New Delhi: The future of the Indian Super League (ISL) has plunged into uncertainty, with the twelfth season now facing an indefinite delay after no companies responded to the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) tender for managing the league. Earlier reports had indicated that the new season would commence in December, but with the lack of bidders, the possibility of the league taking place this year appears increasingly slim.
The AIFF had issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) on October 16, seeking a new commercial partner to manage all commercial rights of the ISL, including broadcasting and sponsorship deals. The tender stipulated that only companies with assets exceeding Rs 250 crore were eligible to participate, and the annual payment to the AIFF was set at Rs 37.5 crore. While the previous master rights agreement required a guarantee of Rs 50 crore, the AIFF had reduced it by Rs 12.5 crore to encourage participation. Despite this, no organization submitted a final bid.
Initially, four companies had expressed interest and engaged in discussions with the AIFF, signaling potential continuity for the league. However, all of them eventually withdrew, citing undisclosed reasons, leaving the league without a commercial partner for its upcoming season. This unprecedented development raises serious questions about the operational and financial future of India’s premier football tournament.
The ISL has been traditionally managed by Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) in partnership with Reliance and Star, under a master rights agreement that has lasted over a decade. This agreement is set to expire in December 2025, and the AIFF’s decision not to renew the contract with FSDL has now triggered the current crisis. Clubs and stakeholders are left grappling with uncertainty, as the governing body assesses its next steps.
The AIFF has announced that its Evaluation Committee will convene soon to chart a path forward in the absence of any applicants. Meanwhile, ISL clubs, including Kerala Blasters, are facing a financial crunch. Several clubs have already been forced to reduce expenditures, including player salaries, amid the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the league’s future.
Football analysts warn that a delay or cancellation of the twelfth ISL season could significantly impact Indian football’s growth trajectory. The ISL has been instrumental in improving domestic infrastructure, attracting sponsorship, and raising the profile of Indian football domestically and internationally. A missed season may dampen momentum, affect fan engagement, and unsettle player development programs.
With less than two months remaining before the scheduled start, the situation remains precarious. The AIFF’s forthcoming decisions will be crucial in determining whether the ISL can maintain its continuity or faces a hiatus that could disrupt the Indian football calendar for an extended period. Clubs, players, and fans alike now await clarity, as India’s marquee football competition stands at a critical juncture.