The All India Football Federation has officially released the Request for Proposal for Indian Super League 2025-26 media rights following months of negotiations with potential broadcast partners. The RFP, published on January 18, 2026, outlines comprehensive broadcasting requirements, eligibility criteria, and evaluation frameworks for interested bidders seeking to acquire ISL media rights. The federation established a firm bid submission deadline of February 1, 2026, at 5:00 PM IST, enabling rapid partner selection before the season commences on February 14.
The RFP encompasses 91 matches across the 2025-26 season in a home-and-away round-robin format, with coverage requirements spanning television, digital, OTT streaming, and mobile transmission platforms. The selected broadcaster must deliver live production capabilities including world-feed generation, match-day programming, graphics integration, and commentary in multiple languages.
Table of Contents
RFP Timeline and Critical Dates
The compressed timeline reflects the federation’s determination to secure broadcast partnership before the season launch. The Pre-Bid Conference on January 23 provides bidders with clarification opportunities on technical specifications and contractual requirements. The January 27 query deadline allows final information gathering before the February 1 submission cutoff.
| Date | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| January 18, 2026 | RFP Published | Online release of complete tender documents |
| January 23, 2026 | Pre-Bid Conference | Clarification meeting for interested bidders |
| January 27, 2026 | Query Submission Deadline | Last date for written clarifications |
| January 28, 2026 | Response to Queries | AIFF issues answers to all clarifications |
| February 1, 2026 | Bid Submission Deadline | 5:00 PM IST final submission time |
| February 2, 2026 | Technical Bid Opening | 11:00 AM IST technical evaluation |
| February 2, 2026 | Commercial Bid Opening | 5:00 PM IST commercial proposal review |
Eligibility Criteria for Bidders
AIFF has established stringent eligibility standards ensuring only credible, financially stable entities with proven sports broadcasting experience can bid. Bidders must demonstrate prior live sports production capability, financial transparency through audited statements, and legal compliance across all jurisdictions. The absence of pending litigation provides assurance regarding fulfillment of contractual obligations.
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Broadcasting Experience | Recognized broadcaster or internet platform with live sports broadcasting/streaming experience |
| Technical Capability | Proven professional standard for producing and distributing live football content |
| Financial Soundness | Audited financial statements for prescribed years demonstrating economic stability |
| Legal Compliance | Legally incorporated, compliant with Indian laws and statutory requirements |
| Litigation Status | No pending litigation or disputes affecting contractual obligations |
| Documentation | All declarations and supporting documents in specified RFP format |
Media Rights on Offer
The broadcaster must provide comprehensive coverage across all major distribution platforms while maintaining professional production standards. World-feed production, studio shows, graphics integration, and data-driven analytics represent core responsibilities. The selected partner must deliver content in multiple languages while maintaining broadcast quality suitable for professional distribution globally.
| Coverage Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Television Broadcast | Live linear TV transmission |
| Digital Streaming | OTT and internet-based platforms |
| Mobile Transmission | Mobile app and streaming capabilities |
| Production Requirements | World-feed generation and matchday programming |
| Commentary/Graphics | Professional commentary, graphics, data integration |
| Studio Programming | Pre-match, post-match, and highlight shows |
| Geographic Scope | Worldwide distribution rights |
| Format Requirements | Clean and commercial-ready feed production |
Bid Submission Process and Requirements
The federation mandated fully digital e-bid submission, eliminating physical document requirements. Bidders must submit technical and commercial proposals separately to prevent commercial information contamination of technical evaluations. All supporting documentation must be attached to a single email sent before the strict deadline. Late submissions and revised bids will not be considered, emphasizing the importance of timely and accurate initial submissions.
| Aspect | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Submission Format | E-bid via email only |
| File Format | Password-protected PDF |
| Bid Separation | Technical and commercial bids as separate files |
| Documentation | All supporting certificates and undertakings in single email |
| Hard Copies | Not accepted |
| Revised Bids | Not accepted after deadline |
| Submission Deadline | February 1, 2026, 5:00 PM IST |
Bid Evaluation Process and Selection Criteria
The AIFF will employ a dedicated Bid Evaluation Committee reviewing proposals through a two-stage process. Initial technical evaluation assesses eligibility, broadcast capability, production standards, and distribution planning. Only technically compliant bidders progress to commercial evaluation, where financial proposals are assessed against technical quality benchmarks.
Technical quality carries significant evaluation weight, with demonstrated live sports production experience serving as a critical differentiator. The evaluation committee will assess bid completeness, operational feasibility, and capacity to deliver professional broadcasts meeting international standards.
Season Coverage Requirements
The 2025-26 ISL season will feature 91 matches across 14 clubs playing single home-and-away formats. The season runs February 14 to May 17, 2026, with matches primarily scheduled as double-headers on weekends. Broadcasters must manage coordinated coverage across simultaneous matches while maintaining production quality.
The franchise-specific and league-wide content requirements demand sophisticated production infrastructure capable of managing multiple simultaneous transmissions with professional-grade output.
Previous Broadcast Partnership History
Earlier broadcast partnerships with Sony and Star Sports established expectations for production quality, content innovation, and audience engagement. The federation seeks continuity with proven broadcast excellence while exploring alternative partnerships offering enhanced digital and global distribution capabilities.
The absence of a commercial partner during initial 2025-26 planning necessitated the federation’s direct involvement in broadcast acquisition, providing opportunity to establish partnerships aligning with modernized media consumption patterns.
Read More: Barcelona’s Dro Confirms PSG Move: Verbal Agreement Finalized, Transfer Deal Complete
FAQs
When is the deadline for submitting ISL 2025-26 media rights bids?
The bid submission deadline is February 1, 2026, at 5:00 PM IST. Bids must be submitted via email in password-protected PDF format with technical and commercial proposals as separate files.
How many matches will the broadcast cover in ISL 2025-26?
The 2025-26 ISL season features 91 matches played in a home-and-away format by 14 clubs from February 14 to May 17, 2026. All matches require broadcast coverage across television, digital, and mobile platforms.
What are the eligibility requirements for ISL media rights bidders?
Bidders must be recognized broadcasters or internet platforms with proven live sports broadcasting experience, demonstrate technical capability in producing professional football content, have financial soundness through audited statements, maintain legal compliance, and have no pending litigation affecting contractual obligations.
What media platforms does the ISL RFP cover?
The RFP covers live television broadcast, digital OTT streaming, mobile transmission, world-feed production, matchday programming, commentary, graphics integration, and studio shows with worldwide distribution requirements.
When does the ISL 2025-26 season commence?
The ISL 2025-26 season will commence on February 14, 2026, and conclude on May 17, 2026. Matches will be primarily scheduled as double-headers on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays with 5:30 PM and 7:00 PM kickoff times.
