GPKL Opens Franchise Ownership Applications Amid Rising Investor Interest

The Global Pravasi Kabaddi League (GPKL) has launched an Expression of Interest (EOI) for franchise ownership, responding to significant investor interest. With only six franchises available, the league is entering a competitive allocation phase, attracting diverse stakeholders including corporate groups and celebrities. GPKL aims to expand kabaddi's reach globally, integrating international players and fostering regional brand development. The structured allocation process will shortlist applicants based on their commitment and financial strength. Interested parties are encouraged to apply promptly due to high demand. This initiative marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of kabaddi as a commercially viable sport.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 5, 2026, 18:19 IST

GPKL Launches Franchise Ownership Expression of Interest

The Global Pravasi Kabaddi League (GPKL), under the management of the Holistic International Pravasi Sports Association (HIPSA), has initiated a formal Expression of Interest (EOI) process for potential franchise ownership. This move comes in response to significant interest from various investors across different sectors.

With only six franchise opportunities available, the league is entering a competitive phase for allocation, indicating a surge in investor confidence regarding kabaddi as a structured and scalable sports asset. The initial interest has been diverse, attracting corporate entities, high-net-worth individuals (HNIs), family offices, celebrities, and strategic investors. This wide-ranging participation signifies a shift in how kabaddi is perceived, increasingly recognized as a commercially viable sports property with substantial growth potential.

Franchise Model and Designated Regions

In contrast to open-entry sports formats, GPKL has implemented a restricted franchise model, with six teams designated across specific regional identities. According to the official EOI document, the proposed franchise regions include: Punjab, Haryana, Bhojpuri region, Tamil Nadu, Telugu Region, and Maharashtra. Each franchise will offer dual-team ownership (men's and women's), exclusive territorial rights, and founding franchise status. With demand already surpassing the available slots, the allocation process is expected to become highly competitive.

Global Vision and Structured Allocation Process

GPKL aims to represent the next stage in the evolution of professional kabaddi, building on the achievements of domestic leagues while introducing a global participation model. The league will feature international players from various continents, operating under a Pravasi-led participation framework. The long-term goal is to expand kabaddi's reach to 75 countries for men and 45 countries for women.

The franchise allocation will follow a systematic process, which includes submitting an Expression of Interest, shortlisting candidates, and conducting detailed discussions and evaluations. Due to the strong interest, only a select number of applicants will advance to the next phase.

Investor Confidence on the Rise

Kanthi D Suresh, President of HIPSA, commented on the overwhelming response, stating, "The interest in GPKL indicates a significant shift in the perception of kabaddi—from a traditional sport to a global sporting opportunity. Our vision has always been to expand kabaddi beyond borders, and the current interest confirms that this transition is underway."

A representative from Cornerstone Sport & Entertainment Pvt Ltd, the league's commercial advisory partner, noted, "We are witnessing strong interest from serious investors across various categories. With only six franchises available, the process is naturally becoming competitive. Our aim is to partner with those who possess both financial strength and a long-term commitment to the league."

Strategic Value and Invitation for Applications

Industry trends suggest that early participants in professional sports leagues often experience significant value creation as the ecosystem develops. GPKL's structure is designed to facilitate regional brand development, long-term commercial scalability, and multi-dimensional sports assets through dual-team ownership.

The league has officially released its Expression of Interest (EOI), inviting applications from corporates, HNIs, family offices, and celebrities. Given the limited number of franchises and the strong initial demand, interested parties are encouraged to submit their applications within the specified timeline.