Kolkata, April 17: The Indian Super League, the top football league in India, missed its usual season start due to delays. Eventually, it kicked off in mid-February. Despite all the troubles, uncertainties, and financial challenges, the clubs took a significant step to ensure the league began. Understanding the situation, they stepped in to provide financial support so that the game could continue, even if it meant compromising on their own profits.
After the FSDL contract ended, the Indian Super League faced problems with its tender process. For this season, FanCode took the streaming rights on a temporary basis.
Later, Genius Sports came into the discussion for long-term rights. But all 13 clubs opposed this, saying they were not involved in the decision. They questioned why the All India Football Federation made such decisions without consulting them. Now, the clubs have again come together, asking for clarity and certainty about the league’s future, and sent a application all together to the federation, urging the All India Football Federation to involve them more in key decisions regarding the league’s future and business structure.
Although its format and structure changed, the ISL 2025–26 season is now in mid-season and at its peak, with title contenders battling intensely. As it’s mid-April, the league is set to conclude by mid-May.
In a joint communication addressed to the All India Football Federation, multiple clubs have expressed their concerns over the recent process related to the league’s long-term commercial rights. While maintaining a respectful tone, the letter clearly underlines a shared sentiment, that clubs, as primary investors and stakeholders, should have a more structured and meaningful role in decisions that shape the league’s future.
The clubs emphasized that the ISL stands as a central pillar of Indian football, built through years of sustained investment, collaboration, and shared vision. Given the scale and long-term implications of commercial and governance frameworks, they believe that greater consultation and stakeholder engagement are essential.
Importantly, the communication is not meant as criticism but as a constructive step forward. The clubs have proposed forming a working committee of owners and CEOs including Bhavesh Jindal, Nikhil Nimmagadda, Rohan Sharma, and CEOs Ravi Puskar, Ekansh Gupta, Darren Caldeira, and Vinay Chopra, to engage directly with the All India Football Federation. This group would ensure better communication, represent club interests, and bring practical insights into key decisions, aiming for greater transparency and long-term stability in the Indian Super League.
At a time when the league is delivering high-intensity football on the pitch, this joint stand off it highlights a growing demand for collaborative governance. The message is clear, those who build and sustain the league seek a stronger voice in shaping its future. As the season heads toward its climax, the outcome of these discussions could prove just as significant as the title race itself.
The Letter that was send to AIFF by ISL Clubs
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