Indian Women's Football Being Rescued? Bengaluru FC In The Mix To Bid For IWL Commercial Rights

Indian Women's Football Being Rescued? Bengaluru FC In The Mix To Bid For IWL Commercial Rights

Women's football in India just got a much-needed shot of adrenaline.

Four major private players — including JSW Group, owners of ISL club Bengaluru FC — have officially thrown their hat near the ring for the commercial rights to the Indian Women's League (IWL) and IWL 2 for the next five years.

“Near" because none of them have submitted final bids yet. But, the interest alone is being hailed as a big win.

Joining JSW Group in the pre-bid rush are Capri Sports (owners of the Pro Kabaddi outfit Bengal Warriorz), Leisure Sports, and Shrachi Sports — the latter having handled broadcast and production for the IWL and I-League last season.

All four companies attended the AIFF's pre-bid meeting and have sent formal queries since the tender dropped on November 14.

This sudden corporate curiosity is especially noteworthy given that the men's Indian Super League had zero takers for its commercial rights earlier this year.

Meanwhile, the women's game is trending upwards: all three national teams (senior, U20, U17) qualified for their respective Asian Cups after two decades, a residential girls' academy launched, and East Bengal impressed on the continental stage at the AFC Women's Champions League.

The bidding window closes November 29, and the Request for Proposal comes with hefty conditions. Bidders must show a net worth of at least ₹30 crore (₹100 crore for consortiums) and commit to a guaranteed payment of ₹3 crore or 5% of gross revenue (whichever is higher) plus a ₹3-lakh earnest money deposit.

Commercial rights on offer span advertising, broadcast, production, sponsorship, merchandising and more, though the AIFF keeps all data rights.

There's a two-step selection process: technical evaluation first (minimum 50% score required), followed by a showdown of commercial bids. Highest guaranteed payment wins.

The new model also introduces a key change: revenue sharing with clubs. From the AIFF's net share, IWL clubs get 70%, IWL 2 clubs get 20%, and the federation keeps 10%.

Meanwhile, the upcoming IWL season goes split-season:

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(with PTI inputs)

Source: News18
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