In a significant development for Indian football, FanCode has emerged as the exclusive digital home for the Indian Super League (ISL) for the 2025-26 season. This announcement comes amidst a competitive bidding process where Genius Sports has submitted a staggering bid of ₹2,129 crore for a 20-year cycle linked to the ISL.
FanCode’s bid, on the other hand, stands at ₹36 crore annually, with a 5 percent year-on-year increment. This tender, opened by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), encompasses not just the ISL but also the Federation Cup, Indian Women’s League, and IWL 2.
The successful bidder will enjoy the right of first refusal, a significant advantage in the rapidly evolving sports media landscape. The agreement also includes a clause for a 5 percent annual increment, which indicates a strategic move to ensure sustainable growth in revenue.
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 media rights holder paid the AIFF a fixed ₹50 crore annually, a figure that now seems modest compared to the current bids.
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 collaborative effort appears to have revitalized interest in the league.
The upcoming ISL season is set to feature a total of 91 matches, with 14 clubs participating, highlighting the league’s growth and popularity. The competitive nature of the bidding process reflects the increasing value of sports rights in India.
As the AIFF evaluates the bids, observers are keenly watching how this will impact the future of football broadcasting in India. With FanCode’s digital focus and Genius Sports’ substantial financial backing, the outcome could reshape the landscape of sports media rights in the country.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the final decision on the bids, but the stakes have never been higher for the Indian Super League and its stakeholders.
