I-League giants Mohun Bagan prepared to pay Rs 15 crore franchise fee to play in the ISL next year

What's the story?

Many were surprised when news first broke out about having the Indian Super League (ISL) and the I-League at the same time for the 2017-18 season. This was done to bridge the gap between the two top Indian leagues and resulted in Jamshedpur FC and Bengaluru FC jumping ship to the cash-rich ISL. Two clubs that were rumoured to make the move, however, didn't quite do so.

The rivalry between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan is legendary in the Indian scenario and fans would have loved to see both in the ISL. While it didn't happen this season, possibilities are high that this time around, at least Mohun Bagan could be on the move.

In case you didn't know...

There were several attempts to bring India's big clubs to the ISL but the asking price to be in the league proved to be a deal breaker for clubs like Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, resulting in them staying put in the I-League.

The heart of the matter

Sources close to the Mohun Bagan camp have suggested that the club has lowered its resistance towards competing in the ISL considerably, and are willing to pay the ₹15 Crore franchise asking fee as well establish a team budget of ₹25 Crore.

The team's Honorary President Tutu Bose has also suggested that home matches will be played from the Mohun Bagan home ground itself. The news is sure to bring an air of excitement around the city of Kolkata.

What's next?

As talks continue over the possible participation, Mohun Bagan are competing in the I-League as we speak and will be attempting to regain their lost crown.

Author's take

Having historic clubs such as Mohun Bagan and East Bengal will help the popularity of ISL massively and give Indian football a stable edge it perhaps lacked in the past.