Indian motorcycle manufacturer Hero MotoCorp has extended its title sponsorship of the Indian Super League club football competition.
Indian newspaper the Economic Times reported that Hero has agreed a new three-year deal worth $25m (€21.4m).
The new deal represents a significant increase on Hero’s previous three-year deal, which the Business Standard newspaper said was worth $8m.
Nita Ambani, chairperson of the ISL’s operating body, Football Sports Development Limited, said: “It is going to be an exciting new journey, a longer season, kicking off this November. Both in terms of number of matches moving up from 61 to 95 and the duration from two and a half months to five months.
“The longer season will ensure sufficient rest for players between the matches and will help in the quality of play getting better. I am also happy that we are seeing greater interest from corporates to be associated with ISL.”
The 2017-18 ISL begins in November, with the competition set to feature two new teams in the shape of Jamshedpur FC and Bengaluru FC. The additions take the total number of ISL franchises to 10.
Atleticó de Kolkata is the defending ISL champion. This season the team will be coached by former England international Teddy Sheringham (pictured).