The ISL 2025–26 season has been officially put on hold due to unresolved contract renewal talks between IMG Reliance’s FSDL and the All India Football Federation (AIFF). The delay in extending the Master Rights Agreement has thrown Indian football into further uncertainty amid declining team performances.
In a significant blow to Indian football, the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025–26 season has been put on indefinite hold due to unresolved negotiations over the renewal of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between the Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) and the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
The FSDL, a subsidiary of IMG Reliance, which has been responsible for organizing and commercializing the ISL since its inception in 2014, communicated this decision to all participating clubs via an official letter. The letter, accessed by IANS, revealed that without a renewed agreement in place beyond December 8, 2025, the organizers are unable to effectively plan, execute, or commercialize the upcoming ISL season.
This development comes at a time when Indian football is already under intense scrutiny due to the poor performance of the senior men’s national team, including a drop in FIFA rankings and early exits from international competitions.
Delayed Negotiations
According to FSDL, discussions to renew the MRA with the AIFF began several months ago. However, no conclusive agreement has been reached to date. The existing agreement, which granted IMG Reliance exclusive commercial rights over Indian football for 15 years, is set to expire in December 2025—midway through a standard ISL season, which typically runs from September to April.
“Given this situation, we regret to inform you that we are currently not in a position to proceed with the 2025–26 ISL season and are placing it on hold until further clarity emerges on the contractual structure beyond the end of the current MRA term,” the FSDL wrote in its letter to clubs.
The letter further emphasized that the decision to suspend the season was not made lightly, and was driven by the need for a legally secure and financially viable framework to ensure smooth operations.
Transparency and Uncertainty
FSDL noted that the decision to inform clubs directly was made out of a sense of transparency and responsibility. The communication aims to give clubs sufficient time to prepare for potential contingencies that may arise from the uncertain status of the league.
“This communication is being issued by FSDL on a bona fide basis and in the interest of transparency, to enable all clubs to plan appropriately for any potential contingencies,” the letter stated.
The organizing body also assured clubs that it is closely monitoring developments and will provide timely updates as the situation evolves.
Background: The Master Rights Agreement
In December 2010, IMG Reliance, a joint venture between IMG Worldwide and Reliance Industries, signed a landmark 15-year deal with the AIFF to acquire all commercial rights for football in India. This agreement paved the way for the creation of the ISL, which was designed to professionalize and popularize the sport at both grassroots and elite levels across the country.
Under the MRA, IMG Reliance has had sweeping control over sponsorships, media rights, and the league’s organizational structure. The partnership brought in international football stars, improved broadcasting standards, and significantly raised the profile of the sport in India. However, critics have pointed out issues with grassroots development and integration with the broader footballing ecosystem.
Impact on Clubs and Players
The indefinite suspension of the 2025–26 ISL season will have far-reaching implications for the clubs, players, coaching staff, and support personnel associated with the league. Clubs are now left in limbo, unable to finalize their squad planning, pre-season schedules, or marketing campaigns.
Players, especially those on the fringes of the national team or hoping for a breakthrough season, may find their careers stalled. With limited domestic competitions available, the development pipeline for Indian football could face severe disruption.
AIFF’s Silence and the Road Ahead
The AIFF has yet to issue an official response to the FSDL’s announcement. The federation’s failure to finalize the renewal deal has raised serious questions about its administrative foresight and the future of India’s premier football league.
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Football analysts warn that unless the two parties resolve their differences swiftly, Indian football risks sliding further into disarray. With no confirmed timeline for resolution, the immediate future of the ISL—and with it, the dreams of thousands of Indian footballers—hangs in the balance.
