SPORTS MANAGEMENT

Introduction:
The Indian Super League (ISL) is a professional football league in India.
It was founded in 2013 with the aim of increasing the popularity of
football in the country and improving the standard of Indian football.
The league is organized by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) in
collaboration with the IMG-Reliance joint venture. Over the years, the
league has grown in size and popularity, attracting international players
and coaches, and becoming a major force in Indian football.

Size of Business:
The ISL has become a significant contributor to the Indian sports
industry. According to a report by Duff & Phelps, the brand value of the
ISL has grown by 15.8% in the 2019-20 season to reach INR 1,284 crore
($182 million). The league has also been successful in attracting major
sponsors, including Hero MotoCorp, which has been the title sponsor of
the league since its inception. Other major sponsors include DHL, Puma,
and Maruti Suzuki.

Formats:
The league currently consists of 11 teams, each playing 20 league
matches, followed by playoffs to determine the champions. The league
also has a salary cap, player draft, and a minimum number of Indian
players in each team to encourage the development of local talent. The
league has also experimented with different formats in the past,
including a shorter league format and a knockout cup competition.

History:
The ISL was founded in 2013, and the inaugural season was held in
2014 with eight teams. The league was initially promoted as a
franchise-based model, with teams being owned by prominent business
figures, Bollywood celebrities, and cricketers. The league aimed to
provide a platform for Indian players to play alongside international
stars and improve their skills.

Growth Plans:
The ISL has ambitious plans for growth, with the league aiming to
expand to 14 teams in the coming years. The league has also expressed
its interest in hosting international matches and becoming a major
force in Asian football. The league is also investing in grassroots
development and has launched several initiatives to promote football
at the grassroots level.

Global Comparison:
The ISL is still relatively young compared to other football leagues
around the world, but it has made significant progress in a short period.
The league has attracted international players and coaches, and several
prominent football figures, including David Beckham and Cristiano
Ronaldo, have expressed their interest in investing in the league.
However, the league still has a long way to go to match the standards
of other top leagues around the world.

Career Opportunities:
The growth of the ISL has also created several career opportunities for
professionals in the sports industry. The league requires a range of
professionals, including coaches, players, administrators, marketers,
and media personnel. The league also provides a platform for young
Indian players to showcase their skills and attract the attention of
international clubs.

Conclusion:
The ISL has made significant progress in promoting football in India and
providing a platform for Indian players to improve their skills. The
league has attracted international players and coaches, and has
ambitious plans for growth. The league has also created several career
opportunities in the sports industry, and has the potential to become a
major force in Asian football in the coming years.