ISL Future Hangs in Balance as Supreme Court-Backed Commercial Tender Falls Flat

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The Indian Super League (ISL) is facing an uncertain future after the All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced that its commercial tender failed to attract a single bid. The tender, overseen by the Supreme Court, was designed to secure a long-term commercial partner and pave the way for the delayed 2025-26 season. The AIFF has confirmed that the Bid Evaluation Committee, headed by former Justice L. Nageswara Rao, met after the bid deadline expired without any applications. The committee will submit a detailed report to the Supreme Court, highlighting the failed process. The tender was a direct outcome of the legal settlement between AIFF and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the Reliance-backed entity that has run the ISL since its inception. The existing Master Rights Agreement is set to expire in December 2025, and FSDL agreed to relinquish its commercial control, allowing AIFF to conduct an open and transparent tender. However, despite initial interest from multiple entities, including FSDL, a foreign consortium, and a domestic group, no party ultimately submitted a financial bid before the deadline. Industry voices have pointed to a mismatch between AIFF's financial expectations and market realities as a key factor. The collapse of the first tender has sparked anger among the clubs, with 10 ISL teams writing a strongly worded letter to AIFF, accusing the federation of poor communication and warning that delays in finalizing the commercial model were making it 'nearly impossible' to plan sponsorships, squad building, and budgets for the 2025-26 season. Reigning champions Mohun Bagan SuperGiants have taken drastic measures, announcing an indefinite suspension of all football activities, including their pre-season camp, citing a complete lack of clarity over the league's future. The club will review player and staff contracts next month, though salaries have not yet been halted. The Supreme Court had stressed the need for a timely start to the 2025-26 season, with the ISL and the Kalinga Super League forming the spine of the domestic calendar. With the first commercial tender stalling at the very first hurdle, AIFF must now return to the apex court with alternatives, potentially a revised RFP, an interim stop-gap arrangement, or a negotiated solution, even as the clock ticks on club preparations and the credibility of Indian football's top tier comes under greater scrutiny.