In a significant development for Indian football, FanCode has been named the exclusive digital home for the Indian Super League (ISL) for the 2025-26 season. This announcement comes as Genius Sports submitted a staggering bid of ₹2,129 crore for a 20-year commercial rights cycle linked to the ISL.
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, including the ISL, Federation Cup, Indian Women’s League, and IWL 2.
The successful bidder will not only gain the right to broadcast these events but will also have the right of first refusal for future rights. The agreement includes a clause for a 5 percent annual increment, reflecting the growing value of sports media rights in India.
Historically, the AIFF faced challenges in attracting bidders, leading to a commercial deadlock that delayed the start of the ISL 2025-26 season. The previous agreement with the AIFF was worth a fixed ₹50 crore annually, highlighting the significant increase in financial stakes with the current bids.
For the upcoming season, a total of 91 matches are scheduled, featuring 14 clubs competing in the league. AIFF Deputy General Secretary M. Satyanarayan expressed gratitude to the ISL clubs and Executive Committee members for their support in unveiling this Request for Proposal (RFP).
As the bidding process unfolds, observers are keenly watching how these developments will shape the future of Indian football and its commercial landscape. The outcome of these bids is expected to set a new benchmark for sports broadcasting rights in the country.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the final decision on the bids, but the competition between FanCode and Genius Sports marks a pivotal moment for the ISL and its stakeholders.
