North East Premier League (India)
| Organising body | North East Football Development Council Bestserv Inc. |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2026 |
| Country | India |
| Region | Northeast India |
The North East Premier League (NEPL) is a regional professional football league in Northeast India, officially introduced in January 2026. The league has been conceived as a long-term competition aimed at strengthening football development, sustainability, opportunities for players and stakeholders, and helping state associations move towards financial self-sufficiency, across the eight states.[1][2][3]
History
The North East Premier League was formally unveiled on 20 January 2026 at a press conference held in Guwahati. The league was established through a deed of contract signed between the North East Football Development Council (NEFDC), representing the eight state football associations of the region, and Japanese firm Bestserv Inc., under a ten-year agreement.
Objectives
According to league officials, the NEPL is envisioned as a structured and stable competition that prioritises long-term growth. The league seeks to provide regular competitive football, enhance fan engagement, and contribute to the overall development of football infrastructure and administration in the region.
Format
Initial reports indicate that the league may feature a franchise-based structure and matches hosted across multiple regional venues during its first season.[4]
See also
- Football in India
- Northeast Derby (India)
- Sikkim Football Association
- Assam Football Association
- Arunachal Pradesh Football Association
- Himachal Pradesh Football Association
- Nagaland Football Association
- All Manipur Football Association
- Mizoram Football Association
- Tripura Football Association
References
- ^ "North East Premier League introduced". Khel Now. January 2026.
- ^ Hub, India Sports (2026-01-24). "How Can The North East Premier League Revive Indian Football? | IndiaSportsHub". Retrieved 2026-01-26.
- ^ "North East Premier League launched; backing from Japan's Bestserv | Sportzpower". 2026-01-23. Retrieved 2026-01-26.
- ^ "New dawn beckons for regional football as North East Premier League introduced". The Sports Room. 20 January 2026.