Kolkata : Over clouds of uncertainty from last few months regarding commencement of ISL 2025-26 over MRA (which will expire on 8th December, 2025) issues, the league is now officially put on hold.
In an email, the FSDL informed all the ISL clubs the same and due absence of confirmed contractual framework beyond December, they’re unable to make plans for commencement of the season and thus placing the season on hold.
“As you are aware, the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between FSDL and AIFF is scheduled to expire on 8th December 2025 – approximately one-third of the way through a typical ISL season, which runs from September to April. Renewable discussion remains inconclusive at this time. 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.”
“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 email further added.
However, FSDL is closely monitoring all aspects and developments and will update all clubs and AIFF regarding the same in near future.
Earlier, Following a directive from the Supreme Court of India, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) have been asked not to negotiate new terms of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) with Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the commercial partner running the Indian Super League (ISL), until a final judgment is delivered in the AIFF draft constitution case.
Seven ISL clubs — FC Goa, Bengaluru FC, Chennaiyin FC, Odisha FC, Kerala Blasters, Mumbai City, and Hyderabad FC/FC Delhi — have postponed their pre-season preparations and withdrawn from the Durand Cup 2025, because of potential financial losses if the ISL 2025–26 season fails to begin on schedule.
Previously, this year, FSDL had proposed a shift from the existing guaranteed-cash model to a profit-and-loss sharing model, and suggested forming a new holding company to govern and commercialise ISL operations. The structure will have ISL Clubs (60℅), FSDL (26℅) and AIFF (14℅) shares, marking major shift in the current MRA structure.
