Kabaddi: Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League reaches record ₹238 crore valuation
UPKL surges in popularity across India
SJ Uplift Kabaddi PVT Ltd has created a league that is already being talked up to reach the sort of heights as the Indian Premier League! What makes this claim all the more incredible is that this comes after only one year of its existence.
The Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL) debuted in 2024 and featured eight franchise-based teams. Initially intended to allow local players a platform to compete, the league quickly captured the hearts of small villages and big cities alike and spread like wildfire in a dry forest, to now be included as a recognised sport by the best online betting sites.
Given the incredible success of the league, SJ Uplift Kabaddi PVT Ltd has now reached a staggering valuation of ₹238 crore. This milestone not only illustrates the incredible growth of the UPKL, but also underlines the importance of regional sports in India and beyond. Sambhav Jain, Director of SJ Uplift, said:
"This valuation is a reflection of the growing popularity and resonance of our leagues, especially UPKL. It reaffirms our belief in the power of grassroots sports and the untapped potential of regional talent. As the sport continues to evolve, we are committed to building kabaddi into a globally recognised, professionally managed sport that India can proudly export."
According to reports, last year the UPKL was seen by over 30 million TV viewers across India, while digital platforms recorded a stunning 300+ million impressions. This was made possible through strategic partnerships with the likes of Sony Sports Network and Fancode, among others.
Pro Kabaddi League to benefit from UPKL development
The Pro Kabaddi League in India is, without doubt, the biggest in the world, and Season 12, which gets underway on August 29, is expected to be the most widely viewed in the tournament’s history, featuring the 12 top teams in the land.
The UPKL operates as a feeder system to the Pro Kabaddi League, much like the Championship is to the Premier League in English football. Thus, the growth of the UPKL (and other similar domestic leagues) equates to good news for the future of the Pro Kabaddi League.
The Pro Kabaddi League currently holds a valuation in the region of ₹1000 crore, and with the UPKL now increasing in value, Kabaddi as a whole will be able to enter negotiations for additional media rights, which will help the sport grow globally at a greater pace.
