However, in case a winning bid from the city of Kolkata is awarded, the potential new team has to host its home games outside Kolkata for the next two seasons (2017/18 and 2018/19) in accordance to a pre-existing understanding with existing Kolkata franchise Atletico de Kolkata. All bidding parties must fulfill the eligibility criteria and other requirements specified in the ITB including but not limited to summary of plans to operate their team in the league, including the business model and plan to develop the sport at the grassroots level. The Bid documents are to be submitted on Thursday, 25th May 2017.
The current eight participants of the Indian Super League are Atletico de Kolkata, Chennaiyin FC, Delhi Dynamos FC, FC Goa, FC Pune City, Kerala Blasters FC, NorthEast United FC and Mumbai City FC.
