The All India Football Federation has proposed a new long-term model for the Indian Super League , with a tentative start date of February 5. Under this 20-year plan, the federation will "own and operate" the league to align with its recently adopted constitution as directed by the Supreme Court.
Deputy Secretary General M. Satyanarayan stated the guiding principles are to "ensure the league starts as soon as possible" and maintain constitutional compliance. This shift follows the expiration of the Master Rights Agreement with FSDL on December 8, marking a change in how India's top-flight football is governed.
The proposed financial model includes a "Central Operational Budget" of ₹70 crore for the inaugural season under the new plan. Each of the 14 clubs would pay an annual "standard participation fee" of ₹1 crore, which would eventually be reimbursed from the central pool.
Revenue distribution is a major component: once the league hits a break-even point of ₹96 crore, 60% is reserved for the clubs; 50% equally distributed and 10% allocated based on additional investment. The AIFF will retain 10% of revenue, while 30% is set aside for a commercial partner. A partner must pay ₹12 crore to acquire a 4% stake in the revenue pool, in addition to an allotted 26%.
For the upcoming 2025-26 season, two models are currently being debated: a two-conference system similar to the MLS in the USA using centralized venues, or a Swiss-style format involving traditional home and away travel. "The meeting went on positively, and representatives of all 14 clubs were present," said Caetano Fernandes, president of the Goa Football Association.
Clubs remain split on the centralized venue approach due to cost-cutting concerns. Officials are also coordinating with the AFC to ensure the champion can compete in Champions League Two despite the delayed start and format changes.
Club representatives expressed a mix of hope and concern over the implementation. Mandar Tamhane, CEO of NorthEast United FC, noted that the proposal provides "solid foundations" but emphasized the need to be "conservative and realistic." Jamshedpur FC CEO Mukul Choudhari called it a "positive step" for the livelihoods of players and referees, while Mohammedan Sporting official Dipendu Biswas stressed that the "league needs to start as soon as possible" ahead of the winter transfer window.
However, an unnamed club official cautioned that the deal still "hinges on the broadcast rights and a commercial partner to come on board" after the previous agreement with Star Sports expired.
Starting from the 2026-27 cycle, the ISL is expected to move to a June 1 to May 31 calendar, incorporating promotion and relegation to satisfy AFC regulations. Further meetings are scheduled for late December to finalize salary caps, operational expenses, and investment protections before seeking ratification from the AIFF’s Annual General Meeting.
