The 2025–26 Indian Super League (ISL) season remains in limbo as the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) have yet to finalise a fresh Master Rights Agreement (MRA). The existing MRA is set to expire in December 2025, but the impasse has already affected the football calendar.
Despite the AIFF’s directive outlining the football season from June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026, the ISL has not been included in the official calendar. A Times of India report confirmed that the sports ministry has granted permission for the league to be held from the second week of September 2025 to the last week of April 2026. However, the AIFF’s calendar, released earlier this month, excludes any reference to the ISL.
Multiple reports have indicated that FSDL, which operates the ISL, has verbally informed clubs that the league will not take place unless a new MRA is signed. The absence of a formal agreement has cast a shadow over pre-season preparations, transfer activities and the participation of top-tier clubs in upcoming competitions.
The uncertainty has already impacted the Durand Cup, scheduled to be held from July 23 to August 23 across Shillong, Kokrajhar, Imphal, Kolkata and Jamshedpur. Several ISL clubs, including Bengaluru FC and Chennaiyin FC, are reportedly set to withdraw from the tournament.
The summer transfer window, which runs from June 12 to August 31, 2025, has also been affected, with clubs reluctant to commit resources in the absence of clarity on the ISL season.
The deadlock coincides with legal proceedings concerning the AIFF’s revised constitution. A Supreme Court injunction currently bars the AIFF from entering into long-term agreements until a final hearing, expected after July 14, 2025. This has complicated the federation’s ability to conclude negotiations with FSDL.
FSDL has proposed a new governance model under a joint venture titled ‘ISL NewCo JV’. Under this plan, ISL clubs would hold 60 per cent equity, FSDL 26 per cent, and the AIFF 14 per cent. The model would eliminate promotion and relegation for a decade and transfer all league-related rights to the new entity. The AIFF would receive dividends or share losses based on its stake.
While the AIFF has not formally responded to this proposal, any future agreement is likely to hinge on the outcome of the Supreme Court’s decision and broader stakeholder consensus. Until then, India’s premier football league remains in jeopardy.
