India, May 22 -- One day before the 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) ended, this newsletter had spoken of uncertain times ahead. One day after another fantastic end to a season, HT Kick Off wouldn't be wide of the mark if it did the same.

Players and staff whose contracts end this season do not know what the future holds because clubs aren't talking of renewals or new deals. Yet. That's because they say the short and long-term revenue projections are not clear. "Owners know that it is impossible to breakeven but they would at least like to be told there is light at the end of the tunnel, however long that tunnel is," a club CEO told me. Seeking to protect relationships, the CEO requested anonymity.

Not unlike the last season, right? Ad...