After weeks of speculation, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has finally acted and released a request for proposal (RFP) for the commercial rights of the Indian Super League (ISL). This 15-year deal will define the cutting-edge future of Indian football, spanning sponsorship, broadcasting and digital monetization.
The timing raised eyebrows. The move came barely a day after ten ISL clubs jointly wrote to AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey, seeking clarification and accusing the federation of a “lack of transparency” over the delayed selection process. The letter seems to have prompted the AIFF to take long overdue action.
The delay has already caused widespread confusion. The Supreme Court ordered the completion of the selection process by October 15, but this deadline has passed without updates. With the future of the league unclear, the national team calendar and development programs have also been affected.
Preparing for the Super Cup in Goa (October 25-November 22), clubs have been proceeding in good faith, finalizing player contracts, arranging venues and hiring staff. But the lack of clarity over the league’s commercial plan, revenue sharing and sponsorship rights has eroded trust and planning.
Inside the new tender
The AIFF tender outlines a 15-year partnership to manage ISL and other high-end properties. The successful bidder will pay Rs 37.5 million per annum or 5% of gross income, whichever is higher. KPMG India will oversee the process. Bidders must have a minimum net worth of Rs 250 crore, with consortia meeting the same threshold. Bids open November 5th, inquiries can be sent until October 21st.
The document also introduces key reforms such as promotion and relegation from the 2025-26 season, a salary cap of Rs 18 million per club and mandatory local investment of 2.5% of gross revenue for five years, then rising to 5%. A joint governing board of AIFF and the winning bidder will make the structural and expansion decisions. Teams facing relegation will receive financial aid based on their performance in the top flight.
What does the new tender process contain?
Here’s a quick look at the key features of the tender:
- Duration and scope: A 15-year partnership including sponsorship, broadcast, digital and merchandising rights.
- Minimum warranty: Rs 37.5 million per annum or 5% of gross income.
- Eligibility: Applicants need a net worth of at least Rs 250 crore.
- Timeline: Inquiries by October 21, offers open November 5.
- Oversight: Managed by KPMG India.
- Promotion and relegation: From the 2025-26 season.
- Salary cap: Rs 18 crore per team.
- Basic investment: 2.5% initially, increasing to 5% after five years.
The move follows a letter from ISL clubs to the AIFF
While the tender brings some relief, its timing sheds light on the motivation. Club letter signed by Mumbai City FC, Kerala Blasters, Bengaluru FC, FC Goa, Chennaiyin FC, Hyderabad FC and others, accused the AIFF of breach of trust and delaying commitments submitted to the Supreme Court. Within 24 hours, the federation announced the selection process.
For the clubs, it was as much about credibility as it was about finances. Many signed players and planned campaigns with the expectation of stability. The long silence risked damaging the momentum of Indian football at a time when it needed direction.
Now that the tender process is public, the immediate crisis is under control. But whether it restores trust or just buys time will depend on how the process unfolds. Indian football has already experienced quick fixes and cannot afford another one.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
October 17, 2025
