The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has officially initiated the process to secure media rights for the 2025-26 season of the Indian Super League (ISL) by releasing a Request for Proposal (RFP). This move aims to find a suitable broadcast partner for the league after a period of uncertainty and negotiation.
The upcoming ISL season is scheduled to commence on February 14 and will feature all 14 clubs competing in a total of 91 matches. These matches will be played in a home-and-away format, ensuring a wide geographical spread of the league's reach and engagement with fans across the country.
The decision to proceed with the season and seek media partners comes after extensive discussions and agreements were reached between the AIFF, the participating clubs, and the Sports Ministry. These negotiations were crucial in resolving disagreements that arose after Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the previous organizer, ended its agreement with AIFF on December 8 of the previous year due to disputes over the renewal of their Master Rights Agreement.
To ensure a smooth and transparent bidding process, AIFF has set specific deadlines and eligibility criteria for interested parties. Bidders are required to submit any requests for clarification by January 27. The final date for submitting bids is February 1, with the bid opening scheduled for February 2.
The eligibility criteria mandate that bidders must be either broadcasters or internet operators with a minimum of three years of experience in broadcasting or streaming prominent sports events. Furthermore, bidders must demonstrate a net worth of at least ₹10 crore (Rs 100 million) in the 2024-25 financial year. As a sign of commitment, interested bidders are also required to submit a security deposit of ₹5 lakhs (Rs 500,000) along with their bid.
In cases where a consortium of companies wishes to bid, the AIFF permits up to three members to form a special purpose vehicle (SPV). However, the regulations stipulate that one member must be designated as the lead member and hold a minimum of 51 percent equity stake in the SPV's paid-up and subscribed capital.
This is not the first time AIFF has floated a tender for the ISL's commercial rights. A previous RFP failed to attract any bidders, making this renewed effort even more critical for the league's future. The AIFF hopes to appoint a broadcast partner capable of producing, transmitting, and distributing high-quality live coverage of all ISL matches and associated programming across various platforms, including linear television, digital/OTT platforms, and other authorized media. The AIFF, however, is not bound to select a bidder or appoint the selected bidder by issuing this RFP. The AIFF also retains the right to reject any or all bids without providing any reason.
The successful acquisition of media rights is vital for the ISL, as it ensures the league's visibility, financial stability, and continued growth in popularity. The AIFF's move to issue this RFP signals its commitment to the league and its desire to provide fans with the best possible viewing experience.
