they have reached the semifinals multiple times under coach Eelco Schattorie.
Chennaiyin FC – €3.80m
Chennaiyin FC – Valued at €3.80 million, Chennaiyin are one of the most supported franchises in South India. Based in Chennai, the Marina Machans as they are known have won the ISL twice to date. Their self-owned training center has produced talents like India captain Anirudh Thapa. Commercial partners include Vie Hotel, Muthoottu Mini Financers, and Croma. On the pitch, Chennaiyin have qualified for the playoffs consistently under coaches like Owen Coyle and Bozidar Bandovic.
Jamshedpur FC – €3.80m
Jamshedpur FC – Valued at €3.80 million, Jamshedpur are backed by mining giant Tata Steel and based in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. Their home matches see strong crowds at the JRD Tata Sports Complex. Jamshedpur have invested in youth development and operate their own academy. Commercial partners include Tata AIG General Insurance and Tata Motors Finance. On the pitch, they have qualified for the playoffs multiple times under coaches like Cesar Ferrando and Owen Coyle.
NorthEast United FC – €3.68 m
NorthEast United FC – Valued at €3.68 million, the Highlanders have a loyal fanbase across India’s northeast as mentioned earlier. Their home matches see passionate crowds in Guwahati. NorthEast focus on youth development and scouting local talents. Commercial partners include DHL, Hero MotoCorp, and Star Health. On the pitch, they have reached the semifinals under coaches like Eelco Schattorie.
As the ISL competes for viewership and status with the I-League, investment and club valuations are projected to continue growing rapidly. The emergence of financial powerhouses like Mumbai City and Mohun Bagan has raised the bar, ensuring the top clubs will drive higher revenues and professionalism over the next decade of Indian soccer’s development.
