Last Updated:
The Indian Super League’s 2025-26 season is on hold due to uncertainty over renewing its Master Rights Agreement with the AIFF, FSDL announced, citing planning challenges.
Mohun Bagan were crowned ISL 2024-25 Champions (ISL Media)
The Indian Super League (ISL) has officially placed its 2025-26 season on hold, citing ongoing uncertainty over the renewal of its Master Rights Agreement (MRA) with the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
The announcement was made on Friday by Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the league’s organiser, raising concerns about the immediate future of India’s premier football competition.
MRA Expiry Looms Over ISL Calendar
Traditionally held between September and April, the ISL season would already be underway when the current MRA expires on December 8, 2025. The unresolved status of the agreement has created a planning deadlock.
“In the absence of a confirmed contractual framework beyond December, we find ourselves unable to effectively plan, organise, or commercialise the 2025-26 ISL season,” FSDL stated in a letter sent to all ISL clubs.
The FSDL emphasized that without clarity on the post-December arrangement, moving ahead with the upcoming season is not feasible.
“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 letter said.
Decision Not Taken Lightly, Says FSDL
The letter concluded with reassurances to stakeholders that the decision was made after careful deliberation.
“We assure you that this decision has not been taken lightly,” FSDL wrote, underlining the seriousness of the situation and the need for a stable contractual foundation before proceeding with future league operations.
The development throws the next ISL season into uncertainty and places increased pressure on both FSDL and the AIFF to reach a resolution swiftly.
(with PTI inputs)
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term…Read More
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term… Read More
view comments
- First Published:
