The 2025/26 Indian Super League (ISL) season has been put on hold, casting a shadow over the future of professional men’s football in the country.
ISL Season on Hold Amid Contractual Uncertainty
The decision to halt the upcoming ISL season stems from unresolved discussions regarding the renewal of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA). This crucial agreement exists between Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the league’s organizers, and the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
FSDL recently informed all ISL clubs about the development. They stated an inability to effectively “plan, organise, or commercialise” the 2025-26 season. This is because the current MRA is set to expire on December 8, 2025, just three months into the usual league schedule.
Despite initiating talks several months ago, FSDL noted that discussions with AIFF regarding the MRA renewal remain inconclusive. Consequently, the ISL will be on hold until further clarity emerges on the contractual structure beyond the current term.
Understanding the Master Rights Agreement
The existing MRA, signed in 2010, outlines the financial and operational relationship between FSDL and AIFF. Under this agreement, FSDL pays the AIFF Rs 50 crore annually.
In return, FSDL holds comprehensive rights. These include broadcasting, managing, and commercializing various aspects of Indian football, notably the national team and the country’s premier league.
Mixed Reactions and Broader Concerns
Clubs have started to react to the news. Mandar Tamhane, CEO of NorthEast United FC, confirmed receiving the letter from FSDL. He stated that the communication wasn’t “entirely new” to them.
Tamhane also distinguished between the season being “on hold” versus being “cancelled.” He expressed hope for swift clarity. This uncertainty had already been hinted at when the ISL was conspicuously absent from AIFF’s 2025/26 competition calendar.
A Challenging Period for Indian Men’s Football
This development adds to a series of concerning reports for Indian men’s football. Just recently, the AIFF leadership, including president Kalyan Chaubey, held a press conference where they sidestepped questions about the FSDL partnership.
The national team has also faced setbacks. They were recently beaten by lower-ranked Hong Kong in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. India has also dropped to 133 in the latest FIFA rankings, their lowest position in nine years. Adding to this, the AIFF parted ways with men’s national team head coach Manolo Marquez.
The only significant positive news in recent times for Indian football has been the women’s team qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup on merit.
- The 2025/26 ISL season is currently suspended due to unresolved negotiations for the Master Rights Agreement between FSDL and AIFF.
- The current MRA, which grants FSDL commercial rights in exchange for Rs 50 crore annually, expires in December 2025.
- This uncertainty compounds a challenging period for Indian men’s football, marked by declining FIFA rankings, a coaching change, and poor national team results.
The football community awaits clear direction on the path forward for the league and the sport in India.
