Kabaddi Leagues 2026 Complete Details: From UPKL to KCL and CPKL Find Out Complete League Information to be Held in Ongoing Edition
Kabaddi has slowly and steadily became the 2nd most Popular Sport in India after Cricket, and credit should be given to all stakeholders who have worked hard behind the scenes to make this entity extremely popular.
Here in this article, we will reveal different leagues venues and scheduled to be held in the year 2026 in detail:
The Expanding Universe of Kabaddi Leagues in India: From Grassroots to Global Ambitions
Kabaddi in India is no longer limited to the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL). Over the last decade, a parallel ecosystem of regional, franchise-based, corporate, school, college, and semi-professional leagues has emerged across the country. These leagues are playing a crucial role in talent identification, regional representation, commercialization, and sustaining kabaddi as a year-round sport. From Uttar Pradesh to Chennai, Bihar to Punjab, kabaddi leagues are redefining the sport’s depth and reach.
This article explores major kabaddi leagues such as UPKL, KCL, CPKL Season 2, JBC Super League, Kabaddi Champions League, and several others that collectively form the backbone of India’s kabaddi ecosystem.
1. Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL)
The Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL) is one of the most important state-level kabaddi leagues in India. Uttar Pradesh has historically been a powerhouse in kabaddi, producing elite defenders, raiders, and all-rounders who have gone on to dominate PKL and the national team.
UPKL was conceptualized to:
- Provide structured match exposure to local talent
- Bridge the gap between district-level kabaddi and PKL
- Create commercial viability for kabaddi within the state
The league follows a franchise-based format with teams representing major regions of Uttar Pradesh. UPKL has gained recognition for its competitive intensity, disciplined defensive units, and strong scouting presence from PKL teams. Many young players have used UPKL as a launchpad to enter national camps and PKL auctions.
Date Played: 26th December to 10th Jan 2026
UPKL Season 2 Venue: Noida Indoor Stadium
Winner: Kashi Kings
Teams played: 12 Franchise which include- Lucknow Lions, Kashi Kings, Sangam Challengers, Brij Stars, Yamuna Yoddhas, Awadh Ramdoots, Jd Noida Ninjas, Ganga Kings of Mirzapur, Kanpur Warriors, Gazab Ghaziabad , Purvanchal Panthers and Aligarh Tigers.
2. KCL – Kabaddi Champions League
The Kabaddi Champions League (KCL) is one of the most ambitious non-PKL tournaments in India. Designed with a semi-professional to professional outlook, KCL focuses on creating a high-quality broadcast product while giving exposure to emerging players and experienced domestic stars who may not be regular PKL starters.
Key features of KCL include:
- Franchise-based teams
- Professional production and digital broadcasting
- Mix of youth players and seasoned domestic kabaddi professionals
KCL has positioned itself as a “second-tier elite league,” similar to how domestic leagues function in football and cricket. Its long-term vision is to become a sustainable alternative platform for players, coaches, referees, and support staff.
Venue: SAI , Sonipat
Date: 25th Jan to 7th Feb 2026
Teams: Rohtak Royals, Panipat Panthers, Hisar Heroes, Sonipat Stars, Faridabad Fighters, Bhiwani, Bulls, Gurugram Gurus and Karnal Kings.
3. CPKL – Canvi Premier Kabaddi League (Season 2)
the CPKL (Season 2) has added a modern, city-centric twist to the sport. With strong urban branding and local engagement, CPKL focuses on blending entertainment with competitive kabaddi.
CPKL Season 2 stood out because of:
- Improved player depth compared to Season 1
- Strong fan engagement at the venue
- Inclusion of youth and academy-level players
The league plays a crucial role in reviving Chennai’s grassroots kabaddi culture while adapting it to a modern franchise-based ecosystem. It also highlights how city-level leagues can coexist with national competitions
Venue: Dubai
Teams Playing for: Mp Titans, Haryana Heroes, Gujarat Gladiators, Dhakkad Delhi, Dabang UP, Kolkata Kings, Mumbai Monarchs and Rajasthan Rebels.
4. JBC Super League (Jharkhand, Bihar and Chhattisgarh) Super League:
The JBC Super League has emerged as a vital platform for junior and emerging kabaddi players, particularly from Bihar and nearby regions. Bihar has consistently produced fearless raiders and aggressive defenders, and JBC acts as a structured platform to harness this raw talent.
What makes JBC Super League unique:
- Focus on youth and junior players
- Emphasis on discipline, fitness, and technical growth
- Strong linkage with local academies and coaches
JBC is less about glamour and more about development. Many players from this league later appear in senior domestic tournaments, Army teams, Railways, and PKL scouting camps..
Expected Month: March
Expected Venue: Jharkhand.
5. Maharashtra Kabaddi League (MKL)
The Maharashtra Kabaddi League focuses on balancing traditional kabaddi techniques with modern fitness and tactical systems. Maharashtra’s kabaddi structure is known for discipline, mat awareness, and all-round development.
MKL has helped:
- Strengthen district-to-state progression
- Increase kabaddi’s visibility in urban Maharashtra
- Encourage private investment in the sport
The league is also instrumental in promoting women’s kabaddi at the regional level.
Yet to be announced.
6. Corporate & Invitational Kabaddi Leagues
Apart from state and franchise leagues, India has also seen the rise of:
- Corporate kabaddi tournaments
- Invitational leagues hosted by academies
- University and school-level televised competitions
These tournaments may not have mass visibility, but they form the foundation of player development, referee training, and coaching systems.
7. International & Invitational Kabaddi Champions Leagues
Several Kabaddi Champions Leagues and invitational tournaments have been organized with participation from teams representing Asia, Europe, and diaspora communities. These events aim to globalize kabaddi and position India as the sport’s central hub.
Such leagues focus on:
- International exposure for Indian players
- Standardizing global kabaddi rules
- Promoting kabaddi as an exportable sport
Final Perspective:
Overall, if you look at the league wise , things have improved big time and credit should be given to all stakeholders who must plan things systematically , so that league stature could be elevated brilliantly to great extent.
Kabaddi Leagues Scheduled for 2026 – Vertical Tabular Overview
Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL – Season 2)
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| League Type | State-level Franchise League |
| Dates | 26 December 2025 – 10 January 2026 |
| Venue | Noida Indoor Stadium |
| Total Teams | 12 |
| Teams | Lucknow Lions, Kashi Kings, Sangam Challengers, Brij Stars, Yamuna Yoddhas, Awadh Ramdoots, JD Noida Ninjas, Ganga Kings of Mirzapur, Kanpur Warriors, Gazab Ghaziabad, Purvanchal Panthers, Aligarh Tigers |
| Winner | Kashi Kings |
| League Objective | Grassroots exposure, PKL pathway, regional commercial growth |
Kabaddi Champions League (KCL)
| Parameter | Details |
| League Type | Semi-professional / Second-tier Elite League |
| Dates | 25 January – 7 February 2026 |
| Venue | SAI Centre, Sonipat |
| Total Teams | 9 |
| Teams | Rohtak Royals, Panipat Panthers, Hisar Heroes, Sonipat Stars, Faridabad Fighters, Bhiwani Bulls, Gurugram Gurus, Karnal Kings |
| Key Focus | Broadcast quality, elite non-PKL players, sustainability |
| League Vision | Alternative professional ecosystem |
Canvi Premier Kabaddi League (CPKL – Season 2)
| Parameter | Details |
| League Type | City-centric Franchise League |
| Season | Season 2 |
| Venue | Dubai |
| Total Teams | 8 |
| Teams | MP Titans, Haryana Heroes, Gujarat Gladiators, Dhakkad Delhi, Dabang UP, Kolkata Kings, Mumbai Monarchs, Rajasthan Rebels |
| Key Highlights | Urban branding, fan engagement, youth integration |
| League Role | Chennai-linked grassroots revival with global exposure |
JBC Super League (Jharkhand–Bihar–Chhattisgarh)
| Parameter | Details |
| League Type | Development-focused Regional League |
| Expected Month | March 2026 |
| Expected Venue | Jharkhand |
| Core Regions | Jharkhand, Bihar, Chhattisgarh |
| Player Focus | Junior & emerging players |
| Development Model | Academy-linked, discipline-first |
| Career Pathway | Railways, Army teams, PKL scouting |
Maharashtra Kabaddi League (MKL)
| Parameter | Details |
| League Type | State-level Structured League |
| Dates | Yet to be announced |
| Venue | Yet to be announced |
| Playing Style | Tactical, fitness-oriented mat kabaddi |
| Key Contributions | District-to-state pathway, urban reach |
| Special Impact | Promotion of women’s kabaddi |
Corporate & Invitational Kabaddi Leagues
| Parameter | Details |
| League Type | Corporate, Academy & Educational |
| Format | Invitational / Tournament-based |
| Participants | Corporates, Universities, Schools, Academies |
| Visibility | Limited broadcast |
| Core Role | Foundation of coaching, refereeing & talent grooming |
| Importance | Grassroots strength & ecosystem stability |
International & Invitational Kabaddi Champions Leagues
| Parameter | Details |
| League Type | International / Invitational |
| Participation | Asia, Europe, Indian Diaspora |
| Core Objective | Global expansion of kabaddi |
| Player Benefit | International exposure |
| Strategic Goal | Rule standardization & sport export |
| India’s Role | Global kabaddi hub |
Final Perspective
| Aspect | Observation |
| Ecosystem Growth | Multi-league structure firmly established |
| Stakeholder Role | Strategic planning and execution improving |
| Talent Pathway | Clear progression from grassroots to elite |
| League Stature | Rising professionalism and credibility |
| Overall Outlook | Kabaddi positioned as India’s clear No.2 sport |
