THE ALL INDIA FOOTBALL FEDERATION (AIFF) seems to have entered a crucial phase in awarding its long-term commercial rights for Indian football, receiving three bids for a proposed 15+5-year cycle covering the Indian Super League (ISL) and Indian Women’s League (IWL).
According to a report in khelnow.com, FanCode, Capri Sports, and global data and media company Genius Sports are among the bidders vying for control of the commercial ecosystem of Indian club football.
The tender represents one of the most significant structural decisions in Indian football in recent years. The AIFF is evaluating a long-term model spanning an initial 15-year period, with a potential five-year extension, aimed at bringing stability, investment and commercial clarity to the sport.
The new rights cycle comes after the expiry of the previous Master Rights Agreement with Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), which had operated the ISL since its inception under a 15-year deal signed in 2010.
The bidding structure is understood to be split across different packages, with strong interest in the ISL (men’s competition) and separate focus on the IWL (women’s league).
The report indicated that FanCode and Genius Sports have submitted bids targeting the ISL commercial framework, while Capri Sports has shown particular interest in the IWL ecosystem, reflecting a differentiated approach to men’s and women’s football properties.
Capri Sports had earlier emerged as the sole bidder for IWL commercial rights in a previous tender, underlining its continued focus on women’s football development.
The current bidding round marks a turnaround from late 2025, when the AIFF struggled to attract bidders for ISL commercial rights, raising concerns over the league’s market positioning and commercial viability. However, renewed interest from multiple players, including FanCode, which already holds broadcast rights for ISL 2025–26, signals improving confidence in the league’s long-term value.
