ISL clubs seek more time as AIFF weighs bids for 20-year commercial deal
Genius Sports and Facode are in contention for ISL commercial rights tender.
ISL clubs have formally asked the All India Football Federation (AIFF) for more time to evaluate bidders in its long-term commercial rights tender for the Indian Super League (ISL) and Indian Women’s League (IWL), slowing down what was expected to be a decisive phase in the process.
Earlier this week, AIFF opened bids for the 15+5-year commercial cycle. Three entities entered the race, with Genius Sports emerging as the highest bidder for the men’s package, while Capri Sports led the women’s package. FanCode also submitted a competing bid for the ISL, offering a different financial structure.
While AIFF has leaned towards the higher upfront commitment from Genius Sports, ISL clubs have shown a preference for FanCode’s model, which they believe could allow better central revenue distribution over time. However, despite initial discussions, no final decision was taken during the meeting between the federation and clubs.
Now, with an Executive Committee meeting scheduled for March 29, the ISL clubs have collectively written to AIFF, requesting that no binding decision be made yet.
ISL clubs urge AIFF to avoid decision in March 29 meeting
In their communication, ISL clubs made it clear that the current timeline does not allow for a fair or informed decision. They pointed out that they received access to key tender documents less than 12 hours before the bids were opened, leaving little room for proper evaluation.
“Any expectation that the clubs should now immediately indicate a preference between the bidders would, with respect, be both premature and inconsistent with the seriousness of the decision at hand,” the letter stated.
The clubs have therefore urged AIFF to refrain from finalising the tender during the upcoming Executive Committee meeting. Instead, they have asked for a structured process where both bidders Genius Sports and FanCode, can present their plans directly.
“We would strongly urge that no binding decision be taken at that meeting,” the clubs added, stressing that such a move would go against the idea of collective decision-making.
Also Read: Genius Sports bids highest for ISL; Capri Sports secure IWL commercial rights
Why ISL clubs want more time
At the core of the issue lies the scale and long-term impact of the deal. The selected commercial partner will not just handle media rights but also influence sponsorships, data, and the broader commercial ecosystem of Indian football for the next two decades.
ISL clubs have argued that evaluating such proposals requires a deeper understanding of each bidder’s financial model, operational capacity, and long-term vision.
“This is not a routine commercial appointment. The party selected through this process will have a material bearing on the structure, commercial direction and long-term future of Indian football,” the letter explained.
The financial structure further complicates the decision. Under the proposed model, AIFF will receive 20% of the committed spending upfront every year, while 70% of net revenue will be shared at the end of the season. From that pool, 60% will go to ISL and IWL clubs.
However, clubs remain concerned about the actual returns. As one source highlighted, even in a scenario where the league generates ₹50 crore in net profit, each club would receive only around ₹2.14 crore, an amount that falls far short of their annual investment.
“ISL clubs are unlikely to make any sufficient revenue from the central pool, as even if the league makes ₹50 net profit, each club will only get around ₹2.14 crore,” the source noted.
Because of these concerns, clubs want detailed presentations from both bidders, followed by internal discussions with their owners and stakeholders. They believe that only a thorough review will allow them to take a responsible and unified position.
For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.
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.