ISL clubs are pushing AIFF for a club-led league model: New proposal explained

Indian Super League (ISL) clubs have put forward a fresh proposal to the All India Football Federation (AIFF), suggesting a two-year club-led pilot model to run the country's top-tier football competition, according to the Times of India. Under the plan, the clubs would collectively pay the AIFF Rs 15 crore every year for the commercial rights of the league.

The offer exceeds the roughly Rs 12.4 crore annual administrative fee that sports data and technology company Genius Sports has proposed for the 2026-27 season. Clubs believe their model can provide a practical compromise as discussions over the future structure and commercial control of the league remain deadlocked.

What are the ISL clubs proposing?

The clubs want to take charge of league operations for an initial two-year period. They argue that such an arrangement would help bring stability to the competition, improve commercial revenues, align the interests of various stakeholders and enhance the long-term value of Indian football.

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According to the clubs, the current market environment does not accurately reflect the true worth of the ISL. They fear that entering into a long-term commercial or equity agreement now could result in the league being undervalued for years to come.

Why are clubs opposed to a long-term deal now?

In communications sent to the AIFF, club representatives have argued that the ISL possesses significant untapped growth potential. They believe selling long-term rights at current valuations could lock Indian football into an agreement that fails to capture future commercial gains.

The proposed pilot phase, therefore, is intended as a temporary measure that would allow the league's value to grow before any major strategic or commercial transaction is considered.

How does the money compare?

For years, the AIFF received Rs 50 crore annually from its previous commercial partnership with Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the Reliance-backed entity that managed the league's commercial operations.

By comparison, the Genius Sports proposal would provide the federation with only around Rs 12.4 crore in the first season, representing 20 percent of the company's bid amount. To bridge the financial gap, the AIFF has explored the possibility of charging clubs a participation fee.

What is the dispute over participation fees?

The federation has reportedly suggested that clubs pay an entry fee of Rs 1 crore each under a model where Genius Sports controls the league's commercial rights.

However, clubs have firmly rejected the idea. In a separate communication to the AIFF, they stated that none of them had agreed to such a fee and argued that it was introduced solely by the federation. They urged the AIFF not to portray the participation charge as a settled component of any future league structure.

What happens next?

The latest proposal follows a series of meetings among club owners in Mumbai as they seek to shape the future of Indian football's premier competition. Clubs were expecting further discussions with the AIFF, but were still awaiting formal confirmation of a meeting.

With disagreements persisting over commercial rights, revenue sharing and participation fees, the coming weeks could prove crucial in determining how the ISL is governed and monetised in the years ahead.