The ongoing crisis surrounding the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) season is finally nearing its end after the All India Football Federation (AIFF) agreed “in principle” to a temporary club-led model. Backed by the Sports Ministry, this breakthrough development paves the way for the 2026-27 edition to kick off as scheduled on September 4, 2026.
The compromise brings immense relief to fans and stakeholders alike, effectively eliminating the looming threat of the tournament being scrapped or heavily delayed due to administrative deadlock. Speaking to PTI, AIFF Deputy Secretary General M Satyanarayan confirmed that while the concept has been accepted, a few legal and structural details are currently being ironed out before a final agreement is officially inked.
“We have agreed in principle to the proposal made by the ISL clubs and we have told this to the Sports Minister. The sports ministry also said it’s okay. So, we will make a formal announcement on June 15,” Satyanarayan stated.
“We also have to see how it will work legally. So, there is no final agreement as of now. We have to work on some details and iron them out. That will happen in the next three-four days. The kick-off for ISL is finalised, it will begin on September 4. Durand Cup will be between June 25 and July 25,” he added.
Another top official explained that this interim structure is designed to safeguard the financial health of the participating franchises, who have been enduring heavy losses, while a sustainable long-term business plan is formulated over the next 24 months. Furthermore, global sports data giant Genius Sports, who had initially bid a massive Rs 2,129 crore annually for the league’s commercial rights, will also be integrated into the upcoming trilateral discussions alongside a fresh tendering process for the broadcast rights.
The upcoming 2026-27 iteration is slated to return to its traditional, full-fledged seven-month format featuring home and away fixtures for all 14 teams, contrasting sharply with the truncated single-leg round-robin system used last season where East Bengal FC secured their maiden title.
IS THE CLUB-LED MODEL FULLY CONFIRMED?
The deal is currently about 90 to 95 percent complete, meaning the cloud of uncertainty over Indian football has mostly cleared. All primary parties—the national federation, the franchise owners, and Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, have agreed on the path forward, ensuring that pre-season timelines can finally move ahead with confidence.
However, the final legal contracts have not yet been officially signed. The current status of the league’s rollout can be broken down into the following key milestones:
- Approved: AIFF consensus, club agreement, and explicit Sports Ministry backing.
- Finalised: The official tournament start date set for September 4, 2026.
- Pending: The drafting of the final legal framework, broadcast tendering, and the formal announcement scheduled for June 15.
WHAT WILL THE NEW MODEL LOOK LIKE?
For the next two seasons, spanning 2026-27 and 2027-28, the ISL will run as a shared pilot project to steady the financial ship. The participating clubs will take the wheel on the commercial side, managing sponsorships and marketing to recover from recent financial losses, while the AIFF steps back into a purely supervisory role for business matters.
This interim structure acts as a temporary peace treaty rather than a permanent handover. Under the newly proposed commercial setup:
- The clubs will directly manage and profit from the business operations of the league.
- The franchises will collectively pay the AIFF a fixed fee of Rs 15 crore per year.
- The entire commercial operation will be thoroughly reviewed after the initial two-year trial period ends.
WILL AIFF STILL CONTROL THE LEAGUE?
Yes, the AIFF will firmly remain the ultimate boss of the competition by retaining complete ownership and operating rights. While the franchises run the business, the national federation keeps the keys to the sport itself, ensuring the tournament never compromises on international football standards.
The separation of powers means that the business side stays with the clubs, while the regulatory side remains strictly with the governing body. The AIFF continues to hold exclusive command over:
- The appointment, training, and management of match referees.
- All legal, anti-doping, integrity, and disciplinary oversight.
- Player registrations, transfers, and total compliance with FIFA and AFC regulations.
– Ends