The future of the Indian Super League (ISL) - the top tier of Indian club football - is 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).

FSDL, a joint venture between Reliance Industries and broadcaster Disney Star, is the commercial partner of the All India Football Federation (AIFF). They had signed a 15-year contract in 2010, which earned the Indian federation an annual fee of Rs 50 crore or 20 per cent of the total revenue, whichever is higher.

However, the stakeholders of the league are yet to renew the agreement, which ends in December this year, reported Times of India. This development 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.

According to the report, 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.

In the meantime, the FSDL has now suggested the formation of a new holding company to govern and operate the ISL, with participating clubs holding 60 per cent of the shares, FSDL 26 per cent, and AIFF 14 per cent.

In light of this development, clubs are going slow with their preparations for the next season. Most teams have avoided signing players, while others have not even started their pre-season training. This could impact the Durand Cup, as clubs may not be eager to participate in a tournament they usually treat as preparatory for the ISL. The Durand Cup this year has been scheduled to be played across five states between July 23 and August 23.

The FSDL had reached out to the AIFF and set April 30 as the deadline for renewing the MRA. In April, the AIFF formed an eight-member task force to look into MRA negotiations with its commercial partner - a move that did not find favour with some members. Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia even told the executive committee to wait until the Supreme Court finalises the new constitution.

The Supreme Court later instructed the AIFF not to take any decision on the renewal of the MRA until its final order, which is expected resume from July 14.