Chennai City were the defending champions, having won the previous season. TRAU F.C. joined as a promoted club from the I-League 2nd Division. Shillong Lajong F.C. were relegated from the I-League last season and will play in the second division in the 2019–20 season. 2017-18 champion Minerva Punjab played as Punjab F.C. from this season as the club was renamed on 30 October 2019.
