The Indian football calendar is about to hit a fever pitch. As the winter chill begins to recede, the heat is turning up on the pitch with the Indian Super League (ISL) commencing on February 14th, followed shortly by the I-League’s kickoff on February 21st.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF), on Monday, selected FanCode as the official media partner for the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 season.This year’s edition of the Indian Super League is set to begin next week, with the tentative schedule having Mohun Bagan Super Giant lock horns with Kerala Blasters at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.
These dates represent a hard-fought restart for the national game, which nearly faced a “permanent paralysis” due to administrative hurdles and a race against time to secure venues and broadcasting partners and expiry of commercial partners and governance issues.
With clubs having to agree to a truncated format and players even taking pay cuts to keep the ecosystem alive, this season serves as a high-stakes unified survival effort to keep the sport moving forward.
While the national gaze shifts toward these major leagues, the pulse of the game is already beating at the local level in the coastal state of Goa. As the Goa Professional League (GPL) takes place, Sporting Clube de Goa currently lead on top of the state league after an outstanding previous array of matches. The frontrunners have seized control of the table following a clinical run of results where they outpaced the competition with high-scoring masterclasses, notably their 7-0 victory against Bidesh XI and a recent 2-0 win over Calangute Association.
The establishment of the Indian Super League (ISL) in 2014, increased investments in infrastructure, and the country’s hosting of international football events have contributed to the sport’s rising profile. However, football in India still faces numerous challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, a lack of grassroots programs, and limited international success.
According to a report by Deloitte Sports Business Group (2022), ISL clubs continue to operate at a loss, primarily due to high operational costs and limited revenue from ticket sales and merchandising.
Bridging the Gap: From Local Dominance to National Vision
This on-pitch dominance in the state circuits is more than a local win; it provides the essential spark needed for a national-level turnaround. However, for this on-pitch momentum to translate into long-term stability, it must be supported by the structural pillars currently being debated at the federation level.
Scaling Grassroots Development
Grassroot development is critical to the long-term success of football in any country. The focus must shift toward expanding outreach to rural areas where potential remains untapped. By collaborating with schools and community centers, we can foster a culture that encourages participation from a young age, ensuring the talent pipeline never runs dry.
Investing in Modern Infrastructure
Dominance on the pitch requires world-class facilities. Significant investment through public-private partnerships is essential to develop new training centers and stadiums. Beyond new builds, prioritizing the maintenance of existing facilities ensures that every player, from the state league to the ISL—has access to a professional environment.
Ensuring League Sustainability
To move away from the cycle of financial uncertainty, the ISL and I-League must diversify their revenue. This means going beyond the basics: enhancing fan experiences, sharpening merchandising strategies, and securing international broadcast rights to increase global visibility and profitability.
Elevating International Competitiveness
The ultimate goal is a stronger national team. To improve India’s standing, the priority must be on developing elite players by providing young talent with exposure in top footballing nations like Spain or Germany will provide the experience necessary to compete at the highest global levels.
The future of football in India holds immense promise, but it demands a relentless commitment to planning and investment. While the sport has the potential to challenge long-standing cultural dominance, it can only do so by resolving the current challenges in infrastructure and financial sustainability. By bridging the gap between local excellence and national strategy, India can finally emerge as a significant force in the global football scene in the coming decades.
