The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has released the tender document for the media and broadcast rights of the Indian Super League (ISL) for the 2025–26 season, formally opening the bidding process after weeks of uncertainty around the league’s commercial future.
Season timeline eligibility criteria for bidders
According to the tender, the 2025–26 ISL season is scheduled to begin on February 14, 2026, with the competition set to be played in a shortened window. The tender covers television and digital broadcast rights for the full season, including live match coverage and related programming.
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AIFF has laid down strict eligibility norms for interested broadcasters and digital platforms. Bidders must have a minimum net worth of ₹10 crore, along with an average annual revenue of at least ₹10 crore over the past three financial years. In addition, companies must demonstrate a minimum of three years’ experience in broadcasting or streaming live sports events of national or international relevance.
Production and technical requirements
The tender mandates that bidders should have prior experience in producing or distributing live sports feeds for at least one professional league or nationally sanctioned event. This requirement aims to ensure uninterrupted, broadcast-grade coverage across television and digital platforms.
AIFF has set February 1, 2026, as the deadline for bid submission, with the opening of bids scheduled for the following day. An earnest money deposit is mandatory as part of the application process. The federation has reserved the right to accept or reject any proposal without assigning reasons.
The search for a broadcast partner
The tender comes after the conclusion of the previous commercial arrangement, leaving the league without a long-term media partner. With the season approaching, the federation is moving quickly to secure broadcast visibility for India’s premier football competition.
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Despite the absence of a confirmed broadcaster, ISL clubs have continued preparations for the upcoming season. AIFF officials have reiterated that the league will go ahead as scheduled, with or without a finalised media rights deal, to maintain competitive continuity.
