Why Mumbai City FC looking to stay in Mumbai despite 250% Rent Hike of Venue

Mumbai City FC have been hit by another major off-field challenge ahead of the 2026-27 Indian Super League season, with the club facing a steep increase in the proposed rental cost for the Mumbai Football Arena at the Andheri Sports Complex.

According to sources, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has proposed a 250% increase in the venue rent. Mumbai City had paid approximately ₹10 lakh per match two seasons ago, while the proposed figure is around ₹35 lakh per game.

The Fee Hike for MCFC

With the Islanders expected to have around 12 home matches, the difference could be substantial. At the earlier rate, the overall venue cost would have been around ₹1.2 crore, whereas the proposed rate would push it to approximately ₹4.2 crore - an additional expenditure of around ₹3 crore.

The development has left Mumbai City exploring its options, but MyKhel understands the club's preference remains clear: stay in Mumbai.

Mumbai City FC inclined to stay in Mumbai for ISL season

A move outside the city remains possible if an agreement with the civic authorities cannot be reached. However, the club is understood to be looking for a solution that allows it to retain the Mumbai Football Arena as its home rather than shifting its entire home schedule elsewhere.

Goa option becomes complicated

Goa had emerged as one potential alternative in the event Mumbai City are forced to leave Mumbai. However, that option has become considerably more complicated.

FC Goa already provide an established ISL presence in the state, while Churchill Brothers are set to add another Goa-based team to the top flight following the changes surrounding Jamshedpur FC's exit.

That makes Goa a less straightforward solution for Mumbai City, particularly when the club would ideally prefer to retain its geographical identity and home support.

Kerala had also been discussed as a possible alternative previously, with the state government having approached Mumbai City last season about hosting matches. But the changing landscape in Kerala has made that option less straightforward as well.

Why staying in Mumbai matters

The length of the upcoming ISL season also makes the venue issue particularly important. With the league expected to run across seven to eight months, relocating home matches outside Mumbai would mean operating away from the club's established fan base for a prolonged period.

For Mumbai City, therefore, this is not simply a question of finding another stadium. A temporary relocation would affect matchday operations, fan engagement, commercial activity and the club's connection with its home city.

Indian Football and its continuous Setbacks

The timing is also significant. Jamshedpur FC have already withdrawn from the 2026-27 ISL after failing to meet the participation-fee requirement, ending their nine-year stint in the competition. The club cited financial sustainability concerns, while their home at the JRD Tata Sports Complex had long been one of the league's strongest examples of a club-city connection.

Inter Kashi, meanwhile, managed to secure its place in the ISL after clearing the required participation fee, despite having initially faced payment difficulties. The Varanasi-based club has also been dealing with financial issues and a FIFA transfer ban related to unpaid dues.

Then came another major blow as Diamond Harbour FC, promoted after winning the I-League, failed to complete its ₹1.1 crore participation fee, including the second ₹55 lakh instalment. AIFF subsequently confirmed that the ISL would proceed with 13 teams.

Against that backdrop, Mumbai City's venue problem is another reminder of the structural and financial challenges facing Indian football.

Despite that, the team has started its preparations for the upcoming season. Wednesday was the third day of their pre-season camp. Four of their new foreign signings have already joined in it - Wilmar Jordan, Carlos Delgado, Sergio Llamas and Leandro Otormin.