Kabaddi Champions League Gears Up for a Bigger Season 2 with Expanded Teams and Increased Prize Money

KCL Prepares for Its Second Season

The Kabaddi Champions League (KCL) is set to launch its second season, building on the success of its inaugural run in India’s franchise kabaddi landscape. With a focus on expanding its reach, the league has garnered support from notable figures in sports, government, and kabaddi administration.

Key personalities such as Haryana Sports Minister Gaurav Gautam, Olympic wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt, professional boxer Neeraj Goyat, and Kuldeep Dalal, Chairman of the Amateur Kabaddi Association of Haryana, are pivotal in enhancing the league's profile. Their involvement underscores the league's commitment to fostering government support, athletic excellence, and institutional leadership.

During the inaugural season held in Sonipat, Gautam praised KCL for its role in promoting kabaddi while maintaining grassroots connections. He emphasized the necessity of structured competitive opportunities for young athletes, stating, “Kabaddi is in the DNA of Haryana,” and highlighted the league's contribution to providing a professional platform for emerging players.

Yogeshwar Dutt's participation adds significant value, showcasing the importance of professional platforms in inspiring young athletes and enriching India's sporting culture. Similarly, Neeraj Goyat's involvement illustrates the potential for cross-sport collaboration to elevate indigenous sports like kabaddi.

Kuldeep Dalal has been instrumental in the league's growth, emphasizing the need for opportunities that prepare young players for competitive environments. He remarked, “This league is building the future of Indian kabaddi by giving young players exposure under pressure.”

The first edition of KCL took place at the Sports University of Haryana from January 25 to February 7, 2026, featuring eight franchises and a total player purse of Rs 4 crore. Rohtak Royals claimed the championship title after a thrilling 32-30 victory over Bhiwani Bulls.

KCL has not only added a new dimension to Sonipat's sporting identity, traditionally known for wrestling, but it has also attracted significant viewership, reportedly reaching 614.3 million globally across various platforms.

For its second season, KCL has expanded from eight to ten franchises, introducing Jhajjar Jaguars and Kurukshetra Knights, and increasing the total player purse to Rs 5 crore, a 25% rise from the previous season.

The auction held on October 17, 2026, saw over 300 players vying for spots on the ten teams. Ayan Lochab became the most expensive player, signed by Jhajjar Jaguars for Rs 17.4 lakh, while other notable acquisitions included Bharat Hooda and Naveen Goyat.

Last season's runners-up, Bhiwani Bulls, retained their star raider Devank Dalal for Rs 21.20 lakh, reflecting their confidence in his abilities as they prepare for the upcoming season.

KCL aims to surpass 1,000 million viewers in its second season, leveraging the absence of the Pro Kabaddi League in 2026 to attract more fans and enhance its broadcast presence.

However, the league's vision extends beyond mere viewership; it seeks to establish a sustainable professional ecosystem that allows talented players to gain exposure, compete at higher levels, and build lasting careers in sports.

The involvement of government officials, Olympic athletes, and kabaddi administrators highlights the collaborative effort needed to nurture a professional sporting environment. With its expanded ambitions, KCL is poised to strengthen the kabaddi framework and broaden its audience as it embarks on its second season.

As KCL prepares for its next chapter, the challenge remains to transform the momentum from its inaugural season into a lasting sporting movement for Indian kabaddi.