ISL 2025-26 Season Put on Hold Amid Standoff Between FSDL and AIFF

The Indian Super League’s future has been thrown into uncertainty, with organizers announcing that the 2025-26 season is being put "on hold." The move stems from the ongoing deadlock between the league’s organizer, Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) over the renewal of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA), which is set to expire on December 8, 2025.

Under normal circumstances, the ISL runs from September through April. That means the upcoming season would already be underway when the current agreement expires — creating a planning and operational nightmare for the organizers. In a letter addressed to all 13 ISL clubs, FSDL laid it out bluntly: "In the absence of a confirmed contractual framework beyond December, we find ourselves unable to effectively plan, organize, or commercialize the 2025-26 ISL season." The letter continued, “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 end of current MRA term. We assure you that this decision has not been taken lightly.” 

Back in March, FSDL floated a new proposal that would reshape the power structure of the ISL. The plan involved forming a new holding company — tentatively named ‘ISL NewCo JV’. Under this setup, the 13 ISL clubs would collectively hold 60% ownership, FSDL would retain 26%, and the AIFF would hold the remaining 14%.  

A key clause in the proposal stated that AIFF must recognize the new company "in perpetuity" as the rights holder for both India’s top-tier league and its national team matches. However, the AIFF wasn't entirely on board. Instead, the federation pitched a different idea — extend the current MRA with a 5% annual increment in payments. That offer didn’t go down well with FSDL, who rejected it. Things have only become messier due to a Supreme Court directive. The apex court has instructed the AIFF not to enter any fresh agreements until it decides on the federation’s constitution — a verdict expected on July 18. 

“Until the future contractual structure is finalized, the league will be put on hold because obviously, FSDL cannot start a league which it cannot end,” said a source familiar with the situation. The announcement has drawn mixed reactions from the ISL clubs. Most are choosing to stay tight-lipped for now, choosing instead to shift focus to the upcoming Durand Cup, which kicks off on July 22. However, only six of the 13 ISL clubs will participate in the tournament, leaving the rest in limbo — much like the league itself.