Four interested bidders attend AIFF’s pre-bid conference for ISL 2025-26 media rights
ISL 2025-26 is set to kick off on February 14.
With only a few days left for the Indian Super League (ISL) to kick off, uncertainty continues to surround its broadcast future. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has taken another step in the Indian Super League (ISL) media rights process after hosting the official pre-bid conference for the 2025–26 season.
As per the RFP schedule, AIFF held the pre-bid conference on January 23, 2026. Interested parties were given the opportunity to raise operational, technical and commercial queries during the meeting. In addition, bidders can submit written clarification requests until January 27.
Khel Now can confirm that four parties attended the pre-bid online conference. Sony Sports, FanCode, Zee Sports and UK-based sports consultancy Two Circles were the interested stakeholders present at the meeting.
Eligibility Criteria for Bidders
The RFP clearly states that only broadcasters or internet-based operators with a minimum of three years of operational experience are eligible to participate. Moreover, bidders must have recorded a net worth of at least Rs. 10 crore in the 2024–25 financial year.
In addition, AIFF requires an average annual revenue of no less than Rs. 10 crore across the last three completed financial years — 2022–23, 2023–24 and 2024–25.
For consortium bids, up to three entities may form a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV). Importantly, one entity must act as the Lead Member and hold at least 51% equity in the SPV’s paid-up share capital.
Bid Evaluation and E-Bid Process
Each submission will be assessed under a two-stage evaluation system. Technical bids carry a 70% weightage, while financial bids account for the remaining 30%. Only technically compliant bidders will advance to the commercial stage.
AIFF has also enforced a strict e-bid process, requiring both technical and financial bids to be submitted via email in password-protected PDF format. The two components must be shared as separate files, with no commercial information included in the technical bid. Late, revised or physical submissions will not be accepted.
Also Read: Explained: What changed in the updated ISL Governance Charter?
Rights on Offer in the ISL Media Package
The RFP places a comprehensive bundle of ISL media rights on offer. These include live television broadcast, digital and OTT streaming, and mobile transmission. Additionally, the successful bidder must manage world-feed production and all matchday programming.
AIFF has also mandated the production of both clean feeds and commercial-ready feeds, complete with commentary, graphics, data integration and studio shows. Notably, the rights extend worldwide, requiring bidders to outline a clear international distribution strategy.
Earlier, all 14 ISL clubs, including debutants Inter Kashi, confirmed their participation. The ISL 2025–26 season will follow a single home-and-away league format, resulting in 91 matches overall.
To manage the compressed calendar, matches will largely be scheduled as double-headers on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Kick-off timings have also been finalised, with games starting at 5:30 PM and 7:00 PM. There will also be matches on Thursday but single ones.
AIFF has set 5:00 pm IST on February 1 as the final deadline for bid submissions. Each bid must be accompanied by a security deposit of Rs. 5 lakh, making compliance with timelines critical for all applicants.
Which companies attended the ISL 2025–26 pre-bid conference?
Sony Sports, FanCode, Zee Sports and UK-based agency Two Circles attended the meeting.
When is the ISL 2025-26 media rights bid submission deadline?
Bids must be submitted by 5:00 pm IST on February 1, 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.