PKL Schedule 2026: Pro Kabaddi Season 13 Fixtures, Start Date and Latest Updates
The 13th season of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) is on its way, but it is running later than usual. Season 12 ended on October 31, 2025, and the Asian Games and Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship pushed the next auction into October 2026.
We track every confirmed update from Mashal Sports, the league’s organiser, and mark anything unofficial as “reported.” On this page you will find the latest PKL 13 dates, all 12 teams, auction news, the points system, and every champion since 2014.
Searching for “PKL schedule 2025”? Season 12 was the 2025 season, and it is finished. Season 13 is the next one, and it starts in late 2026.
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Season 12 final | October 31, 2025 | Completed (Dabang Delhi K.C. won) |
| Asian Games (Aichi-Nagoya) | September 19 – October 4, 2026 | Completed |
| PKL 13 player auction | October 18-25, 2026 | Reported, not confirmed |
| Season 13 opening match | Late December 2026 | Expected |
| League stage | December 2026 – February 2027 | Projected |
| Playoffs and final | February 2027 | Projected |
| Official fixture list | After the auction | Not released |
Once Mashal Sports confirms official fixtures, this page along with every individual team schedule page on this site will be updated immediately.
Quick Facts: PKL Season 13 at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Tournament | Pro Kabaddi League Season 13 (2026) |
| Expected Start | Late 2026 (exact dates TBC by Mashal Sports) |
| Auction | Expected July–August 2026 |
| Teams | 12 franchises |
| Defending Champions | Dabang Delhi K.C. (beat Puneri Paltan 31-28 in the Season 12 final) |
| Format | Round-robin league stage + expanded 8-team playoffs |
| Match Format | Two 20-minute halves, 5-minute break |
| Organiser | Mashal Sports (founded by Anand Mahindra and Charu Sharma, 2014) |
| TV Broadcast | Star Sports Network |
| Live Streaming | JioHotstar |
| Points System | Win = 5, Tie = 3, Narrow Loss (under 7) = 1, Heavy Loss (7+) = 0 |
| League Founded | 2014 (Season 1 winner: Jaipur Pink Panthers) |
Why Fans Search Both “PKL Schedule 2025” and “PKL Schedule 2026”
Pro Kabaddi seasons routinely span two calendar years Season 12, for example, ran from August 2025 into early 2026, which is why it’s sometimes labelled “2025-26.” Season 13 is expected to open in late 2026 and could run into early 2027, so it may end up referred to as both “PKL 2026” and “PKL 2026-27” depending on the source. On this site, PKL Schedule 2026 refers specifically to Season 13 the season currently being built through retentions, the auction, and the fixture announcement.
PKL Season 13 Schedule: Dates and Timeline
The official schedule has not yet been confirmed by Mashal Sports. Based on the league’s usual planning cycle and reports around auction and franchise activity, here is the expected timeline for Season 13:
| Event | Expected Window |
|---|---|
| PKL 13 Auction | July–August 2026 (unconfirmed) |
| Season Opener | December 2026 (expected) |
| League Stage | December 2026 – February 2027 (projected) |
| Playoffs and Final | March 2027 (projected) |
Fans should treat these dates as estimates rather than confirmed fixtures until Mashal Sports makes it official. PKL has traditionally followed a caravan format, where all 12 teams travel to a handful of host cities for multi-week legs rather than playing true home-and-away matches. Once the official schedule drops, city-wise fixture lists and match timings are expected to follow a pattern similar to Season 12, where matches were split across Vizag, Jaipur, Chennai, and Delhi.
PKL Season 13 Auction: What to Expect
The auction is expected between July and August 2026, and it will shape the season before a single match is played. Two rules define how squads are built heading into it:
- Final Bid Match (FBM): Franchises can buy back released players by matching the highest bid placed on them, for one or two seasons.
- New Young Players (NYP): Emerging domestic talent can be signed outside the auction window, giving teams development rights without a bidding war.
Auction Spend: How Fast It’s Grown
| Season | Auction Spend | Players |
|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | ~INR 60 lakh per team | |
| Season 12 | INR 37.90 crore | 121 players |
The Season 12 auction set a record with INR 37.90 crore spent across two days for 121 players a sharp jump from the league’s Season 1 purse of just INR 60 lakh per team. The single most expensive player in Season 12 was Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh, bought by Gujarat Giants for INR 2.23 crore.
Early Season 13 Auction Activity
Several franchises have already been active ahead of the official window:
- Telugu Titans signed four NYPs, including Aryan Dhawale and Himanshu Lather
- Tamil Thalaivas recruited Suthil Darshan and Lakshay Suhag as NYPs for Seasons 13 and 14
- Gujarat Giants appointed Randhir Singh Sehrawat as head coach
- Patna Pirates and UP Yoddhas have also overhauled their coaching setups
All 12 PKL Teams for Season 13
The same 12 franchises return for Season 13. Squads will be reshuffled at the 2026 auction, but the core franchise list stays unchanged.
| Team | Home City | PKL Titles | Season 12 Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patna Pirates | Patna | 4 | Playoffs |
| Dabang Delhi K.C. | Delhi | 2 | Champions |
| Jaipur Pink Panthers | Jaipur | 2 | League stage |
| Puneri Paltan | Pune | 1 | Runners-up |
| U Mumba | Mumbai | 1 | League stage |
| Bengaluru Bulls | Bengaluru | 1 | League stage |
| Bengal Warriorz | Kolkata | 1 | League stage |
| Haryana Steelers | Haryana | 1 | Playoffs |
| Telugu Titans | Hyderabad | 0 | League stage |
| Tamil Thalaivas | Chennai | 0 | League stage |
| Gujarat Giants | Ahmedabad | 0 | League stage |
| UP Yoddhas | Lucknow | 0 | League stage |
Dabang Delhi K.C. enters as defending champions after beating Puneri Paltan 31-28 in the Season 12 final, becoming the first home side to win the title since U Mumba in Season 2. Fazel Atrachali was named Most Valuable Player of the season, while Ayan Lohchab of Patna Pirates finished as Raider of the Season with 316 raid points.
Rules and Format of PKL Season 13
Pro Kabaddi League matches follow traditional kabaddi rules adapted for television, keeping each contest fast, structured, and easy to follow.
- Each match runs 40 minutes, split into two 20-minute halves
- Seven players take the court per side, with up to five substitutes
- The league stage follows a double round-robin format across multiple city legs
- Matchdays often feature “Triple Panga” evenings, with three back-to-back fixtures
Points System
| Result | Points |
|---|---|
| Win | 5 |
| Tie | 3 |
| Narrow Loss (under 7 points) | 1 |
| Heavy Loss (7 or more points) | 0 |
Season 12 introduced an expanded playoff format with eight teams reaching the second stage instead of the traditional six, with the top two league finishers advancing straight to Qualifier 1. Season 13 is expected to carry forward this same expanded structure.
Every PKL Champion: Season 1 to Season 12
From Jaipur’s inaugural crown in 2014 to Delhi’s home-soil triumph in Season 12 twelve seasons of kabaddi history.
| Season | Year | Champion | Runner-up | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 2014 | Jaipur Pink Panthers | U Mumba | 35–24 |
| Season 2 | 2015 | U Mumba | Bengaluru Bulls | 36–30 |
| Season 3 | 2016 | Patna Pirates | U Mumba | 37–29 |
| Season 4 | 2016 | Patna Pirates | Jaipur Pink Panthers | 55–38 |
| Season 5 | 2017 | Bengaluru Bulls | Gujarat Fortune Giants | 38–33 |
| Season 7 | 2019-20 | Bengal Warriors | Dabang Delhi K.C. | 39–34 |
| Season 8 | 2021 | Dabang Delhi K.C. | Patna Pirates | 37–36 |
| Season 9 | 2022 | Jaipur Pink Panthers | Puneri Paltan | 33–29 |
| Season 10 | 2023 | Puneri Paltan | Haryana Steelers | 28–25 |
| Season 11 | 2024 | Patna Pirates | Haryana Steelers | 29–24 |
| Season 12 | 2025-26 | Dabang Delhi K.C. | Puneri Paltan | 31–28 |
Titles by Franchise
| Franchise | Titles |
|---|---|
| Patna Pirates | 4 |
| Dabang Delhi K.C. | 2 |
| Jaipur Pink Panthers | 2 |
| Puneri Paltan | 1 |
| U Mumba | 1 |
| Bengaluru Bulls | 1 |
| Bengal Warriors | 1 |
| Haryana Steelers | 1 |
Only Patna Pirates have ever defended a PKL crown, winning three straight titles across Seasons 3, 4, and 5 a record that puts Dabang Delhi K.C.’s Season 13 title defence in perspective.
All-Time PKL Records
Top Raiders All Time
| # | Player | Matches | Raid Points | Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pardeep Narwal | 190 | 1801 | 9.48 |
| 2 | Maninder Singh | 165 | 1568 | 9.5 |
| 3 | Arjun Deshwal | 132 | 1383 | 10.48 |
| 4 | Pawan Kumar Sehrawat | 142 | 1340 | 9.44 |
| 5 | Naveen Kumar | 111 | 1120 | 10.09 |
| 6 | Sachin Tanwar | 157 | 1058 | 6.74 |
| 7 | Rahul Chaudhari | 154 | 1045 | 6.79 |
| 8 | Deepak Niwas Hooda | 157 | 1020 | 6.5 |
| 9 | Ashu Malik | 105 | 882 | 8.4 |
| 10 | Bharat Hooda | 108 | 829 | 7.68 |
Top Defenders All Time
| # | Player | Role | Tackle Points | High 5s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fazel Atrachali | Left Corner | 597 | 50+ |
| 2 | Surjeet Singh | Right Corner | 461 | 37 |
| 3 | Sunil Kumar | Left Corner | 434 | 33 |
| 4 | Nitesh Kumar | Right Corner | 402 | 35 |
| 5 | Ravinder Pahal | Left Corner | 390 | 30+ |
| 6 | Vishal Bhardwaj | Left Cover | 380 | 30+ |
| 7 | Rinku Narwal | Right Corner | 368 | 28 |
| 8 | Girish M. Ernak | Left Corner | 360 | 27 |
| 9 | Parvesh Bhainswal | Right Corner | 355 | 30+ |
| 10 | Sandeep Dhull | Left Corner | 345 | 28 |
Most Super 10s
| # | Player | Matches | Super 10s | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pardeep Narwal | 190 | 88 | 1 in 2.2 |
| 2 | Maninder Singh | 165 | 80 | 1 in 2.1 |
| 3 | Arjun Deshwal | 132 | 74 | 1 in 1.8 |
| 4 | Pawan Sehrawat | 142 | 70 | 1 in 2.0 |
| 5 | Naveen Kumar | 111 | 66 | 1 in 1.7 |
| 6 | Ashu Malik | 105 | 46 | 1 in 2.3 |
| 7 | Rahul Chaudhari | 154 | 42 | 1 in 3.7 |
| 8 | Bharat Hooda | 108 | 39 | 1 in 2.8 |
Team Records
| Record | Team | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Most Titles | Patna Pirates | 4 (Seasons 3, 4, 5, 11) |
| Most Matches Played | Patna Pirates | 251 matches |
| Most Wins | Patna Pirates | 133 wins (52.98% win rate) |
| Longest Winning Streak | U Mumba | 11 consecutive wins (Season 3) |
| Most All-Outs Inflicted (Season) | Puneri Paltan | Season 10 |
| First Home-Soil Winner (since S2) | Dabang Delhi K.C. | Won S12 final at Thyagaraj, Delhi |
| Highest Match Score | Bengaluru Bulls | 64 points vs UP Yoddha (Season 5) |
Storylines to Watch in Season 13
Can Dabang Delhi defend the title? Only Patna Pirates have ever defended a PKL crown, winning three straight titles across Seasons 3, 4, and 5. Dabang Delhi now carries that same pressure, and keeping the core trio of Ashu Malik, Neeraj Narwal, and Fazel Atrachali together through an aggressive auction will be key.
Tamil Thalaivas rebuild. Despite fielding Pawan Sehrawat and Arjun Deshwal, the Thalaivas won just 6 of 18 matches last season and released their own captain mid-season. How they approach the Season 13 auction and new coaching structure will decide whether this is a genuine turnaround full details on their Season 12 campaign and Season 13 outlook are covered on their dedicated schedule page.
Rise of the NYP generation. With multiple franchises investing heavily in young players before the auction even opens, Season 13 could introduce the league’s next wave of breakout raiders and defenders.
How Popular Is Pro Kabaddi League?
Pro Kabaddi League has grown into one of India’s most-watched sports properties outside cricket. The league reached 226 million viewers in its most recent full season, with about 70% of that audience under the age of 40 and women making up 44% of viewers reflecting kabaddi’s appeal across age groups and genders.
This popularity spans well beyond kabaddi’s traditional rural strongholds. Matches are broadcast in Hindi, English, Marathi, Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada, helping the league build a genuinely national audience across both Hindi-speaking states and southern India. Stadiums regularly sell out for rivalry fixtures and playoff matches, and the caravan format lets fans in different host cities experience live PKL action each season.
Why PKL Matters Beyond the Scoreline
Pro Kabaddi League gave kabaddi a sport rooted in Indian villages for centuries a professional, televised platform comparable to cricket’s IPL. The league created full-time careers for players who previously had few options to compete professionally, with top raiders now earning between INR 10 lakh and over INR 2 crore per season.
All 12 PKL Teams for Season 13
The same 12 franchises return for Season 13. Squads will be reshuffled at the auction, but the franchise list stays unchanged.
| Team | Home City | PKL Titles | Season 12 Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patna Pirates | Patna | 3 | Playoffs (7th in league) |
| Dabang Delhi K.C. | Delhi | 2 | Champions |
| Jaipur Pink Panthers | Jaipur | 2 | Playoffs (8th in league) |
| Puneri Paltan | Pune | 1 | Runners-up |
| U Mumba | Mumbai | 1 | Playoffs (6th in league) |
| Bengaluru Bulls | Bengaluru | 1 | Playoffs (3rd in league) |
| Bengal Warriorz | Kolkata | 1 | League stage |
| Haryana Steelers | Haryana | 1 | Playoffs (5th in league) |
| Telugu Titans | Hyderabad | 0 | Playoffs (4th in league) |
| Tamil Thalaivas | Chennai | 0 | League stage |
| Gujarat Giants | Ahmedabad | 0 | League stage |
| UP Yoddhas | Lucknow | 0 | League stage |
Dabang Delhi K.C. enter as defending champions after beating Puneri Paltan 31-28 in the Season 12 final. They became the first home side to win the title since U Mumba in Season 2. Fazel Atrachali was named Most Valuable Player, and Ayan Lohchab of Patna Pirates was Raider of the Season with 316 raid points.
Rules and Format of PKL Season 13
PKL matches follow traditional kabaddi rules adapted for television, keeping each contest fast and easy to follow.
- Each match runs 40 minutes, split into two 20-minute halves.
- Seven players take the court per side, with up to five substitutes.
- The league stage is a round-robin across multiple city legs, with each team playing 18 matches.
- Matchdays often feature “Triple Panga” evenings, with three back-to-back fixtures.
Points System
| Result | Points |
|---|---|
| Win | 5 |
| Tie | 3 |
| Narrow Loss (under 7 points) | 1 |
| Heavy Loss (7 or more points) | 0 |
Season 12 introduced an expanded playoff format, with eight teams reaching the postseason instead of six. The top two league finishers went straight to Qualifier 1. Season 13 may keep this structure, but it has not been confirmed.
Every PKL Champion: Season 1 to Season 12
From Jaipur’s first title in 2014 to Delhi’s home-soil win in Season 12, here are all twelve PKL finals.
| Season | Year | Champion | Runner-up | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 2014 | Jaipur Pink Panthers | U Mumba | 35-24 |
| Season 2 | 2015 | U Mumba | Bengaluru Bulls | 36-30 |
| Season 3 | 2016 | Patna Pirates | U Mumba | 31-28 |
| Season 4 | 2016 | Patna Pirates | Jaipur Pink Panthers | 37-29 |
| Season 5 | 2017 | Patna Pirates | Gujarat Fortune Giants | 55-38 |
| Season 6 | 2018-19 | Bengaluru Bulls | Gujarat Fortune Giants | 38-33 |
| Season 7 | 2019 | Bengal Warriors | Dabang Delhi K.C. | 39-34 |
| Season 8 | 2021-22 | Dabang Delhi K.C. | Patna Pirates | 37-36 |
| Season 9 | 2022 | Jaipur Pink Panthers | Puneri Paltan | 33-29 |
| Season 10 | 2023-24 | Puneri Paltan | Haryana Steelers | 28-25 |
| Season 11 | 2024 | Haryana Steelers | Patna Pirates | 32-23 |
| Season 12 | 2025 | Dabang Delhi K.C. | Puneri Paltan | 31-28 |
Titles by Franchise
| Franchise | Titles |
|---|---|
| Patna Pirates | 3 |
| Dabang Delhi K.C. | 2 |
| Jaipur Pink Panthers | 2 |
| Puneri Paltan | 1 |
| U Mumba | 1 |
| Bengaluru Bulls | 1 |
| Bengal Warriorz | 1 |
| Haryana Steelers | 1 |
Only Patna Pirates have ever defended a PKL title, winning three in a row in Seasons 3, 4 and 5. That record shows how hard Dabang Delhi K.C.’s Season 13 title defence will be.
All-Time PKL Records
Top Raiders All Time
| Player | Matches | Raid Points | Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pardeep Narwal | 190 | 1801 | 9.48 |
| Maninder Singh | 165 | 1568 | 9.50 |
| Arjun Deshwal | 132 | 1383 | 10.48 |
| Pawan Kumar Sehrawat | 142 | 1340 | 9.44 |
| Naveen Kumar | 111 | 1120 | 10.09 |
| Sachin Tanwar | 157 | 1058 | 6.74 |
| Rahul Chaudhari | 154 | 1045 | 6.79 |
| Deepak Niwas Hooda | 157 | 1020 | 6.50 |
| Ashu Malik | 105 | 882 | 8.40 |
| Bharat Hooda | 108 | 829 | 7.68 |
Top Defenders All Time
| Player | Role | Tackle Points | High 5s |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fazel Atrachali | Left Corner | 597 | 50+ |
| Surjeet Singh | Right Corner | 461 | 37 |
| Sunil Kumar | Left Corner | 434 | 33 |
| Nitesh Kumar | Right Corner | 402 | 35 |
| Ravinder Pahal | Left Corner | 390 | 30+ |
| Vishal Bhardwaj | Left Cover | 380 | 30+ |
| Rinku Narwal | Right Corner | 368 | 28 |
| Girish M. Ernak | Left Corner | 360 | 27 |
| Parvesh Bhainswal | Right Corner | 355 | 30+ |
| Sandeep Dhull | Left Corner | 345 | 28 |
Most Super 10s
| Player | Matches | Super 10s | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pardeep Narwal | 190 | 88 | 1 in 2.2 |
| Maninder Singh | 165 | 80 | 1 in 2.1 |
| Arjun Deshwal | 132 | 74 | 1 in 1.8 |
| Pawan Sehrawat | 142 | 70 | 1 in 2.0 |
| Naveen Kumar | 111 | 66 | 1 in 1.7 |
| Ashu Malik | 105 | 46 | 1 in 2.3 |
| Rahul Chaudhari | 154 | 42 | 1 in 3.7 |
| Bharat Hooda | 108 | 39 | 1 in 2.8 |
Team Records
| Record | Team | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Most Titles | Patna Pirates | 3 (Seasons 3, 4, 5) |
| Most Matches Played | Patna Pirates | 251 matches |
| Most Wins | Patna Pirates | 133 wins (52.98% win rate) |
| Longest Winning Streak | U Mumba | 11 consecutive wins (Season 3) |
| Most All-Outs Inflicted (Season) | Puneri Paltan | Season 10 |
| First Home-Soil Winner (since Season 2) | Dabang Delhi K.C. | Won the Season 12 final at Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium, Delhi |
| Highest Match Score | Bengaluru Bulls | 64 points vs UP Yoddha (Season 5) |
Storylines to Watch in Season 13
Can Dabang Delhi defend the title? No team except Patna Pirates has ever won back-to-back PKL titles. Keeping the core trio of Ashu Malik, Neeraj Narwal and Fazel Atrachali together through the auction will be key for Delhi.
Tamil Thalaivas rebuild. Despite fielding Pawan Sehrawat and Arjun Deshwal, the Thalaivas won just 6 of 18 matches last season and released their own captain mid-season. Their auction strategy and new coaching setup will decide whether a real turnaround is possible. Full details are on their team page.
Rise of the NYP generation. Several franchises have invested in young players before the auction even opens. Season 13 could introduce the league’s next wave of breakout raiders and defenders.
How Popular Is Pro Kabaddi League?
Pro Kabaddi League has become one of India’s most-watched sports properties outside cricket. It reached 226 million viewers in its most recent full season. About 70% of that audience was under 40, and women made up 44% of viewers.
Matches are broadcast in Hindi, English, Marathi, Telugu, Tamil and Kannada, building a national audience across both Hindi-speaking states and southern India. Stadiums regularly sell out for rivalry fixtures and playoffs, and the caravan format brings live PKL action to fans in several host cities each season.
Why PKL Matters Beyond the Scoreline
Kabaddi has been played in Indian villages for centuries. PKL gave it a professional, televised stage comparable to cricket’s IPL. The league created full-time careers for players, with top raiders now earning between INR 10 lakh and over INR 2 crore per season.
PKL is also looking beyond India, including plans for a kabaddi showcase in Melbourne. It is a sign of the sport’s global ambitions while the league keeps strengthening its base at home.
Latest PKL 13 Updates
| Date | Update |
|---|---|
| October 8, 2026 | No official schedule yet; auction still reported for October 18-25. |
| August 2026 | Reports say the PKL 13 auction will be held in mid-October, after the Asian Games and Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship. |
| August 2026 | Season 13 expected to begin in December 2026. |
Where to Watch PKL Season 13
The Season 13 broadcaster and streaming partner have not been announced yet. Season 12 was shown live on Star Sports Network and streamed on JioHotstar, but that arrangement should not be assumed to carry over. We will update this section once the official partners are confirmed.
| Platform | Access |
|---|---|
| Star Sports Network | Live TV broadcast |
| JioHotstar | Live streaming free for select matches |
Broadcast details for Season 13 have not been officially confirmed but are expected to follow the same Star Sports and JioHotstar arrangement used in Season 12.
Team-by-Team: Season 12 Review and Season 13 Outlook
Here is how every franchise performed in Season 12 and what each one needs heading into the Season 13 auction.
Bengal Warriorz
Bengal Warriorz finished at the bottom of the Season 12 standings with six wins from 18 league matches. They had several competitive performances, but inconsistency in raiding and defence kept them out of the playoffs. For Season 13, their priorities are a consistent lead raider, better defensive coordination and stronger corner combinations. They also need more leadership on the mat.
Bengaluru Bulls
Bengaluru Bulls were one of the strongest league-stage teams in Season 12. They finished third with 11 wins from 18 matches and a score difference of +97. Their postseason ended after losses to Telugu Titans and Patna Pirates. Season 13 is another chance to turn strong league form into a title challenge.
Dabang Delhi K.C.
Dabang Delhi K.C. begin Season 13 as defending champions after beating Puneri Paltan 31-28 in the Season 12 final, their second PKL title. They finished second in the league with 13 wins, level on points with Puneri but behind on score difference. They then won a tie-breaker in Qualifier 1 to reach the final directly. Defending a title is hard. Delhi will need to manage retentions, auction competition and the pressure of being the team everyone studies.
Gujarat Giants
Gujarat Giants finished 11th in Season 12 with six wins from 18 matches and a negative score difference. They could compete in individual matches but struggled for consistency. Season 13 may require a clearer tactical identity, a reliable first-choice raider and stronger defensive partnerships.
Haryana Steelers
Haryana Steelers entered Season 12 as defending champions after winning their first title in Season 11. They finished fifth with 10 wins from 18 matches, and their postseason ended in Play-in 1 against Jaipur Pink Panthers. With recent title experience, their main focus will be performing better in elimination games.
Jaipur Pink Panthers
Jaipur Pink Panthers finished eighth and reached the postseason. They beat Haryana Steelers 30-27 in Play-in 1, then lost 48-32 to Patna Pirates in Eliminator 1. Jaipur may focus on a more consistent league record and less dependence on a few key players
Patna Pirates
Patna Pirates entered the Season 12 postseason from seventh place and produced one of the best knockout runs in league history. They beat U Mumba, Jaipur Pink Panthers and Bengaluru Bulls before losing to Telugu Titans in Eliminator 3. As three-time champions, Patna will aim to carry that momentum into a stronger league stage.
Puneri Paltan
Puneri Paltan topped the Season 12 league table with 13 wins and a league-best score difference of +88. They beat Telugu Titans 50-45 in Qualifier 2, then lost the final 31-28 to Dabang Delhi K.C. Their priority will be keeping the league-winning core together for another deep playoff run.
Tamil Thalaivas
Tamil Thalaivas won six of 18 league matches in Season 12 and missed the postseason. Season 13 may be an important rebuilding year, with more reliable raiding, stronger defensive combinations and better squad depth as the main priorities.
Telugu Titans
Telugu Titans were one of the best postseason teams in Season 12. They finished fourth in the league, beat Bengaluru Bulls and Patna Pirates in the knockouts, and came within one match of the final before losing Qualifier 2 to Puneri Paltan. They enter Season 13 as real title contenders.
U Mumba
U Mumba finished sixth in Season 12 with 10 wins from 18 matches, then lost to Patna Pirates in the Play-ins. A former champion, U Mumba may look for more consistency in high-pressure fixtures and better attacking support.
UP Yoddhas
UP Yoddhas finished ninth in Season 12 with seven wins from 18 matches, missing the postseason. Season 13 is a chance to rebuild around a dependable lead raider, stronger defensive coordination and better decisions in close games.
Who Runs the Pro Kabaddi League?
The Pro Kabaddi League is organised by Mashal Sports, which launched the league in 2014. It was founded by businessman Anand Mahindra and sports broadcaster Charu Sharma. The league runs under the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI), the sport’s national governing body.
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Organiser | Mashal Sports |
| Founders | Anand Mahindra and Charu Sharma |
| Governing body | Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) |
| Season 12 broadcaster | Star Sports Network |
| Season 12 streaming | JioHotstar |
| Season 12 host cities | Vizag, Jaipur, Chennai, Delhi |
| Season 12 final venue | Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium, Delhi |
The Season 12 Final
The Season 12 final was played on October 31, 2025 at Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium in Delhi. Dabang Delhi K.C. beat Puneri Paltan 31-28 in a tight contest, built on defensive discipline, controlled raiding and experience in close matches. It was Delhi’s second PKL title, while Puneri finished as runners-up despite topping the league table with 13 wins and a +88 score difference.
Season 12 vs Season 13 at a Glance
| Detail | Season 12 | Season 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Main year | 2025 | Expected 2026-27 |
| Auction | May 31 – June 1, 2025 | Reported October 18-25, 2026 |
| Opening date | August 29, 2025 | Reported late December 2026 |
| Final date | October 31, 2025 | Expected February 2027 |
| Participating teams | 12 | 12 expected |
| League matches | 108 | Not announced |
| Postseason matches | 9 | Not announced |
| Total matches | 117 | Not announced |
| Champion | Dabang Delhi K.C. | To be decided |
| Runner-up | Puneri Paltan | To be decided |
| Venue legs | Vizag, Jaipur, Chennai, Delhi | To be announced |
| Playoff format | Eight-team expanded postseason | Not announced |
A 108-match league stage is likely again if the same 12 teams and scheduling model return, but no match total has been confirmed. The eight-team playoff gave more teams a real chance in Season 12, and Patna Pirates’ run from seventh place was the clearest example. Five-raid tie-breakers and Golden Raid deciders were also used and may continue, but the Season 13 regulations and host cities are still to be announced.
How the PKL Playoffs Work (Season 12 Format)
In Season 12, the top eight league teams reached the postseason, which had nine matches. Teams that finished higher got easier paths to the final. Season 13 may use the same format, but it has not been confirmed.
| Stage | Who plays | What happens next |
|---|---|---|
| Play-in 1 | 5th vs 8th | Winner goes to Eliminator 1 |
| Play-in 2 | 6th vs 7th | Winner goes to Eliminator 1 |
| Eliminator 1 | Play-in 1 winner vs Play-in 2 winner | Winner goes to Eliminator 2 |
| Mini-Qualifier | 3rd vs 4th | Winner to Eliminator 3, loser to Eliminator 2 |
| Eliminator 2 | Eliminator 1 winner vs Mini-Qualifier loser | Winner goes to Eliminator 3 |
| Qualifier 1 | 1st vs 2nd | Winner to the final, loser to Qualifier 2 |
| Eliminator 3 | Eliminator 2 winner vs Mini-Qualifier winner | Winner goes to Qualifier 2 |
| Qualifier 2 | Qualifier 1 loser vs Eliminator 3 winner | Winner goes to the final |
| Final | Qualifier 1 winner vs Qualifier 2 winner | Champion crowned |
This is how Patna Pirates went from seventh place to Eliminator 3 in Season 12: they won Play-in 2, Eliminator 1 and Eliminator 2 before losing to Telugu Titans. Dabang Delhi K.C. took the shortest route, winning Qualifier 1 to go straight to the final.
Projected PKL Season 13 Schedule (Unofficial Estimate)
This is our estimate, not the official schedule. It is based on current reports and on how Season 12 was scheduled. Mashal Sports has not confirmed any of these dates. We will replace this table with the official fixtures as soon as they are released.
| Milestone | Projected window | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Player auction | October 18-25, 2026 | Media reports |
| Squads finalised | November 2026 | Usual gap after the auction |
| Team training camps | November – December 2026 | Camps usually run for about a month |
| Season opener | Late December 2026 | Media reports |
| Leg 1 | Late December 2026 – early January 2027 | Season 12 had four city legs |
| Leg 2 | January 2027 | Season 12 pattern |
| Leg 3 | Late January – early February 2027 | Season 12 pattern |
| Leg 4 and playoffs | February 2027 | Season 12 pattern |
| Final | Late February 2027 | Season 12 lasted about nine weeks |
How we estimated this: Season 12 ran from August 29 to October 31, 2025, which is about nine weeks for 117 matches. If Season 13 starts in late December 2026 and follows the same pace, the final would fall in late February 2027. Host cities and match timings will only be known once the official schedule is out.
PKL Season 13 Match Timings for Fans Outside India
Official Season 13 match timings have not been released yet. Once they are, we will show every start time in Indian Standard Time (IST) with local conversions. Until then, here is what an 8:00 PM IST match would mean in your country:
| Country | Time zone | Local start time |
|---|---|---|
| India | IST | 8:00 PM |
| Nepal | NPT | 8:15 PM |
| Bangladesh | BST | 8:30 PM |
| Pakistan | PKT | 7:30 PM |
| UAE and Oman | GST | 6:30 PM |
| Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain | AST | 5:30 PM |
| United Kingdom | GMT | 2:30 PM |
| USA (East Coast) | EST | 9:30 AM |
| Australia (Sydney) | AEDT | 1:30 AM (next day) |
UK, US and Australian times are for December to February, when the season is expected to run. Fans outside India should watch only through licensed broadcasters and official streaming partners, not unauthorised links.
PKL Season 13 Tickets and Prices
Ticket sales for Season 13 have not opened, because venues and dates are still unannounced. We will add the official prices for every venue here as soon as booking opens.
Season 13 Ticket Prices
| Venue | Seating | Price (INR) | Booking platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| To be announced | General | To be announced | To be announced |
| To be announced | Premium | To be announced | To be announced |
| To be announced | VIP / Courtside | To be announced | To be announced |
Where PKL Tickets Were Sold in Past Seasons
| Season | Booking platforms |
|---|---|
| Season 12 (2025) | District app |
| Season 10 (2023-24) | Official Pro Kabaddi website, BookMyShow, Paytm Insider |
What Affects the Ticket Price
| Factor | How it changes the price |
|---|---|
| Seating section | Courtside and VIP seats cost the most |
| Match type | Playoffs and the final cost more than league matches |
| Teams playing | Home-team and rivalry matches sell out faster |
| Match day | Weekend matchdays are usually in higher demand |
| Venue | Prices vary from city to city |
Buy only from the official ticketing partner announced by Pro Kabaddi. Avoid resellers and social-media accounts offering tickets before official sales open.
How Kabaddi Scoring Works
New to kabaddi? Here is the basic idea. Two teams take turns raiding and defending on opposite halves of the court. The raider enters the opponent’s half, tries to touch defenders or cross the bonus line, and must get back safely before being tackled. The defenders try to stop the raider before that happens.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Raid point | Earned when a raider touches one or more defenders and returns safely. Each defender touched earns one point. |
| Tackle point | Earned by the defending team when they stop the raider, using an ankle hold, thigh hold, block, dash or chain tackle. |
| Bonus point | One extra point when an eligible raider crosses the bonus line. It does not revive an eliminated teammate. |
| Super Raid | A raid in which the raider scores three or more points. |
| Super Tackle | A successful tackle by a defending side with three or fewer players on court. It earns 2 points instead of 1. |
| All-Out | When every player on one team is eliminated. The other side gets 2 extra points, and the eliminated players return to the court. |
| Do-or-Die Raid | After two empty raids in a row by the same team, the next raider must score or is declared out. |
| Five-raid tie-breaker | Used when a match ends level and a winner is needed. Each side gets five raids, and the higher scorer wins. |
| Golden Raid | Decides a match that is still tied after the tie-breaker. Exact rules depend on that season’s regulations. |
Other Kabaddi Events in 2026
PKL is not the only big kabaddi competition this year. These events run separately from the PKL calendar, but they affect when the league can be scheduled.
- 72nd Senior National Men’s Kabaddi Championship: held in Vadodara in February 2026, with state and institutional teams rather than PKL franchises.
- 20th Asian Games: held in Aichi and Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4, 2026, with kabaddi on the programme. National-team duty is one reason the PKL 13 auction moved to October.
- Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship: scheduled after the Asian Games, and also reported as a factor in the auction timing.
- Regional leagues such as Kabaddi Champions League Haryana run on their own schedules and are not part of PKL.
Other Kabaddi Events in 2026 Table
PKL is not the only big kabaddi competition this year. These events run separately from the PKL calendar, but they affect when the league can be scheduled.
| Event | Dates | Location | Who plays | Status | Link to PKL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 72nd Senior National Men’s Kabaddi Championship | February 2026 | Vadodara, India | State and institutional teams | Completed | Domestic stage for players before the PKL season |
| 20th Asian Games (kabaddi event) | September 19 – October 4, 2026 | Aichi and Nagoya, Japan | National teams | Completed | National-team duty pushed the PKL 13 auction to October |
| Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship | After the Asian Games, October 2026 (reported) | To be confirmed | National teams | Upcoming | Also reported as a factor in the auction timing |
| PKL Season 13 player auction | October 18-25, 2026 (reported) | To be confirmed | All 12 PKL franchises | Upcoming | Builds the Season 13 squads |
| Kabaddi Champions League Haryana | Own schedule | Haryana, India | Regional teams | Separate league | Not part of PKL |
Frequently Asked Questions
When does PKL 2026 (Season 13) start?
PKL Season 13 is expected to start in late December 2026. Mashal Sports has not announced the official date yet. The final is likely in February 2027. We will update this page as soon as the date is confirmed.
Has the PKL 2026 schedule been announced?
No. As of October 8, 2026, the official PKL 13 fixture list has not been released. Fixtures are usually published after the player auction, once squads are final. Any full schedule you see online before that is unofficial.
When is the PKL 13 auction?
The PKL 13 player auction is reported for October 18-25, 2026. It was delayed because of the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship. The dates are not yet officially confirmed.
Who won PKL Season 12?
Dabang Delhi K.C. won PKL Season 12, beating Puneri Paltan 31-28 in the final on October 31, 2025, at Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium in Delhi. It was Delhi’s second PKL title.
Which team has won the most PKL titles?
Patna Pirates have won the most PKL titles, with three (Seasons 3, 4 and 5). They are also the only team to win back-to-back titles. Dabang Delhi K.C. and Jaipur Pink Panthers have two titles each.
How many teams play in PKL 2026?
Twelve teams play in PKL Season 13: Bengal Warriorz, Bengaluru Bulls, Dabang Delhi K.C., Gujarat Giants, Haryana Steelers, Jaipur Pink Panthers, Patna Pirates, Puneri Paltan, Tamil Thalaivas, Telugu Titans, U Mumba and UP Yoddhas.
Where can I watch PKL 2026 live?
The Season 13 broadcaster has not been announced yet. Season 12 was shown on Star Sports Network on TV and streamed on JioHotstar. We will update this answer once the Season 13 partners are confirmed.
What time do PKL matches start in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia?
Season 13 timings are not out yet. As a guide, an 8:00 PM IST match starts at 7:30 PM in Pakistan, 6:30 PM in the UAE and 5:30 PM in Saudi Arabia.
Why is it called PKL 2026 if the final is in 2027?
Seasons are named after the year they start. Season 13 is expected to run from December 2026 to February 2027, so “PKL 2026” and “PKL 2026-27” both refer to the same season.
Who are the favourites to win PKL Season 13?
It is too early to say before the auction. Based on Season 12, Dabang Delhi K.C., Puneri Paltan, Bengaluru Bulls, Telugu Titans and Patna Pirates are the teams to watch.
PKL Schedule 2026: Our Final Word
Let’s be honest: this has been a long wait. Season 12 ended on October 31, 2025, and almost a year later we still don’t have the PKL 2026 schedule. The Asian Games and the Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship pushed everything back, and fans have had to make do with rumours.
Here is what we actually know. The PKL 13 auction is reported for October 18-25, 2026. If that holds, Pro Kabaddi Season 13 should start in late December, with the final sometime in February 2027. The same 12 teams return, and Dabang Delhi K.C. will try to do what only Patna Pirates have ever done: win back-to-back titles.
Our early pick? Puneri Paltan. They topped the league last season with a +88 score difference and lost the final by just three points. If they keep their core together at the auction, they will be hard to stop. But auctions have a way of turning predictions upside down, so ask us again in November.
The moment the official fixtures drop, this page will have every match, venue and start time, including conversions for fans in Pakistan, the Gulf and beyond. Until then, keep an eye on your team’s page from the “All Teams” menu, check the PKL Points Table once the season starts, and bookmark this page. We only update it when there is real news.