AIFF releases RFP for ISL 2026-27 media rights
AIFF opens bidding process for ISL 2026-27 media rights.
The AIFF has officially invited bids for the media rights of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 season, marking the next step in the league’s new club-led commercial model. The federation, with the ISL clubs, released the Request for Proposal (RFP) on Friday, opening the process for companies interested in securing the league’s broadcast, digital, media and production rights.
The RFP outlines the bidding process, eligibility requirements and key timelines that interested parties must follow before submitting their proposals. Companies wishing to participate will first have to purchase the RFP document by paying a non-refundable fee of ₹2 lakh, excluding applicable taxes.
Two media rights packages on offer
The AIFF has divided the media rights into two separate packages.
Package A includes both the media rights and live production responsibilities. The successful bidder will be responsible for producing the live broadcast and covering all associated production costs.
Package B, meanwhile, excludes production responsibilities. Under this option, the ISL clubs will arrange the live production, allowing the rights holder to focus solely on broadcasting and commercial operations.
The federation has also reserved the right to amend or cancel the RFP process at any stage if required.
Eligibility criteria for bidders
The AIFF has made it clear that only eligible entities will be considered during the evaluation process. While any interested company can purchase the RFP document, buying it alone does not guarantee that its bid will be assessed.
The federation has also specified that the entity purchasing the RFP must be the one submitting the bid. The bidding rights cannot be transferred to another company or affiliate. Any proposal submitted by an organisation that has not purchased the RFP directly will be rejected.
To be eligible, bidders must:
- Purchase the RFP document by paying the non-refundable document fee of ₹2 lakh (excluding applicable taxes).
- Submit the bid through the same entity that purchased the RFP.
- Ensure the bidding rights are not transferred to any affiliate or another company.
- Email proof of payment along with the required company details, including registered address, PAN and GSTIN (where applicable), to the AIFF.
- Meet all eligibility conditions mentioned in the RFP, as purchasing the document alone does not guarantee evaluation of the bid.
Bidding process and important dates
The bidding process will move quickly over the next two weeks. After the RFP was published on July 25, a pre-bid conference has been scheduled for July 30. Interested bidders must also confirm their participation in the meeting before that date.
The deadline for submitting written queries is August 3, while the AIFF will issue its responses on August 5. The final date for submitting bids is August 8.
Technical bids will be opened on August 10 at 11:00 AM IST, followed by technical presentations if required. Commercial bids are scheduled to be opened later the same day at 1:00 PM IST.
To receive the RFP document, bidders must complete the payment and email the transaction details along with the required company information to the AIFF. The federation will share the document only after verifying the payment and submitted details.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| RFP published | July 25, 2026 |
| Pre-bid conference | July 30, 2026 |
| Deadline to submit written queries | August 3, 2026 |
| AIFF issues responses to queries | August 5, 2026 |
| Last date for bid submission | August 8, 2026 |
| Opening of technical bids | August 10, 2026 (11:00 AM IST) |
| Technical presentations (if required) | To be confirmed by ISL Clubs |
| Opening of commercial bids | August 10, 2026 (1:00 PM IST) |
What are the two media rights packages available for ISL 2026-27?
The AIFF has offered:Package A: Media rights with live production responsibilities.Package B: Media rights without production, with the ISL clubs handling live production.
When is the deadline to submit bids for ISL 2026-27 media rights?
The last date for submitting bids is August 8, 2026, while the technical and commercial bids will be opened on August 10, 2026.
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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.