AIFF releases RFP for ISL 2025–26 media rights
ISL 2025–26 will kick off on February 14.
After being unable to find a broadcaster and commercial partner initially, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has formally issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Indian Super League (ISL) media rights for the 2025–26 season. The RFP outlines the scope of rights, the evaluation framework, and a clearly defined submission timeline.
Moreover, the upcoming season will feature 91 matches in a home-and-away round-robin format. Therefore, AIFF is seeking a partner capable of delivering consistent, high-quality coverage across television and digital platforms with the ISL kicking off on February 14 and running until May 17.
Important timelines
AIFF released the RFP for the Indian Super League media rights on January 18, 2026. However, interested bidders can seek clarifications only until January 27, 2026. After that, AIFF will issue responses to all written queries on January 28, 2026.
Meanwhile, the final deadline for bid submission is February 1, 2026, by 5:00 PM IST. Subsequently, AIFF will open the technical bids on February 2, 2026, at 11:00 AM IST. Later the same day, the commercial bids of technically qualified bidders will be opened at 5:00 PM IST.
| S No | Information | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Publishing of RFP online | 18 January 2026 |
| 2. | Date of Pre-Bid Conference | 23 January 2026 |
| 3. | Last date for submission of written queries for clarification. | 27 January 2026 |
| 4. | Issuance of response to written queries | 28 January 2026 |
| 5. | Last date for Bid submission (“Bid Due Date”) | 01 February 2026 |
| 6. | Opening of Technical Bids | 02 February 2026 at 11:00 hrs IST |
| 7. | Technical Presentation by Bidders (if required) | To be confirmed by AIFF |
| 8. | Opening of Commercial Bids | 02 February 2026 at 17:00 hrs IST |
Eligibility criteria for bidders
AIFF has defined detailed, point-wise eligibility conditions to ensure only credible entities bid for the Indian Super League media rights.
First, the bidder must be a recognised broadcaster or an internet-based platform with prior experience in live sports broadcasting or streaming. Additionally, the entity must demonstrate proven technical capability in producing and distributing live football content at a professional standard.
Second, the bidder must be financially sound. Therefore, submission of audited financial statements for the prescribed financial years is mandatory to establish economic stability and bidding capacity.
Third, the bidding entity must be legally incorporated and compliant with all applicable laws, regulations, and statutory requirements in India. Moreover, the bidder must not be involved in any litigation or dispute that could adversely impact its ability to fulfil the media rights obligations.
Finally, AIFF requires bidders to submit all declarations, undertakings, and supporting documents strictly in the format specified in the RFP. As a result, only fully compliant bids will be considered for technical evaluation, ensuring transparency and operational reliability throughout the process.
Rights on Offer
The RFP places a wide-ranging bundle of ISL media rights on the table. These rights cover live television broadcast, digital and OTT streaming, and mobile transmission. In addition, the selected bidder must handle world-feed production and matchday programming.
Furthermore, the broadcaster will be responsible for producing both clean and commercial-ready feeds. This includes commentary, graphics, data integration, and studio shows. Consequently, AIFF expects a partner with strong technical depth and proven live-sports experience.
Notably, the rights extend worldwide. Therefore, bidders must present a clear distribution plan across linear TV and digital platforms.
Bid Evaluation Process
AIFF will assess all proposals through a dedicated Bid Evaluation Committee. Initially, the technical bids will be reviewed to verify eligibility, broadcast capability, and production standards. Only compliant bidders will progress to the commercial stage.
Importantly, technical quality carries significant weight. Bidders must demonstrate experience in live sports production and distribution. After that, AIFF will open commercial bids and evaluate financial offers before selecting the preferred partner.
AIFF has even mandated a fully digital e-bid process for the ISL media rights RFP. Accordingly, bidders must submit both the technical bid and the commercial bid only via email in password-protected PDF format. Moreover, the two bids must be shared as separate files, without any commercial details appearing in the technical submission.
All documents, supporting certificates, and undertakings must be attached in a single email and sent before the deadline. Importantly, AIFF will not accept hard copies, late submissions, or revised bids after the cut-off time, which makes timely and accurate e-bid submission essential for all interested parties.
How many matches are covered under the RFP?
The 2025–26 ISL season will feature 91 matches in a home-and-away format
When is the last date to submit bids?
Bids must be submitted by February 1, 2026, as per the RFP timeline
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A sports journalist for over 4 years, Triyasha has been covering Indian Football and Kanbaddi meticulously, She specialises in in-depth knowledge of the game, the players and the footballing infrastructure and heritage in India.