The 2025-26 Indian Super League (ISL) season has been put on hold, a decision stemming from unresolved negotiations over the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between the league’s organizers, Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), and the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
ISL Season on Hold
Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the entity behind the Indian Super League, recently informed all ISL clubs that the 2025-26 season would be suspended. This decision was communicated in an official letter sent out on Friday.
The core issue revolves around the Master Rights Agreement, which dictates the operational framework of the league. This crucial agreement is set to expire on December 8, 2025, just three months into what would typically be the start of the new ISL season.
FSDL stated it’s unable to effectively “plan, organise, or commercialise” the upcoming season without a clear contractual framework for the period beyond the current MRA’s expiry. Discussions between FSDL and AIFF had begun months ago but remain inconclusive.
AIFF’s Response and Timeline
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) acknowledged FSDL’s communication. AIFF’s statement confirmed that negotiations for the MRA renewal were initiated much earlier, on November 21, 2024.
Senior representatives from both AIFF and FSDL met on February 5, 2025, in New Delhi, and again on March 5, 2025, in Mumbai, to discuss the terms. Following these meetings, FSDL submitted a proposal, to which AIFF responded with a counter-proposal on April 21, 2025.
Supreme Court’s Intervention
A significant development emerged on April 26, 2025. The AIFF was advised by its legal counsel that the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India had made an observation regarding the MRA. The Supreme Court stated that the renewal of the Master Rights Agreement should not proceed until further orders are issued by the court.
This observation from the Supreme Court has effectively put a pause on all renewal discussions between AIFF and FSDL. The AIFF has confirmed that all deliberations are now on hold, awaiting further directions from the judiciary.
Looking Ahead for Indian Football
The AIFF expressed its understanding of the critical role the ISL plays in Indian football, impacting clubs, players, staff, officials, and fans. It also acknowledged the challenges posed by this disruption.
The federation emphasized its commitment to respecting the law and the Supreme Court’s directives. AIFF assured stakeholders that it will take all necessary steps to ensure the continuity of the ISL, working in the best interests of Indian football and seeking everyone’s understanding during this interim period.
- The 2025-26 ISL season is on hold due to unresolved Master Rights Agreement (MRA) renewal.
- The current MRA between FSDL and AIFF expires in December 2025, midway through the planned season.
- The Supreme Court of India has observed that MRA renewal should not proceed until further orders, pausing negotiations.
- Both FSDL and AIFF initiated renewal discussions months ago but are now bound by the court’s stance.
The future of the upcoming ISL season now hinges on clarity from the Supreme Court, as stakeholders across Indian football await further developments.
