Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (Z) announces a partnership with Kabaddi Champions League (KCL) Haryana to broadcast professional kabaddi matches to audiences across India. Officially sanctioned by the Amateur Kabaddi Association Haryana (AKAH), the league’s inaugural season will be held from January 25th to February 7th, 2026, with eight franchises participating.
Under the partnership, KCL Haryana will stream on the Zee 5 app and broadcast across ‘Z’s linear channels, including Zee Anmol Cinema 2, Z Yuva, Z Bollywood, &Pictures HD, Z Punjabi, and its sports platforms. The matches will be available in Hindi and regional language feeds to enable access across multiple regions, particularly in areas where kabaddi has a strong following.
The 14-day tournament will feature Karnal Kings, Gurugram Gurus, Rohtak Royals, Faridabad Fighters, Panipat Panther, Sonipat Stars, Bhiwani Bulls, and Hisar Heros. The league is guided by Dronacharya Awardee Balwan Singh and is supported by brand ambassadors Rajesh Narwal and Mohit Chhillar, along with professional kabaddi players, with the objective of providing grassroots talent with a professional competitive platform.
The collaboration also includes additional content on Zee 5 such as “Champions Talks”, a podcast series featuring players and coaches, “Champ’s POV” showcasing behind-the-scenes footage, and city-wise cine-films. ‘Z’ will support the league with network-wide promotional initiatives across its linear and digital platforms.
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,” Shetty said.
Beyond competition, KCL Haryana is aligned with the Government of Haryana’s Drug-Free Haryana campaign, using sport to encourage fitness, discipline, and participation.
A Spokesperson, Kabaddi Champions League 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 season will begin on January 25th, 2026, following a state-wide Trophy Tour, and will feature match coverage, commentary by Sunil Taneja and Vishwash Chauhan, and live performances during league days.
