ISL running on frugal budget

The All India Football Federation says it is running the Indian Super League this season on a “frugal” Rs 25 crore budget while it searches for a long-term commercial partner. (nationalheraldindia.com) Deputy Secretary General M. Satyanarayan told National Herald the federation cut costs to keep the league alive after Football Sports Development Limited did not renew its contract. He said cancelling the season would have left “thousands” of players, staff and referees without work. (nationalheraldindia.com) The next decision is about commercial rights from the 2026-27 season. AIFF opened bids in March for the Indian Super League and Federation Cup, with Genius Sports offering Rs 2,129 crore over 20 years and FanCode offering about Rs 1,190 crore. (business-standard.com) (sportstar.thehindu.com) On an annual basis, that works out to about Rs 64.39 crore from Genius Sports and roughly Rs 36 crore from FanCode. Satyanarayan said Rs 50 crore from the Genius proposal would go to ISL operating costs, with the remaining Rs 13 crore flowing to AIFF expenses such as referees, disciplinary matters and legal costs. (business-standard.com) (nationalheraldindia.com) That split has not settled club concerns. National Herald reported some clubs called the Genius structure “not satisfactory” because they do not yet see a direct share, while AIFF says clubs would benefit over time. (nationalheraldindia.com) AIFF has been trying to bring clubs into the process before choosing a bidder. Sportstar reported on March 29 that the federation planned bidder presentations for clubs and a comparative review by a Big Four accounting firm before the general body ratifies any deal. (sportstar.thehindu.com) Genius Sports made its pitch directly to AIFF and Indian Super League club representatives on April 23. Rediff, citing Press Trust of India, said the company presented a plan built around data, technology, digital products and a revenue-sharing model tied to future growth. (rediff.com) The financial strain is already showing up at club level. Times Now reported on April 25 that Inter Kashi is considering withdrawing from the Indian Super League after spending about Rs 4.5 crore on legal proceedings tied to its promotion dispute with Churchill Brothers. (timesnownews.com) That leaves Indian football in a holding pattern: a top division still being staged, a long-term rights deal still unresolved, and clubs still waiting to learn how much of the next cycle’s money will actually reach them. (nationalheraldindia.com) (sportstar.thehindu.com)