Uncertainty looms large over the future of the Indian Super League (ISL) in 2025-26 season after several clubs were told by organizers of Indian football’s top-tier league that the next edition will not kick off unless there’s clarity on the Master Rights Agreement (MRA).
Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), a joint venture between Reliance and Star which runs the league, are commercial partners of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), with whom they signed a 15-year MRA in 2010. According to the agreement, FSDL pays AIFF an annual fee of Rs 50 crore or 20% of the total revenue, whichever is more.
According to TOI, the FSDL executives met ISL club owners last week and gave a clear indication that the ISL for 2025-26 is going to be a doubtful starter unless the future of MRA becomes clear! At the same time, it is known about the Supreme Court’s verdict that no final agreement on the MRA can be initiated unless the Supreme Court issues its final judgment on the issue of the transformation in the AIFF constitution and its existing body.
As a part of its reflection, the clubs have reportedly started going slow with their operations on the recruitment of new footballers, and involvement in the transfers market. Even, it is learned that the clubs have started redrawing strategies. Considering the AIFF’s tentative calendar for 2025-26, ISL is scheduled to kick off on 14th September.
It is also learned that FSDL though willing to continue its association with AIFF, is unlikely to agree to the previous cash deal. Rather their offer is 60 percent to the participating clubs, 26 percent to FSDL, and 14 percent to the AIFF.
