Indian football’s top-tier league has been plunged into uncertainty after the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025–26 season was put on hold for an indefinite period owing to stalled negotiations over the league’s Master Rights Agreement (MRA).
On July 11, 2025, ISL’s organizers, Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) a Reliance-led company, informed all franchise clubs that they are “not in a position to proceed with the upcoming ISL season” until further clarity emerges on the new framework of the soon-to-expire MRA between FSDL and the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
The decision was also confirmed by the AIFF, citing the Supreme Court of India’s direction to not sign any agreement with anyone, including FSDL, until it provides a verdict on the AIFF governing body’s constitution.
Reports also hint at AIFF’s unreasonable financial demands as another reason for the impasse. The wide-ranging implications of this sudden pause in the ISL have only added to the woes of the already struggling footballing ecosystem in the country and thus require immediate attention.
Inception and Journey of the ISL
To built on the success of Indian Premier League, Reliance Industries and Star India entered into a strategic partnership to launch the ISL through their entity Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL).
ISL was then launched in year 2014 with the objective of radically transforming the entire landscape of Indian football with aspirations to professionalize the sport, enhance its global visibility, and develop local talent. Being a Reliance led project, ISL naturally drew attention from high-profile industrialists like Tata and Jindal, alongside prominent Bollywood figures, amplifying the league’s appeal and commercial potential.
In its initial seasons, the ISL onboarded global stars such as Alessandro Del Piero, Robert Pirès, Diego Forlán, and Dimitar Berbatov. Over the next decade, the league grew significantly integrating historically significant clubs like Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, attracting nationwide interest from sponsors and brands, and contributing to grassroots development through improvements in stadium infrastructure, training facilities, youth programs, and a steadily growing fanbase.
Consequently, with the approval of FIFA and the AFC in 2019, the ISL officially replaced the I-League as India’s top-division league. However, from an economic standpoint, despite substantial investments by FSDL and franchise owners, the league remains financially unstable even after 11 seasons, reportedly incurring cumulative losses of around ₹5,000 crore to date.
Official Announcement and Reasons for the Delay FSDL on 11th July, 2025, sent an official communication to the clubs and the AIFF informing about the indefinite hold of the ISL 2025-26 season.
The organizers plainly stated that “in the absence of a confirmed contractual framework beyond December, we find ourselves unable to effectively plan, organise, or commercialise the 2025-26 ISL season”.
Claiming that the expiration of the MRA mid-season was too risky to proceed and assured to keep working it. The AIFF, on its part, also released a statement acknowledging FSDL’s inability to continue under the uncertainty and affirmed that discussions on renewal had been “put on hold” based on Supreme Court’s directions and pending verdict; while reports also suggesting that the impasse between the two bodies exceed reasons beyond Supreme Court’s directives, and included key financial demands and commercial terms by the AIFF that constrained the FSDL to issue the said statement.
Though, the primary reason for the delay stems from the direction of the Supreme Court of India to AIFF, restraining the latter to not enter into a new contract with anyone, including the FSDL, effectively asking the AIFF to pause any new MRA deal with FSDL, until the pronouncement of the Court’s verdict which could potentially lead to fresh AIFF elections under a new constitution; and thus to ensure that any long-term commercial contract is overseen by the legitimately constituted administration.
Owing to the pending verdict, the negotiation on the terms of new MRA, which most suggest are the real reason of impasse and differences between AIFF and FSDL, have thus been pushed “in abeyance” despite the impending deadline for the new season.
Background: What is the MRA and Why It Matters
The Master Rights Agreement (MRA) is the foundational contract that outlines the commercial operations of ISL and the national football teams. Signed in 2010 for a period of 15-years, the existing MRA effectively granted FSDL the rights to “broadcast, manage and commercialise Indian football” (including the ISL and even the national team) in exchange for an annual payment of ₹50 crore or 20% of the overall revenue, to the AIFF. This funding was crucial for the AIFF’s operations and development programs.
The MRA effectively made FSDL dealing of the ISL. the main custodian of all the commercial
As per reports, negotiations for a renewed MRA had been underway for months, with major changes on a new ownership structure and fixed fees of AIFF, being at the centre stage. Moving from the existing setup, FSDL has proposed of a joint venture named “ISL NewCo JV” that provides 60% stake for ISL clubs, 26% for FSDL, and 14% for the AIFF; as part of their new ownership structure.
As per the FSDL this new entity would govern, operate, commercialize, and fund the ISL. This marks a dramatic shift from the original model in which FSDL had central control, the new plan would empower clubs with majority ownership, aligning incentives and sharing profits/losses rather than a fixed annual fee.
To which, the AIFF have apparently countered by requesting an increased fixed annual payment of ₹60 crore or a 10% fixed revenue share subject to annual increase, which the FSDL has publicly opposed, arguing the demands to be unrealistic given the league’s sustained economic losses.
Impact on the Schedule and Competitions
With the ISL’s status uncertain, effects are already being felt in other tournaments. As many as 7 ISL clubs (including FC Goa, Bengaluru FC, Chennaiyin FC, Odisha FC, Kerala Blasters, Mumbai City FC, and Hyderabad FC) have withdrawn from the 2025 Durand Cup and postponed their pre-season camps.
These clubs cited the risk of “financial losses if the ISL 2025–26 season fails to begin on schedule” as justification for pulling out of early competitions. Essentially, teams are wary of spending on travel and preparations for a season that might not take place or could be significantly delayed.
Many clubs have also hit the brakes on operations as major player signings are being postponed, pre-season training preparations have been put on hold, and strategic planning has come to a standstill.
Resultantly, the effect on players, both domestic and foreign is significant. Footballers’ livelihoods and development depend on regular competition, and a lost or delayed season can be career-altering.
Some clubs have already taken drastic action: Kerala Blasters FC for instance have reportedly asked all their overseas players to seek other clubs amid the uncertainty, and already lost a key player Jesús Vázquez to mitigate financial risks amid uncertainty.
Other franchises may follow suit, leading to an exodus of foreign talent from the league. Even Indian players face limbo; if matches don’t resume, they risk stagnation. Top Indian internationals in the ISL could look for short-term moves abroad or to local I-League teams to maintain fitness, though contractual ties may complicate such moves.
Financially, clubs are bracing for more impact as the ISL does not follow a traditional home-and-away revenue model and most teams rely on central subsidies and sponsor deals which are tied to the league’s events. With no matches, clubs stand to lose matchday income and sponsorship activation opportunities, while still bearing fixed costs (player wages, facilities, etc.); suggesting a difficult road ahead and potential use of the force majeure clause to cut their contractual liabilities.
Though the AIFF has assured to take “all possible steps” to ensure ISL’s continuity, but until a concrete solution is found, the uncertainty is not only mentally taxing for club owners, athletes and staff; but thisimpasse has affected the already struggling footballing ecosystem, while posing significant threat to ISL’s reputation, and potentially reversing the progress made over previous seasons.
Considering the fact that all grassroots initiatives are heavily dependent on ISL funding, they now face significant disruption, risking long-term impacts on youth development programs and the enhancement of football infrastructure. Fan engagement and loyalty, which had significantly boosted the ISL’s commercial appeal, also face a potential threat, with many lamenting that the sport is now being shaped more in courtrooms and boardrooms than on the pitch.
However, amidst the gloom, some see a silver lining: the crisis may force much-needed reforms that are long overdue. With the awaited verdict on the AIFF governing body’s constitution, and a potential new MRA structure granting clubs majority ownership and transitioning to a profit-sharing model, these developments could mark a long-term shift towards sustainable growth.
Even if the pause is brief, it has the potential to bring substantial changes to AIFF governance and ISL ownership structures, allowing Indian football’s long- cherished dream to emerge stronger and more grounded.
The Road Ahead: What to Expect
All eyes are now on the Supreme Court of India’s final verdict on the AIFF constitution case, expected in the coming days of July 2025. If, as anticipated, the Court orders a reconstitution of the governing body, all decision-makers within the AIFF could potentially be replaced, leading to de novo negotiations on the MRA renewal.
Conversely, if the current governing body retains its position, expectations of a solution-oriented dialogue between the AIFF and FSDL to rapidly conclude the MRA negotiations will remain paramount.
Undoubtedly, the news of the ISL being put on hold marks an extraordinary moment in Indian football one that highlights the administrative inefficiencies that have repeatedly hindered the sport’s progress.
However, this phase also presents a unique opportunity for meaningful improvements in governance, operational transparency, and financial sustainability. Resolving this impasse collaboratively could solidify the ISL’s foundation, deepen stakeholder engagement, and foster robust future growth, ultimately enabling Indian football to fully realize its transformative potential.
