The announcement came on February 2, 2026, following a competitive bidding process managed by the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
The ISL, India's flagship professional football league since 2014, features 13 (or 14 in some reports) franchise teams in a high-octane, star-studded format. It combines international talent with emerging Indian players, drawing massive crowds and viewership. The league typically spans October to March with a round-robin league phase, playoffs, and a grand final.
Fancode wins ISL Commercial Rights
The AIFF issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) on January 18, 2026, attracting seven bidders, including JioStar (the prior rights holder), ABP Network, Two Circles, and others. Bids were evaluated on a 70:30 quality-to-cost model. FanCode emerged victorious
for broadcast and streaming rights (Package B) with a bid of ₹8.62 crore. Kaleidoscope Production and Services (KPS Studios) secured production rights for the world feed at around ₹5.2 crore.
Past seasons saw blockbuster deals, including JioStar's ₹275 crore annual rights for full campaigns. And the current Fancode deal has been acquired at a 97 per cent lesser value.
This season, however, has been marred by unprecedented turmoil. A dispute led to the termination of the previous master rights agreement with Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) in late 2025, delaying the start and forcing a shortened format. The campaign now begins on February 14, 2026, with each team playing just 13 matches (totaling 91 games) in a home-and-away structure. The opener pits defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant against Kerala Blasters at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium.
This modest sum, far below previous ₹275 crore deals, reflects the shortened season and ongoing uncertainties. FanCode, a digital-first platform, will stream matches live on its app and website, accessible via mobile, web, and connected TVs.
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