Archive · 21 Nov 2025
Centre Assures ISL 2025-26 Season Amid Bidding Uncertainty
The Indian Super League (ISL) is in trouble because no one wanted to buy the rights to run it for the next 15 years.
The government says it will make sure the next season happens, but clubs worry this could hurt Indian football in the long run.
Centre tells SC it will intervene to ensure ISL 2025-26 season
No bids received for 15-year ISL rights contract
Clubs warn of football shutdown due to crisis
Government to conduct ISL, decide on financing and sponsors
AIFF's new constitution gives it sweeping control over competitions
- Who
- The Indian government, All India Football Federation (AIFF), and Indian Super League (ISL) clubs
- What
- Ensuring the ISL 2025-26 season happens amid commercial rights bidding uncertainty
- When
- The current 15-year Master Rights Agreement expires on 8 December 2023
- Where
- India
- Why
- To ensure the continuity of the ISL and prevent the shutdown of Indian football
Government's stance
Clubs' concerns
ISL season assurance
Government's stance
Government will ensure ISL 2025-26 season happens
Clubs' concerns
Clubs welcome government intervention but worry about long-term effects
Commercial control
Government's stance
Government to decide on financing and sponsors
Clubs' concerns
Clubs argue AIFF's new constitution makes league commercially unviable
- Current ISL clubs
- 14
- Failed bidders for ISL rights
- 4 (FSDL, FanCode, Conscient Group, foreign consortium)
- Annual fixed fee for ISL rights
- ₹37 crore
- Indian football's crisis
- National team failed to qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2027 AFC Asian Cup
