Analysis: No bids for ISL; What is the future of Indian football?
ISL faces a critical juncture as the AIFF failed to attract bidders for its 15-year commercial rights, raising concerns about the future of Indian football.
Last Updated: 10.52 AM, Nov 08, 2025
The Indian Super League (ISL), hailed as the face of Indian football's ambitious growth, currently stands at a crossroads unparalleled in its history. The recent failure of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to attract a single bidder for the 15-year commercial rights of the ISL has plunged the entire ecosystem of Indian football into deep uncertainty and poses critical questions about its future trajectory. Now, with no bids for ISL, what is the future of Indian football?
Current crisis and financial instability
The AIFF's decision to open the ISL commercial rights for bidding was intended as a landmark move to secure the league's financial sustainability over the next decade.
However, the tender process closed without a single proposal despite the involvement of reputed advisors and oversight authorities, underscoring significant structural weaknesses and a potentially unsustainable financial model.
A major deterrent was the bidding conditions mandated by AIFF, including hefty yearly payments to the federation and other financial obligations such as mandatory promotion/relegation and video assistant referee implementation, which bidders found challenging.
The absence of a commercial partner threatens to destabilize funding for crucial activities such as grassroots development, league operations, and national team programs.
The AIFF had earlier relied on a joint venture (Football Sports Development Limited), backed by major industrial players, which is now ending its agreement. Without fresh investment, teams and leagues face budget cuts, postponements, or even the specter of shutting down operations, as seen with Mohun Bagan Super Giant suspending first-team activities amid the uncertainty.
Impact on Indian Football ecosystem
The ISL is considered the premier platform for Indian football talent, serving as the main source for national team selections and drawing top domestic and international players.
The failure to secure bidders casts a shadow on the league's credibility and India's broader football ambitions, including participation and progression in continental tournaments and aiming for World Cup qualification goals set since the league's inception in 2014.
Concurrently, Indian football is grappling with the challenge of coexisting leagues—the ISL and the I-League. While the ISL has garnered more attention and resources, the I-League suffers from limited media exposure, underfunding, and dwindling fan support.
Calls for reform include integrating the leagues under a promotion-relegation system to unify the football structure, similar to other successful footballing nations, but such systemic changes require stable administration and funding, which are currently at risk.
Governance and trust issues
This crisis coincides with broader governance controversies, including legal petitions against current AIFF leaders and eroding trust among stakeholders.
The failure to attract bidders is symptomatic not just of financial problems but also of questions about the administrative approach and strategic visions within Indian football bodies.
What should be the future path for Indian Football?
The future of Indian football hinges on decisive actions:
- Re-evaluating the financial model of the ISL to incentivize investors while ensuring sustainability.
- Strengthening governance transparency to restore stakeholder confidence.
- Creating a unified, structured football ecosystem that includes a promotion-relegation framework and better coordination between ISL and I-League.
- Ensuring continued investment in grassroots and youth development programs despite commercial challenges.
- Developing broader media reach and sponsorship models to enhance revenue streams.