Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League Season 2 Sees Viewership Soar by 120%
The Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL) experienced a dramatic surge in popularity during its second season, attracting a television audience 120% larger than its inaugural year. This significant growth underscores the rising appeal of state-level kabaddi leagues in India and signals a promising future for the sport’s regional development.
The Rise of Regional Kabaddi: A League Taking Shape
Season 2 of the UPKL, officially sanctioned by the Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi Association and organized by SJ Uplift Kabaddi Pvt. Ltd., was hosted at the Noida Indoor Stadium. Matches were broadcast in both Hindi and English on Zee Anmol Cinema 2 and &Pictures HD, with Zee Entertainment serving as the official broadcast partner. This wider accessibility clearly contributed to the league’s expanded reach.
The numbers speak for themselves: total television reach climbed to 40 million viewers across India (2+ demographic), a substantial increase from the 18.2 million reached in Season 1. Furthermore, the Average Minute Audience (AMA) for Season 2 reached 90.8, nearly doubling the 49 recorded in the previous season. These figures demonstrate a growing appetite for competitive kabaddi at the state level.
The league also expanded its competitive landscape, welcoming four new franchises – Kanpur Warriors, Aligarh Tigers, Purvanchal Panthers, and Gazab Gaziabad – bringing the total number of teams to twelve. Notably, actor Tusshar Kapoor joined as a co-owner of Gazab Ghaziabad, further raising the league’s profile.
The championship match, contested between Kashi Kings and their rivals, concluded on January 10, 2026, following a thrilling finals series that began on December 25, 2025. The league featured a total of 66 live matches, an increase from the 55 matches played in Season 1, providing more opportunities for players to showcase their talent and for fans to engage with the sport.
Sambhav Jain, Founder and Director of SJ Uplift Kabaddi, emphasized the league’s commitment to long-term growth. “Season 2 marked an important step forward in UPKL’s journey,” Jain stated. “Our focus has been on building a professionally structured league that strengthens regional development and creates sustainable pathways for kabaddi talent. We are thankful to the team at Zee Sports for their support throughout the league and look forward to a longstanding partnership.”
But what does this growth mean for the future of kabaddi in Uttar Pradesh, and can other states replicate this success? The UPKL model appears to be a strong template for fostering grassroots development and providing a platform for emerging kabaddi stars.
The success of the UPKL also highlights the increasing sophistication of sports broadcasting in India. Offering matches in both Hindi and English caters to a wider audience, and the partnership with Zee Entertainment provides the league with valuable marketing and distribution resources. Sports Business Journal recently highlighted the growing investment in regional sports leagues across India, citing similar trends in other popular sports like football and hockey.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League
The continued success of the UPKL will undoubtedly inspire similar initiatives in other states, further solidifying kabaddi’s position as a premier sport in India. What other regional leagues have the potential to replicate this model, and how can technology be leveraged to further enhance the fan experience?
Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with fellow kabaddi enthusiasts!
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