THE AIFF AND STAR Cement signed a deal on Wednesday for the latter to come on board as title sponsor for the Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 season.
The partnership will see Star Cement integrated across IFL’s branding and promotional activities throughout the season. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Star Cement, the pioneer cement brand of Northeast India and a rapidly growing brand across India, has built a reputation for reliability, strength, and resilience in the infrastructure sector, an official release states. The company has consistently aligned its brand identity with sport, supporting athletes and sporting initiatives as part of its broader vision of promoting excellence, determination, and community engagement.
Speaking on the occasion, Star Cement chief operating officer Pradeep Purohit said: “As a leading corporate house from the Northeast, Star Cement has always believed in supporting platforms that reflect strength, resilience, and community spirit. Sport has been an important part of our brand philosophy, and through initiatives such as our ‘Har Ghar Mein Star’ campaign we have consistently associated with athletes and sporting personalities. Our association with the Indian Football League brings strong synergy between our brand values and the vision of the league. We are happy and privileged to come on board as the title sponsor and look forward to a meaningful and long-term association with AIFF and the league.”
AIFF deputy secretary general M. Satyanarayan opined: “This partnership with Star Cement represents an important milestone for the Indian Football League. As we work to strengthen the structure and commercial sustainability of the competition, such collaborations provide the support needed to take the league forward. We believe this association will play a valuable role in elevating the profile of the competition and supporting the continued growth of football in India.”
Larsing Ming Sawyan, member, League Managing Committee, and owner, Shillong Lajong FC, added, “Star Cement coming on board as the title sponsor is a big breakthrough for the Indian Football League. Now, with a title sponsor associating with the IFL, it is our hope that the league will grow from strength to strength each season. I take this opportunity to thank Star Cement, which has roots in the North-east, on behalf of the entire league for taking this magnanimous step in coming forward to support Indian football.”
The IFL, formerly known as the I-League, is currently underway in its new identity following the rebranding for the 2025-26 season. The competition features 10 clubs and a new two-stage format, with the campaign having kicked off on February 27, 2026. Teams are competing in a home-and-away round-robin league stage before the table splits into championship and relegation rounds, with promotion to the top tier Indian Super League at stake.
