AIFF approaches the Supreme Court after receiving no bids for the Indian Super League (ISL) commercial rights, thus raising serious questions about the league’s future.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) resorted to legal redress due to the differences that existed between it and its marketing associates regarding the management and revenue-sharing model of the ISL.
This has undermined sponsorships, broadcast agreements and the general momentum of the top-tier competition of Indian football.
No Bidders for ISL Commercial Rights
The AIFF had invited bids on October 16 to find a new partner to manage the ISL commercial rights, including media, sponsorship, and digital assets. The deadline for submissions was initially set for November 5 but was later extended to November 7 after no proposals were received.
Even after the extension, no bids were received. Following this, the AIFF approaches the Supreme Court for further directions. The Bid Evaluation Committee (BEC) met on November 9 to assess the situation and prepare a report.
In a statement, the AIFF said, “The Bid Evaluation Committee of the All India Football Federation met to review and discuss the status of the RFP for awarding the right to monetise the commercial rights belonging to the AIFF for a limited term.”
It added that Justice (Retd.) L. Nageswara Rao, who chairs the BEC, will now submit the report to the Supreme Court. Nobody was bidding for the ISL commercial rights primarily because the terms of the tender were financially challenging and provided less control to investors.
- High Financial Requirements: The RFP required an annual investment of 37.550 crore/yr with a 5 per cent yearly growth rate, which many players could not afford.
- Stiff Eligibility Rules: The applicant must have a net worth of 250 crore or above to apply and hence restricts the potential applicants.
- High Existing Losses: The cumulative losses of more than 5,000 crore reported by ISL made the investment a risky venture.
- Weak Decision-Making Authority: The commercial partners lacked significant authority over the governing council of ISL, while AIFF held veto authority.
- Restrictive RFP Clauses: RFP clauses, such as promotion-relegation and minority representation, created ambiguity to investors.
- Market and Revenue Issues: Bidders were uncertain about the league’s growing financial situation and the consistency of its income stream.
- Monitored by a Court Process: The tender process was inflexible and controlled by the Supreme Court.
- No Risk-Sharing by AIFF: The federation anticipated an assured income that was not to be shared in financial risks, which deterred investment.
- Poor Investor Confidence: Financial, governance and market challenges were combined to create little trust in the business potential of the league.
The Supreme Court has been overseeing the matter since it directed the AIFF to adopt a new constitution and launch a transparent bidding process for the ISL commercial rights.
These rights were earlier handled by Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) under a ten-year agreement set to expire in December 2025.
Clubs in Limbo as League Faces Delay
The delay in finalizing the ISL commercial rights has already affected several clubs. The outgoing rights holder, FSDL, has kept the 2025–26 ISL season on hold. Many teams, including Kerala Blasters and defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant, are waiting for clarity before resuming full preparations.
A club executive told NDTV, “Without knowing the league’s schedule or revenue model, it’s impossible to plan. Everyone is waiting for the AIFF and the Supreme Court to decide what comes next.”
As the AIFF approaches the Supreme Court, officials are working to ensure that the ISL continues uninterrupted, but options are limited until the legal process is complete.
AIFF Approaches the Supreme Court: What Comes Next?
The AIFF has a few key options to resolve the ISL commercial rights impasse if they are allowed after the AIFF approaches the Supreme Court.
Revisiting the Tender with Updated Parameters
AIFF may also consider a re-tender providing amendments, which could make the tender process more appealing to potential bidders.
This might involve lowering the minimum financial guarantee on an annual basis, easing some of the eligibility criteria, allowing bidders greater discretion in decision-making, and/or revising any other more stringent terms.
Temporary Agreements to Allow for Completion of the Upcoming Season
AIFF may find it possible to enter into temporary or interim commercial agreements, likely with the current rights holder, FSDL or third-party interested bidders.
In fact, FSDL has already stated its desire to issue AIFF a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to continue with a transparent new tendering process and has already shown it would assist in any attempt to prevent a disruption.
These stop-gap arrangements may enable the 2025-26 season of the ISL to be hosted as scheduled, allowing the club to continue operations and maintain contact with its fan base.
Assuring League Continuity
Through the dual framework of providing either new tender opportunities with reasonable terms or finalizing short-term agreements, the AIFF can assure continued league momentum.
A strong commitment to communication and a willingness to act promptly will allow clubs to prepare once again, players to keep their contracts, and fans to stay engaged.
The dual approach limits the risk of a break or interruption in the league, which could otherwise impact Indian football’s commercial and competitive progress.
Amit Mishra’s Take:
Following the failure to attract bids in ISL, AIFF’s approach to the Supreme Court speaks volumes about the current state of Indian football. It is not only the ISL commercial rights, but also confidence, direction, and leadership.
When business partners are hesitant, it is usually an indication that they do not see stability as a viable option. The ISL is likely to suffer a significant pause in growth unless the federation can reestablish that trust within a short time.
If you want to read the latest on the AIFF calls Supreme Court story, and ISL commercial rights, stay with JeetWinSports.
