FanCode has secured exclusive digital rights for the Indian Super League, while Genius Sports has made a substantial bid for long-term commercial rights.
FanCode has emerged as the exclusive digital home for the Indian Super League (ISL) for the upcoming 2025-26 season, while Genius Sports has submitted a staggering bid of ₹2,129 crore for a 20-year cycle linked to the league.
In contrast, FanCode’s bid stands at ₹36 crore annually, with a 5 percent year-on-year increment. This competitive bidding process was initiated by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), which opened bids for the commercial rights of its club competitions.
The tender encompasses not only the Indian Super League but also the Federation Cup, Indian Women’s League, and IWL 2. The successful bidder will enjoy the right of first refusal, making this a pivotal moment for both companies in the sports media landscape.
AIFF Deputy General Secretary M. Satyanarayan expressed gratitude towards the ISL clubs and Executive Committee members, stating, “I want to thank all the ISL clubs and Ex-Co members who supported us in unveiling this RFP.” This acknowledgment highlights the collaborative effort behind the bidding process.
Historically, the AIFF has faced challenges in attracting bidders, leading to a commercial deadlock that delayed the start of the ISL 2025-26 season. The previous agreement provided the AIFF with a fixed ₹50 crore annually, a figure that underscores the potential growth in revenue with the new bids.
For the 2025-26 season, the ISL is expected to feature a total of 91 matches, involving 14 clubs. This expansion reflects the growing popularity and competitive nature of football in India.
As the bidding process unfolds, observers are keenly watching to see which company will ultimately secure the commercial rights and how this will impact the future of football broadcasting in India. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the final decision on the bids.
