NEW DELHI: Defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant will kick off the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 season against Kerala Blasters at the Salt Lake Stadium on February 14, while the much-anticipated Kolkata derby against East Bengal has been pencilled in for May 3, close to the business end of the shortened season, as per tentative fixtures.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Monday released a provisional schedule for the ISL 2025-26 season, issuing clarifications in response to queries raised by interested bidders.

The national federation had earlier held a pre-bid meeting with the bidders, reportedly four entities, on January 23.

"However, this schedule is indicative and may be utilised by interested Bidders for informational purposes only. The schedule remains subject to change, basis inputs received from the participating Clubs, and a final schedule will form a part of the Contract," the AIFF said.

Season format and bidding timeline

On January 18, the AIFF had floated the Request for Proposal (RFP) for broadcast rights for the truncated ISL 2025-26 season, which is set to begin on February 14.

The delayed campaign, featuring all 14 clubs, will comprise 91 matches played on a home-and-away basis. The season was finalised after multiple rounds of discussions between the AIFF and the clubs, along with intervention from the sports ministry.

As per the RFP, January 27 is the last date for bidders to seek clarifications, while bids must be submitted by February 1. The bids are scheduled to be opened on February 2.

According to the tentative calendar, the final round (13th) is slated for May 17, though the AIFF noted that the "dates (are) to be confirmed later."

Match scheduling and venues

Double-headers will be a regular feature on Saturdays and Sundays, barring one Sunday. The high-profile Mohun Bagan Super Giant versus East Bengal derby, a round 11 fixture, is also scheduled on a Sunday, May 3, at the Salt Lake Stadium.

Most weekdays will feature a single match. Seven games are scheduled on Mondays and Thursdays, four on Tuesdays and two on Wednesdays.

Mohun Bagan will play seven of their 13 matches at home at the Salt Lake Stadium.

New entrants Inter Kashi, promoted after winning the I-League, will use the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar as their home venue, hosting six matches there. Odisha FC will also play six home games at the same venue.

Mohammedan Sporting are slated to play four of their 13 matches in Jamshedpur, which is also the home ground of Jamshedpur FC.

Sporting Club Delhi will host six matches at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, which also serves as the home venue for Punjab FC, who will play seven matches there. Chennaiyin FC are also expected to play six home games at the JLN Stadium, as per the tentative fixture list.

(With PTI Inputs)