AIFF Floats Tender for ISL 2025-26 Broadcast Rights as Shortened Season Nears Kickoff

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has officially released its Request for Proposal (RFP) for broadcast rights of the truncated Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 season, marking a significant step

toward the league's long-awaited return.

The season, delayed by nearly six months following the exit of former commercial partner Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), is scheduled to kick off on February 14 with all 14 clubs confirming their participation.

According to the RFP issued on January 18, the upcoming season will feature 91 matches played in a full home-and-away format. This structure was finalised after multiple rounds of discussions involving the AIFF, club representatives and the sports ministry, who worked collectively to prevent the league from slipping into further uncertainty.

The roadmap for potential bidders is now clear. January 27 has been set as the final date to raise queries, while February 1 is the deadline to submit bids. The AIFF will open the proposals the next day, February 2, as outlined in the document.

The eligibility norms require bidders to meet strong financial and operational benchmarks. Interested parties must possess a net worth of at least ₹10 crore as of the previous financial year, with consortia allowed to meet this threshold cumulatively. In addition, bidders must show a minimum average annual revenue of ₹10 crore across the past three financial years and demonstrate at least three years of experience broadcasting major sports events.

The federation has stressed proven capability in live sports production. Applicants must have previously handled the broadcast feed for at least one national federation-sanctioned event or a professional league for two seasons. Applicants are also required to submit an earnest money deposit of ₹5 lakh, valid for 45 days beyond the bid deadline.

The tender follows a turbulent phase for the ISL. After FSDL terminated the Master Rights Agreement in December due to differences over renewal terms, the AIFF sought a new commercial partner, but the tender received no takers. Subsequent intervention from the union sports minister, however, helped revive discussions, with all 14 ISL clubs eventually agreeing to proceed with a shortened season.

Each club will now shoulder 60% of the operational cost, roughly ₹1 crore per team, as the AIFF estimates a total expenditure of around ₹25 crore for the revamped campaign. Fixtures for the upcoming season are expected soon.