The Indian Super League (ISL) is facing its biggest challenge yet as No Bids for ISL 15-Year Commercial Rights have been received. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) confirmed the shocking news, which has left the future of the league uncertain. Following this, reigning champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant have suspended all football operations indefinitely, while East Bengal have urged the BCCI to step in and support Indian football during this critical phase.
No Bids for ISL 15-Year Commercial Rights Leaves League in Limbo
The AIFF officially confirmed on Friday that No Bids for ISL 15-Year Commercial Rights were submitted before the deadline. The bidding process was launched on October 16 through a Request for Proposals (RFP) and closed on November 7. The 15-year deal was designed to monetise the ISL’s commercial properties, but not a single bidder showed interest, deepening concerns about the league’s financial stability.
The AIFF’s Bid Evaluation Committee, headed by retired Justice Nageswara Rao, was supposed to open the proposals on November 11. However, since No Bids for ISL 15-Year Commercial Rights were received, there was nothing to evaluate. The committee is now expected to meet over the weekend to decide the next course of action.
The ISL’s crisis has been brewing for months. In July, the AIFF announced that the league was placed on hold after its long-term partnership with Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), a Reliance-led entity, could not be renewed. The Supreme Court had earlier directed the AIFF not to extend the deal with FSDL until the case regarding the new federation constitution was resolved. Following the court’s direction, the AIFF tried to attract fresh investors, but again, No Bids for ISL 15-Year Commercial Rights were received.
This development has now thrown Indian football’s top-tier competition into complete uncertainty. Without a commercial partner, the league’s operations, sponsorships, and player contracts all hang in the balance.
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Mohun Bagan Suspends Operations, East Bengal Appeals to BCCI
Amid the chaos, Mohun Bagan Super Giant became the first major club to halt operations. The decision came soon after it was confirmed that No Bids for ISL 15-Year Commercial Rights were submitted. A senior club official stated that players’ training camps have been cancelled indefinitely and that the club will review player and staff contracts next month.
“Our players were supposed to assemble for camp, but that has been postponed. We will review all contracts once there is clarity on the ISL,” the official told PTI.
Despite the suspension, salaries have not been stopped. Head coach Jose Molina, who criticised the club after their Super Cup exit, remains on contract until next May. However, his deal will also be reviewed if the ISL remains on hold due to the fact that No Bids for ISL 15-Year Commercial Rights were received.
Mohun Bagan’s decision adds to the league’s growing troubles. Odisha FC and Bengaluru FC have also struggled financially, delaying payments or suspending activities. The Mariners had earlier withdrawn from the Asian Champions League Two after refusing to travel to Iran for a match against Sepahan SC in September.
Meanwhile, East Bengal have decided not to suspend operations but expressed deep concern over the ISL’s future. Senior executive member Debabrata (Nitu) Sarkar said the club will continue training from November 10 for the Super Cup semifinals but urged authorities to act swiftly.
“There’s no clarity on the ISL, and No Bids for ISL 15-Year Commercial Rights is a serious issue,” Sarkar told reporters. “Indian football cannot afford to stop like this. The AIFF, Sports Ministry, and former officials must come together to find a solution.”
In a surprising appeal, Sarkar requested the BCCI — India’s richest sporting body — to financially support football during this difficult time. “If the BCCI can sponsor Indian football for even four or five years, it would make a huge difference. For them, Rs 100–150 crore is not a big amount,” he said.
With No Bids for ISL 15-Year Commercial Rights, the AIFF is left searching for answers. The coming weeks will be crucial for Indian football as clubs, players, and fans wait anxiously to see whether the ISL — once seen as the future of Indian football — can be revived.
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