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 fierce competition, as Genius Sports has submitted a staggering bid of ₹2,129 crore for a 20-year cycle linked to the league.
FanCode’s bid, however, stands at ₹36 crore annually, with a 5 percent year-on-year increment. This stark contrast in bidding amounts highlights the varying strategies employed by both companies in securing commercial rights.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) recently opened bids for the commercial rights of its club competitions, which include not only 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 competitive landscape of sports broadcasting.
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). He noted, “I want to thank all the ISL clubs and Ex-Co members who supported us in unveiling this RFP.” This collaborative effort marks a pivotal moment for the league as it seeks to enhance its commercial viability.
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 with the commercial rights holder paid AIFF a fixed ₹50 crore annually, a figure that now seems modest compared to the current bids.
The tender not only covers the ISL but also a total of 91 matches scheduled for the upcoming season, featuring 14 clubs. This expansion reflects the growing popularity and competitive nature of football in India.
As the bidding process unfolds, observers are keen to see how these developments will shape the future of Indian football, particularly in terms of revenue generation and viewer engagement. The AIFF’s decision will be crucial in determining the direction of the league.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the final decision on the bids, but the stakes are undeniably high for both FanCode and Genius Sports as they vie for a stake in India’s burgeoning football market.
