Mumbai: Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (‘Z’), India’s leading media and entertainment company, has announced a landmark partnership with the Kabaddi Champions League (KCL) Haryana to bring the energy and passion of professional kabaddi to audiences across the country. Officially sanctioned by the Amateur Kabaddi Association Haryana (AKAH), the league’s inaugural season will be held from January 25 to February 7, 2026, with eight franchises competing for the title.
As part of the collaboration, all KCL Haryana matches will be streamed live on the Zee 5 app and broadcast across ‘Z’s extensive linear network, including Zee Anmol Cinema 2, Z Yuva, Z Bollywood, &Pictures HD, Z Punjabi and ‘Z’s dedicated sports platforms. With live feeds available in Hindi and regional languages, the partnership aims to make kabaddi widely accessible, particularly in the heartland markets where the sport enjoys deep cultural roots.
The 14-day tournament will feature eight founding franchises—Karnal Kings, Gurugram Gurus, Rohtak Royals, Faridabad Fighters, Panipat Panther, Sonipat Stars, Bhiwani Bulls and Hisar Heros. Guided by Dronacharya Awardee Shri Balwan Singh, and championed by brand ambassadors Rajesh Narwal and Mohit Chhillar, the league brings together top kabaddi players from around the world to provide a professional platform for ‘Mitti Ka Talent’.
Beyond live match coverage, the partnership will extend into a comprehensive content ecosystem on Zee 5. This includes original formats such as “Champions Talks”, a podcast series featuring players and coaches; “Champ’s POV”, offering behind-the-scenes access; and city-wise cine-films that spotlight local pride and stories. ‘Z’ will also roll out a high-impact, network-wide promotional campaign, leveraging its cumulative reach of over 800 million viewers to build a strong, youth-centric fanbase.
Laxmi Shetty, Head – Advertisement Revenue, Broadcast and Digital, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd., said, “At ‘Z’, we are committed to strengthening our content-tech leadership by bringing India’s most authentic and high-passion sports to every screen. Kabaddi is more than just a sport; it is a cultural legacy that resonates with the heartbeat of Bharat. By partnering with Kabaddi Champions League Haryana, we are unlocking a massive opportunity for brands to connect with a deeply engaged, youth-led audience in a high-impact, event-based environment. This collaboration perfectly aligns with our strategy of diversifying our sports portfolio and monetizing niche, regional-first properties. With our integrated ecosystem across Linear and Zee 5, we are not just broadcasting a tournament; we are building a professional stage for grassroots talent and providing advertisers with a high-trust platform to reach the real pulse of India.”
KCL Haryana also carries a strong social commitment, aligning with the Government of Haryana’s “Drug-Free Haryana” campaign to promote fitness, discipline and pride through sport.
Commenting on the partnership, a spokesperson for KCL Haryana said, “We are thrilled to partner with ‘Z’, an iconic broadcaster that understands the soul of Indian entertainment and sports. Haryana is the global powerhouse of Kabaddi, and with ‘Z’s unparalleled reach, we can finally give our local champions the national visibility they deserve. By bringing together the best players and ensuring the best, high-octane games, we are creating the best viewing experience for fans across every screen in Bharat. This league is a professional bridge for grassroots players to become national icons. With ‘Z’s expertise in storytelling and digital-first innovation, we are confident that the inaugural season will set a new benchmark for indigenous sports in India.”
The Kabaddi Champions League Haryana will officially tip off on January 25, 2026, following a state-wide Trophy Tour. Viewers can expect world-class production, expert commentary from Sunil Taneja and Vishwash Chauhan, and high-energy live performances throughout the tournament.
