The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has made a significant move for the upcoming Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 season. The federation has offered feeds of Prasar Bharati, India's public broadcaster, to all IFL clubs for regional broadcast and streaming on a non-exclusive basis without any access fee.
Prasar Bharati is an autonomous statutory body that serves as India’s public broadcaster. It operates two verticals: Doordarshan for television and All India Radio for radio. The feeds will be provided at a location determined by Prasar Bharati.
In addition to providing free feeds, the revenue generated from broadcast or streaming will be shared in a 60:40 ratio between the clubs and the central revenue pool of IFL 2025-26. Sixty per cent of this revenue will be retained by clubs, while forty per cent will go into the central revenue pool on mutually agreed payment terms.
Increased autonomy for IFL clubs
This development marks another step towards increased autonomy for IFL clubs. The league is already run by a governing council comprising nine club representatives and a managing committee with five club representatives primarily from the IFL teams. The waiver contrasts with Indian Super League 2025-26, where streaming and broadcasting rights were sold to FanCode for Rs. 8.62 Cr.
While AIFF is offering these benefits, it has clarified that it "will not bear any expenses, liabilities or obligations related to such onward transmission and sub-license of the feed." Any liability arising due to such transmission would solely fall upon the respective club with AIFF having no role or responsibility in such arrangements.
Clubs interested in availing these services have been asked to confirm their interest and provide:
- A brief description of the purpose for seeking such access
- Documentary proof of arrangements with any third party for the broadcast and/or streaming of matches of IFL 2025-26
- List of matches intended for broadcast and/or streaming.
This move by AIFF is a significant step towards promoting regional football in India. By offering free broadcasting feeds, it not only helps clubs financially but also ensures wider reach and visibility for the sport across the country.
