Strategic Media Rights Battle Intensifies for ISL 2025-26 Season: New Players Emerge as Traditional Broadcasters Exit

The media rights landscape for the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 season is undergoing a significant transformation, with a notable shift in competitive dynamics. Analysis confirms that traditional broadcast powerhouses Sony and ZEE have withdrawn from the bidding process, creating a strategic vacuum that emerging and diversified media entities are poised to fill. The confirmed bidders—Anandabazar Patrika (ABP) Group, FanCode, JioStar, and Kaleidoscope Production and Services (KPS Studios)—represent a new wave of investment in sports broadcasting. This development signals a potential realignment in India's sports media market, moving away from conventional television-centric models toward integrated digital and regional language platforms. The participation of JioStar underscores the growing influence of telecom-led media convergence, while ABP's involvement highlights the increasing value of regional content ecosystems. FanCode's bid reinforces the trend toward dedicated sports streaming services, and KPS Studios' entry suggests broader production and distribution ambitions. This competitive scenario indicates heightened valuation for the ISL property and reflects evolving consumer consumption patterns favoring digital accessibility and niche sports content. The outcome of this bidding process will likely set a precedent for future sports media rights negotiations in the region, emphasizing diversification and strategic market positioning over traditional broadcast dominance.