FanCode Bids for Indian Super League Commercial Rights
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 comes as Genius Sports has submitted a staggering bid of ₹2,129 crore for a 20-year cycle linked to the league.
FanCode’s proposal stands at ₹36 crore annually, with a 5 percent year-on-year increment, reflecting a strategic approach to securing long-term 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 crucial advantage in the competitive sports media landscape. The agreement also includes a clause for a 5 percent annual increment, which could significantly enhance the financial landscape for the AIFF.
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 now seems modest in light of 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 collaboration appears to be a turning point for the league.
As the ISL prepares for its 2025-26 season, which will feature a total of 91 matches and 14 clubs, the stakes are higher than ever. The outcome of these bids will not only determine the financial future of the league but also its visibility and growth potential in the coming years.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the final decision on the bids, but the enthusiasm surrounding the ISL continues to grow, signaling a bright future for Indian football.
