### Indian Super League Set for Valentine's Day Kickoff After Government Intervention The Indian Super League (ISL) is poised to make a significant comeback on February 14, 2026, following a resolution of a prolonged commercial deadlock that had left the league in limbo for nearly six months. Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya played a pivotal role in this development, announcing the establishment of a ₹25 crore central pool by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to ensure financial stability for the league. This intervention guarantees that all 14 clubs will participate in a total of 91 matches, marking a crucial moment for Indian football's premier league [https://www.aryanage.com/article/24352/indian-football’s-‘valentine’s-day’-comeback-mandaviya-resolves-deadlock-as-isl, https://www.etnownews.com/sports/isl-2025-26-indian-super-league-to-start-from-feb-14-14-teams-to-play-91-games-article-153408132]. ### Structure of the ISL's Return and Its Implications 1. **Announcement and Resolution**: - The ISL's return was confirmed by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, ending a six-month crisis due to the absence of a commercial partner [https://www.therightnews.in/2026/01/07/indian-super-league-to-start-on-february-14-with-all-14-clubs]. 2. **Financial Stability**: - A central pool of ₹25 crore has been established to support the league financially, ensuring that all clubs can compete without financial strain [https://www.rediff.com/sports/report/big-boost-for-indian-football-isl-returns-on-feb-14/20260106.htm]. 3. **Match Format and Participation**: - The league will feature 91 matches played in a home-and-away format, with all 14 clubs participating, which is a significant increase in engagement compared to previous seasons [https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/football/isl-2205-26-indian-super-league-start-date-confirmed-all-14-clubs-to-participate-as-government-takes-onus-article-153405955]. 4. **Future of Indian Football**: - The resolution of the deadlock not only revives the ISL but also sets a precedent for the future of Indian football, with plans for the I-League and lower divisions being discussed [https://www.outlookindia.com/sports/football/indian-super-league-2025-26-starting-date-february-14-sports-minister-mansukh-mandaviya]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Key Metrics**: - **Start Date**: February 14, 2026 - **Number of Teams**: 14 - **Total Matches**: 91 - **Financial Pool**: ₹25 crore established for league stability This data highlights the scale and significance of the ISL's return, emphasizing the government's commitment to reviving Indian football [https://www.moneycontrol.com/sports/isl-to-start-february-14-all-clubs-to-participate-sports-minister-article-13760022.html]. ### Conclusion: A New Dawn for Indian Football In summary, the Indian Super League's return on February 14, 2026, marks a pivotal moment for Indian football, driven by government intervention and financial backing. The key points are: 1. **Government Intervention**: The resolution of the commercial deadlock by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has paved the way for the league's revival. 2. **Financial Support**: The establishment of a ₹25 crore central pool ensures that all clubs can participate without financial concerns. 3. **Increased Engagement**: With 91 matches scheduled, the league promises to engage fans and players alike, enhancing the overall football culture in India. 4. **Future Prospects**: The successful restart of the ISL could lead to further developments in Indian football, including the I-League and lower divisions. This comprehensive overview underscores the importance of the ISL's return and its potential impact on the future of football in India [https://www.indianexpress.com/article/sports/football/impasse-ends-in-indian-football-isl-to-start-in-14th-feb-10458598].