The Indian Super League (ISL), India’s top-tier professional football competition, has appointed Karan Yadav as its first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) under a new club-led management structure. The appointment was announced on September 21, 2026, marking a new phase in the league’s administration and commercial operations. Yadav brings nearly two decades of experience across sports, media, marketing, sponsorships and business strategy. Before joining the ISL, he served as Chief Commercial Officer at JSW Sports, where he managed business operations spanning sports franchises, athlete management and brand consulting. He also contributed to the commercial strategy for Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra and the launch of the Neeraj Chopra Classic in 2025. As CEO, Yadav will lead the ISL’s League Office and oversee its strategic and commercial development. He will work closely with the league’s clubs and the All India Football Federation (AIFF), focusing on strengthening partnerships with broadcasters and sponsors, improving fan engagement and supporting the long-term growth of Indian football. Under the new club-led model, participating clubs will have a greater role in the league’s commercial direction, while the AIFF will retain administrative oversight. Yadav’s appointment is expected to help coordinate these efforts and build a more sustainable structure for the competition.