Genius Sports bids highest for ISL; Capri Sports secure IWL commercial rights
FanCode also in contention as AIFF opens bids for long-term rights tender.
The All-India Football Federation (AIFF) has opened the bids received for its long-term commercial rights tender covering the Indian Super League (ISL) and Indian Women’s League (IWL) ahead of the upcoming season.
Khel Now had earlier reported that three bids were submitted for the 15+5-year tender, and that has now been confirmed after the opening process.
Genius Sports has submitted the highest bid for the ISL and Federation Cup (Package A – men’s competitions), while Capri Sports has emerged as the highest bidder for the Indian Women’s League and IWL 2 (Package B – women’s competitions)
FanCode has also submitted a bid for the men’s package, offering a different financial structure compared to Genius Sports.
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Structure of the deal
Under the proposed model, AIFF will receive 20% of the committed spending amount upfront from the bidder each year. At the end of the season, 70% of the net revenue will be shared with the federation, out of which 60% will be distributed to ISL clubs in the men’s category and IWL clubs in the women’s category.
The tender has been divided into two packages:
- Package A (Men): ISL and Federation Cup
- Package B (Women): IWL and IWL 2
The rights include media, digital, data, sponsorship, and other commercial assets associated with the competitions.
Bid details
1. Genius Sports
- Year 1 Spending: ₹64.39 crore
- AIFF 20% upfront share (Year 1): ₹12.87 crore
- Annual Increment: 5%
- Total spending over 20 Years: ~₹2,129 crore
- AIFF Share over 20 Years: ~₹425 crore (20% of total commitment)
- Package: Package A – Club Competitions (Men)
2. FanCode
- Year 1 Spending: ₹36 crore
- AIFF 20% upfront share (Year 1): ₹7.2 crore
- Annual Increment: 5%
- Total spending over 20 Years: ~₹1,190.37 crore
- AIFF Share over 20 Years: ~₹238 crore (20% of total commitment)
- Package: Package A – Club Competitions (Men)
3. Capri Sports
- Year 1 Spending: ₹4.54 crore
- AIFF 20% upfront share (Year 1): ₹0.90 crore
- Annual Increment: 5%
- Total spending over 20 Years: ~₹150 crore
- AIFF Share over 20 Years: ~₹30 crore (20% of total commitment)
- Package: Package B – Club Competitions (Women)
Clubs vs AIFF: Different preferences
Following the opening of both technical and commercial bids, AIFF held a long online meeting with ISL clubs to discuss the outcome. However, no final decision was reached.
“ISL clubs preferred FanCode bid as their model has a lower cost upfront, so there are chances of central revenue distribution to the clubs and AIFF, whereas the AIFF preferred Genius Sports, as they will get more upfront,” a source tracking the development told Khel Now.
The difference in approach reflects a broader divide: immediate financial security versus long-term distribution and control.
“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, which is negligible compared to their annual investment,” added the source.
What next?
AIFF has called for an executive committee meeting on 29 March, where a final decision on the tender is expected.
For context, the current 2025–26 cycle saw FanCode secure ISL media rights for ₹8.62 crore, while production costs reduced AIFF’s effective net revenue to around ₹3.4 crore.
The decision now is significantly bigger.
This is not just about picking a bidder; it will shape how Indian football’s commercial ecosystem is structured for the next two decades.
Who has bid highest for ISL rights?
Genius Sports has submitted the highest bid for ISL and Federation Cup rights.
Who is the top bidder for IWL rights?
Capri Sports is the highest and only bidder for IWL and IWL 2 rights.
What is the duration of the AIFF tender?
The tender is structured for a 15+5 year cycle.
When will AIFF take a final decision?
The final decision is expected after the Executive Committee meeting on March 29.
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