9 November: NorthEast United FC owner and Bollywood actor John Abraham believes the MG Indian Super League’s growing digital viewership is proof that India has an appetite for domestic football, and he expects stadium crowds to follow.
The league is in its fifth week of games. Abraham was at NorthEast United’s 2-0 win over Churchill Brothers in Goa on Thursday, and spoke about the numbers the league has posted on YouTube.
65 million views in the opening week
The MG Indian Super League recorded 65 million views and reached 52 million viewers across its first five matches in the opening week of the 2026-27 season.
“I’ve been watching all the games, and it’s been a lot of fun. The ratings on YouTube are shattering records, and that just shows that India is ready for football,” Abraham said.
“We’re ready for Indian football, and I’m very excited. It’s only a matter of time, and I’m saying this as a prophecy – the stands are going to be full. The stands are going to fill up completely. So, all credit to all of us who are partaking in this process.”
A 13-club league
The ISL, India’s top-tier professional football league, features 13 clubs: Bengaluru FC, Chennaiyin FC, Churchill Brothers FC, East Bengal FC, FC Goa, Inter Kashi FC, Kerala Blasters FC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Mumbai City FC, NorthEast United FC, Odisha FC, Punjab FC and Sporting Club Delhi.
Abraham’s comments reflect a wider hope among clubs, players and supporters that Indian football can become a mainstream spectacle with packed stadiums.
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