KCL Expands To 10 Teams, Increases Player Purse To ₹5 Crore Amid PKL Uncertainty

Indian kabaddi is entering an important phase, with uncertainty surrounding the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) amid reported media rights developments. Against this backdrop, the Kabaddi Champions League (KCL) is looking to strengthen its position as an alternative professional platform, offering players competitive opportunities and greater visibility.

Building on its inaugural season, KCL has expanded to 10 franchises for its second edition, increased its player auction purse to ₹5 crore and attracted several established Indian kabaddi stars.

KCL Season 2: Expansion To 10 Franchises

The league has grown from eight to 10 teams, with Jhajjar Jaguars and Kurukshetra Knights joining the competition. The expanded franchise lineup comprises Bhiwani Bulls, Rohtak Royals, Karnal Kings, Gurugram Gurus, Sonipat Stars, Panipat Panthers, Faridabad Fighters, Hisar Heroes, Jhajjar Jaguars and Kurukshetra Knights.

The total player purse has also increased from ₹4 crore in Season 1 to ₹5 crore for the upcoming edition.

The Season 2 auction, held on October 17, 2026, featured more than 300 players and witnessed competitive bidding for established performers.

Top Players And Their Auction Prices

Some of the prominent signings from the auction include:

Ayan Lochab - ₹17.4 lakh: The highest-priced player, signed by Jhajjar Jaguars.

Bharat Hooda - ₹16.6 lakh: Signed by Karnal Kings.

Naveen Goyat - ₹15.2 lakh: Signed by Kurukshetra Knights.

Rakesh Singroha - ₹11 lakh: Signed by Faridabad Fighters.

Sunil Malik - ₹10 lakh: India's Asian Games captain, signed by Faridabad Fighters.

The combination of established performers and emerging players reflects the league's ambition to build competitive squads while creating opportunities for new talent.

Grassroots Talent And Growing Audience

KCL's talent identification programme has also attracted considerable interest. The central trials in Sonipat recorded 6,400 registrations, while 650 players participated in the Rohtak trials. More than 300 players subsequently entered the auction pool.

The inaugural season reportedly generated 614.3 million global television and OTT viewership, according to figures cited by the organisers based on BARC and Zee Network data. KCL has now set an ambitious target of crossing 1,000 million in viewership for Season 2.

Haryana At The Centre Of KCL's Expansion

Haryana, one of India's traditional kabaddi hubs, remains central to the league's franchise-based model. By expanding its presence across the state, KCL aims to connect grassroots athletes with professional teams, experienced players and commercial opportunities.

With kabaddi deeply rooted in Haryana's sporting culture, the expanded structure could provide aspiring players with more pathways into professional competition.

Can KCL Strengthen India's Kabaddi Ecosystem?

The reported uncertainty surrounding PKL's next phase has highlighted the importance of multiple professional platforms supporting Indian kabaddi. KCL's 10-team structure, ₹5 crore player purse, expanded auction pool and growing audience ambitions underline its plans to contribute to the sport's professional ecosystem.

While the league still has to establish itself over successive seasons, its expansion represents another opportunity for players to compete, earn recognition and reach wider audiences.

Ultimately, Indian kabaddi's growth depends on sustained investment, strong franchises, media visibility and consistent opportunities for athletes. KCL is looking to become part of that journey, ensuring the sport continues to move forward beyond the fortunes of any single league.