Kolkata, November 12, 2026: The stage is set for the return of India’s premier women’s football competition. The Lxme Indian Women’s League (Lxme IWL) 2026–27 season kicks off its 10th edition on November 13. First, two-time defending champions East Bengal FC will take on three-time champions Gokulam Kerala FC. The match starts at 7:00 PM IST at Kalyani Stadium, Kolkata. As a result, another exciting chapter for women’s football in India begins.
Lxme IWL 2026–27 Season Launch in Kolkata
Ahead of the opening fixture, the organisers held a press conference in Kolkata on Thursday. In fact, the event brought together key stakeholders, marquee players and team representatives.
Several key figures attended the launch. For instance, these included East Bengal FC’s Sulanjana Raul and Head Coach Anthony Andrews. Gokulam Kerala FC’s captain Baby Lalchhandami and Assistant Coach Priyanka Kangralkar also attended. In addition, Kickstart FC’s Aruna Bag and Founder, CEO and Director Laxman Bhattarai joined them. Finally, Sethu FC’s captain Malavika Prasad and Head Coach Kali Alaudeen took part.
This season, eight clubs will compete across 56 matches. Therefore, the new edition offers a competitive platform for the growth of women’s football in India.
Lxme Comes On Board as First-Ever Title Sponsor
The season also marks an important phase in the league’s development. Recently, Capri Sports signed a landmark 15-year partnership with the All India Football Federation (AIFF). Under this deal, Capri Sports will lead the commercial development and marketing of Lxme IWL and IWL 2.
Adding to this momentum, Lxme has come on board as the league’s first-ever Title Sponsor. Indeed, this marks a significant milestone in the commercial growth of women’s football in India. Moreover, the deal reflects growing brand confidence in the women’s game. It should also bring greater visibility and commercial support to the league.
Above all, the partnership has a long-term focus. For example, it aims to build audiences and increase visibility for clubs and players. It also hopes to attract greater commercial investment. Ultimately, the goal is to strengthen the foundations of women’s football in the country.
What the Players and Coaches Said
Speaking ahead of the new season, Baby Lalchhandami, Captain, Gokulam Kerala FC said: “We play East Bengal in the first game and we know their strengths and weaknesses. We know that we have trained well enough to use their weaknesses as our strength. So, we’re looking forward to the contest.”
Further elaborating on how the Lxme IWL would help women’s football in India, she added: “Women’s football is growing so much right now and I think it is the perfect time for young girls who aspire to play to begin their professional journey. I think the level of football in the IWL will only go up from here and it will also improve Indian football.”
Sharing his thoughts at the pre-season press conference, Anthony Andrews, Head Coach, East Bengal FC stated: “I want to take this opportunity to thank Capri Sports for organizing this wonderful event. The key for our success as a team is the core we have and the mindset that we’ve inculcated in the players. We’ll be ruthless and our aim is to defend our title in great style this season.”
Apurv Gupta, Director, Football, Capri Sports, said: “It has been an incredible journey so far, and we are delighted with the way things have come together ahead of the new season. From welcoming some fantastic partners on board to seeing the enthusiasm and commitment of everyone involved, it has been encouraging to witness the growing support for women’s football in India. These associations have laid a strong foundation for what we hope to build in the years ahead. With the teams now ready to take the field, we look forward to an exciting season of competitive football and some memorable performances from the players.”
How to Watch Lxme IWL 2026–27 Live
East Bengal FC and Gokulam Kerala FC open the campaign with a marquee clash. Consequently, the 2026–27 season brings renewed attention to the talent and potential of women’s football in India. Meanwhile, the league looks to build on its growing profile and reach new audiences.
All 56 matches of the Lxme IWL 2026–27 season will stream live on YouTube. So, football fans across the country can follow every moment of the action. Fans can watch each match on the league’s official Lxme IWL YouTube Channel.
For more women’s football news, read how India qualified for the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup 2027.
Lxme IWL 2026–27 Squad Lists
East Bengal FC
Elangbam Panthoi Chanu, Sarangthem Khambi Chanu, Mamani Das, Pratima Bagdi, Sikha Saren, Loitongbam Ashalata Devi, Astam Oraon, Sarita Yumnam, Toijam Thoibisana Chanu, Sushmita Lepcha, Supriya Kispotta, Rubina Khatun, Bandana Roy, Sathi Debnath, Deblina Bhattacharjee, Hemam Shilky Devi, Riya Duley, Birsi Oraon, Kayenpaibam Anju Chanu, Guguloth Soumya, Sandhya Maity, Sulanjana Raul, Pritika Barman, Shrabani Murmu, Rimpa Haldar, Naorem Priyangka Devi
Gokulam Kerala FC
Shreya Hooda, Sowmiya N, Laya Balasubramanian, Arifa Zaheer Sayed, Baby Lalchhandami Ralte, Phoeby Okech Owiti, TH Sahena, Shubhangi Singh, Theertha Lakshmi E, Trisha Mallick, Greeshma M P, Chingakham Alina, Lourembam Menaka Devi, Renu, Priyanka Kashyap, Arathy P M, Remi Thokchom, Mousumi Murmu, Priyasa Sarkar, Vanessa Mbinho Chikupila, Priyadharshini, Amisha Baxla, Shilji Shaji, Djafari Asha
BBFS Garhwal United Football Club
Jyotsna Bara, Ribansi Jamu, Sharubam Anika Devi, Yumlembam Pakpi Devi, Catherine Arthur, Heirangkhongjam Linda Chanu, Ernestina Tetteh, Fragrancy Riwan, Khumukcham Sanamija Chanu, Jyoti, Alka Indwar, Deepika Pal, Bonifilia Shullai, Sanfida Nongrum, Harmeen Kaur, Poonam S, Aarti, Esther Tingjoukim Haokip, Elizabeth Danso, Lhingdeikim Kipgen, Monisha Singha, Anita Dungdung, Nidhi, Shruti Kumari, Bobita Pachi
HOPS Football Club
Khushi, Manisha, Shruti Jadaun, Nandani Kumari, Tamanna, Heena Khatun, Shivani Toppo, Sapna, Sonia, Ritu, Samiksha, Muskan, Himanshi, Khushbu, Elijabed Ekka, Khushbu Linda, Mamta, Santosh, Shailja, Vunglawmching, Shveta Rani, Pooja, Reena Kumari, Saloni, Shekha Kumari, Sabra Khatun
Juba Sangha FC
Manisha, Preeti, Soniya, Samaira Sharma, Kavita, Ritu Devi, Poonam, Naina, Sneha, Kusum, Samiksha, Vandana, Varsha, Kanchan Rawat, Kiran, Asha, Komal, Khushbu, Nidhu, Vipanshi, Nisha, Manisha, Nitu, Gayatri Devi, Laxmi, Khushi, Rekha, Soniya, Lavanya Shukla, Shinu
Kickstart FC Karnataka
Maibam Linthoingambi Devi, Adrija Sarkhel, Aiswarya Arumugam, Wangkhem Linthoingambi Devi, Thingbaijam Sanjita Devi, Afreen Peerbhoy, Nimita Gurung, Abhista Basnett, Aruna Bag, Payel Layek, Julan Nongmaithem, Ipham Romina Begum, Monalisha Marandi, Konthoujam Daina Devi, Manasa K, Nameirakpam Arina Devi, Karishma Purushottam Shirvoikar, Oinam Babita Devi, Laishram Naotombi Devi, Ningthoujam Olivia Chanu, Janvi Sahu, Anushka Kumari, Dharshini Devi R, Longjam Nira Chanu, Ngashepam Pinku Devi
Nita Football Academy
Moirangthem Monalisha Devi, Sakro Hembram, Susmita Pun, Joyce Asamoah, Elizabed Lakra, Pratima Bangal, Viksit Bara, K. Ngopawdi, Ritu Badaik, Khundongbam Ambalika, Khumukcham Bhumika Devi, Cindy Remruatpuii Colney, Tamanna Sillay, Ipshita Rout, Abigail Amorh, Lipi Kishan, Thandamoni Baskey, Neha, Kadidja Ibrahim Teme, Rukmani Murmu, Nongmeikapam Sibani Devi, Shikha Malik
Sethu, Madurai
Nandini, Munni, Hempriya Seram, Purnima Kumari, Phanjoubam Nirmala Devi, Dhurga Perumal, T Hoshika, Thokchom Martina, Shaikh Naaz Jahirabbas, Barot Bhartiben Chhaganbhai, Emmanuella Adzi, Sangita Basfore, Lisham Babina Devi, Grace H Lalrampari, Lhingneilam Kipgen, Musken Subba, Thingbaijam Babysana Devi, Rivka Ramji, Juanita Aguadze, Shubhangi Subba, Sushmita Jadhav, Serto Lynda Kom, Anwita Raghuraman, Malavika P, Sumati Kumari, Yumlam Lali, Pushpa Parab, Sandhiya, Apurna Narzary, Victoire Biatholi Maimouna
