When Indian football hit rock bottom, belief stepped in: ISL’s Rs 8.62 crore reset and a 300 million opportunity The Indian Super League (ISL) has faced a dramatic decline in broadcast revenue, plummeting from Rs 275 crore per season to just Rs 8.62 crore. This sharp drop reflects the broader turmoil in Indian football, which has struggled with financial instability, a shortened season, and the absence of key commercial partners. The loss of Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) as a major sponsor has been particularly damaging, contributing to a five-month delay in launching the 2025-26 season. Despite these challenges, FanCode has emerged as a key player, acquiring the ISL’s media rights at a fraction of the previous cost. FanCode’s decision to invest in the ISL is rooted in its belief in the league’s potential to captivate millions of football fans in India. Yannick Colaco, co-founder of FanCode, emphasized that the ISL’s value lies not just in its current state but in its ability to tap into an untapped audience. “There are 300 million football fans in the country,” Colaco stated, highlighting the opportunity to grow the sport’s presence beyond its existing 150 million viewers. He argued that the ISL’s alignment with FanCode’s digital-first approach makes it a strategic choice for expanding football’s reach. The league’s new broadcasting strategy focuses on accessibility and engagement. FanCode has introduced affordable subscription tiers, including a full-season pass for ₹299, club-specific passes for ₹149, and individual match passes for ₹25. To cater to diverse audiences, the platform offers commentary in multiple languages, including English, Hindi, Malayalam, Bengali, and Tamil.#india #indian_super_league #fancode #yannick_colaco #football_sports_development_limited
