New Delhi: After weeks of uncertainty, the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 season is set to kick off in December 2025, following a joint proposal submitted by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) to the Supreme Court on August 28, according to ESPN.
The move brings much-needed clarity after doubts arose over the league’s future. On July 11, FSDL had placed the season on hold, citing the expiry of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) in December 2025 and uncertainty about what would follow. The Supreme Court had also barred discussions on any contract extensions until the AIFF constitution was finalized, leading to a deadlock.
That changed on August 22, when the Court directed AIFF and FSDL to meet and chart a roadmap. Their discussions in Bengaluru on August 25 resulted in a proposal outlining two key steps:
- Open tender process: AIFF and FSDL will conduct a transparent tender, overseen by an independent professional firm, to select a new commercial partner for the ISL. The process will be completed by October 15, after which—with AFC approval—the season will commence in December.
- FSDL concessions: FSDL has agreed to waive its “right of first negotiation” and “right to match” clauses, also granting an NOC for the tender. This opens the door for new entrants into Indian football if FSDL opts out or is outbid.
Backed by Reliance, FSDL has spearheaded the ISL for a decade, transforming it from a short exhibition-style event into India’s premier football league.
To ensure players remain competitive, the proposal also suggests beginning the season with the Super Cup or a similar AIFF-run domestic tournament before the ISL kicks off. While the Durand Cup was held recently, several ISL teams skipped the event, making the Super Cup a more reliable competitive platform ahead of the league.
If approved, fans can expect the 2025-26 ISL season to begin in December, marking a fresh chapter in Indian football.
