MUMBAI: Zee Sports is making a power play in India’s sporting landscape. The network has entered into a three-year strategic partnership with Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL), becoming the exclusive broadcast and digital partner for the state’s flagship Kabaddi property.
The collaboration, the first of its kind for a state-level sports IP, will bring the next three UPKL seasons to TV audiences on Zee Sports and to digital viewers via Zee5, expanding the league’s footprint across India.
With the addition of four new franchises, UPKL now boasts 12 teams representing key cities across Uttar Pradesh. The partnership marks a pivotal step in UPKL’s evolution from a regional league to a nationally recognised sports enterprise focused on nurturing grassroots talent.
“At Zee Sports, we believe in championing India’s own sporting heritage,” said Zee Sports business head Bavesh Janavlekar. “Through our vast TV network and Zee5’s digital ecosystem, this partnership will help Kabaddi get the scale and storytelling it truly deserves.”
Echoing the sentiment, SJ Uplift Kabaddi founder and director Sambhav Jain said, “This collaboration transforms UPKL from a promising local initiative into a nationwide platform for players and fans alike. With season 2, we’re taking Kabaddi from local stadiums to living rooms across India.”
The three-year deal will cover seasons 2, 3 and 4 of UPKL. The upcoming season 2 kicks off on December 25, 2025, in Noida, featuring 71 matches over 19 days, with live Hindi telecasts capturing the sport’s traditional spirit.
With this move, Zee Sports and UPKL are set to turn a regional game into a national sensation, one raid at a time.