PKL media rights to go under the hammer after JioStar deal expires
(Courtesy : PKL)
PKL is awaiting a new broadcast partner following the end of Star India’s media rights deal.
The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) is the second most-watched sports league in India after the Indian Premier League (IPL). Since its inaugural season in 2014, the league has broken many viewership records year after year and continues to do so.
The league is owned by Mashal Sports, which was founded in 1994 by Anand Mahindra and Charu Sharma. Star India has been the official broadcaster of the Pro Kabaddi League since its first season. In 2014, Star India acquired a 74% majority stake in Mashal Sports, thereby becoming the league’s primary owner.
However, in 2021, Mashal Sports decided to conduct an open media rights auction for the PKL. The base price was set at ₹900 crore, and even though multiple media companies picked up the Invitation to Tender (ITT) document, only Star India participated in the auction.
According to the Economic Times, Star India acquired the PKL broadcasting rights for the next five years for the base price of ₹900 crore.
Reportedly, after the announcement of the media rights, several PKL team owners expressed their disappointment, claiming that the process was unfair and that there was a conflict of interest because Mashal Sports is majority-owned by Star India.
PKL set for a fresh start after JioStar’s deal ended
The media rights of the Pro Kabaddi League with Star India were for five years (Season 8 to 12). Now that the five-year term has been completed, the PKL currently has no broadcasting partner, and there is a chance we may see another media rights auction soon.
The owners of the PKL teams believe that the league has the potential to generate even higher broadcasting revenue, which will help the teams as well. Even though the media rights have ended, Mashal Sports has not made any official announcement regarding the next auction.
The upcoming season of the PKL has been delayed due to a packed schedule caused by the 2026 Asian Games and the Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship. This will give Mashal Sports a bigger window to decide on the media rights.
The next media rights deal is expected to play a key role in shaping the league’s future, determining how fans watch PKL and how the sport continues to expand its reach in India and overseas.
Which media company acquired the PKL media rights in 2021?
Star India acquired the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) media rights in 2021.
Who are the organisers of the Pro Kabaddi League?
Mashal Sports is the organiser of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL).
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Kabaddi is old, but not older than my love for it. I am still a rookie, but kabaddi is one thing I have been following passionately since my childhood. I don't miss any matches of the league and I regularly follow domestic and international tournaments as well.