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AIFF Opens Broadcast Rights Race for Truncated 2025–26 ISL, Sets Feb. 1 Bid Deadline

The RFP follows FSDL’s exit, imposing strict eligibility rules on a compressed timetable.

Overview

  • Prospective bidders can seek clarifications until January 27, must submit bids by February 1, and will have them opened on February 2.
  • Bidders must show at least Rs 10 crore in net worth and average annual revenue, have three years’ live sports experience, include prior work with a national federation or professional league for two seasons, and provide an EMD of Rs 5 lakh.
  • Foreign entities may participate only by establishing an Indian subsidiary or having an Indian lead member and by securing all required broadcast and regulatory permissions.
  • The shortened ISL season is slated to start on February 14 with all 14 clubs and 91 home-and-away matches.
  • AIFF moved ahead after receiving a season-specific authorization letter from 13 clubs, following FSDL’s December termination and a failed tender, and it has asked clubs to cover 60% of the Rs 25 crore season cost, roughly Rs 1 crore per team.