Kolkata – Indian Super League (ISL) has appointed Karan Yadav as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), ushering in a new leadership chapter for the league under its club-led model. Karan brings nearly two decades of experience across sports, media, marketing, commercial strategy and operations. His career in football began in 2010 when he co-founded TheHardTackle.com, a digital football publication where he served as Editor-in-Chief and led a global team of more than 50 writers and 10 editors.
He has since worked across sports rights management, sponsorships, athlete management and commercial strategy. Karan led the sports and content practice at Wavemaker (WPP), headed sports sponsorships and activations at ACKO and most recently served as Chief Commercial Officer at JSW Sports.
At JSW Sports, he oversaw a Rs. 300-plus crore P&L spanning sports franchises, talent management and brand consulting. He also helped shape the commercial strategy for Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra, managed JSW’s kitting partnership with Team India at the 2024 Paris Olympics and played a key role in launching the Neeraj Chopra Classic in 2025.
“The ISL is entering an important new chapter, and I am excited by the opportunity to help shape what comes next. The club-led model gives us a strong foundation to work with the clubs and the Managing Committee of ISL, with a shared ambition for the League and for Indian football. Our focus will be on building a strong and effective League Office, strengthening the League’s commercial and broadcast proposition, deepening its connection with fans and creating an environment where clubs can grow sustainably. Ultimately, we want to build a League that is stronger, more connected and capable of taking Indian football forward,” said Yadav.
As CEO, Karan will lead the League Office and work with ISL clubs and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) on the league’s strategic, commercial and organisational direction. His responsibilities will include strengthening relationships with clubs, broadcasters and sponsors, while building a cohesive league strategy focused on sustainable growth.
Karan is the first CEO of the ISL under its new club-led League Office structure. The new season of the ISL is set to start from October 10.
