As the All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced its competition calendar for 2025–26 on Thursday, it made no mention of the country’s top-tier men’s league, the Indian Super League (ISL), raising concerns about the league’s future.

There is, however, prominent mention of the Indian Women’s League, starting October 25, while the I-League will kick off on October 19. The Santosh Trophy, a prestigious annual Indian football tournament that features state, union territory, and government institution teams, will be held from December 5 to January 20.

The future of the Indian Super League (ISL) - the top tier of Indian club football - is currently in limbo, as the organisers of the league, Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), are unwilling to proceed with its organisation unless there is clarity on the Master Rights Agreement (MRA).

The AIFF and FSDL had signed a 15-year contract in 2010, which ends in December this year. However, the stakeholders of the league are yet to renew the agreement, which has made the future of the league uncertain, leaving the clubs in the dark. The 2025–26 ISL season was expected to start on September 14, but there is no certainty now.

FSDL officials have apprised club owners that the ISL 2025–26 would not kick off as long as the future of the MRA remains unclear. It is not that the stakeholders are unwilling to renew the contract, but the Supreme Court's April order has made the issue delicate. The apex court had directed the AIFF and FSDL not to enter into any negotiations until the final verdict is passed on the AIFF constitution. This deadlock has left everyone anxious.