Ultimate Kho Kho secures Series-A PE funding from UK-based BNP Group: All You Need to Know
Big news for Kho-Kho! Ultimate Kho-Kho (UKK), the first professional Kho-Kho league in India, has just secured Series A funding from the UK-based BNP Group. This investment firm specialises in backing disruptive and scalable business ideas, and their interest in UKK marks a huge leap for the sport both in India and internationally.
Ultimate Kho Kho raises valuation, secures Series-A PE funding from UK-based BNP Group, and becomes the first sports league in India to secure private equity investment
This is history in the making, folks! UKK is the first sports league in India to bag private equity investment, aiming to boost the popularity of Kho-Kho globally. This strategic partnership doesn’t just boost BNP’s position in the sports industry; it also gives indigenous sports a global stage to shine on.
UKK, a brainchild of Amit Burman and the Kho Kho Federation of India, is fully committed to injecting new energy and interest into this traditional sport. The league already has the support of big names like Odisha Sports Development and Promotion Company, GMR Sports, Adani Sportsline, Capri Global, Punit Balan Group, and KLO Sports, who have all invested as franchise owners.
BNP Group’s investment comes on the back of UKK’s wildly successful inaugural season. The first-ever season drew a whopping 164 million viewers across different media platforms and 225 million video views on social media, making it one of the top three non-cricketing leagues in India. And with 41% of viewers being women, it’s clear that the league has widespread appeal.
UKK promoter, Mr. Amit Burman, shared his excitement about the new partnership: “This partnership with BNP Group marks a major milestone for Ultimate Kho Kho. We aim to grow the league into a larger commercial entity and unlock new opportunities. This investment will help us build a stronger platform for Kho-Kho fans worldwide.”
This monumental investment sets the stage for an exciting future for indigenous sports. Ultimate Kho Kho and BNP Group are leading the charge to inspire, innovate, and reshape the global sports scene. The impact of this partnership is set to be felt by athletes, fans, and stakeholders alike, bringing a new era of excellence and inclusivity to sports leagues.
BNP Group’s Founder and Chairman, Dr. Biswanath Patnaik, shared his thoughts: “This investment marks a turning point for grassroots sports in India. Inspired by PM Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a global sports powerhouse, we’re committed to helping Indian children adopt this indigenous sport and provide a platform for talented athletes to shine globally. Our investment goes beyond finances; it’s about fostering the growth of indigenous sports and creating a legacy for future generations.”
Get ready for Season 2 of Ultimate Kho Kho! They’ve just held a Player Draft, selecting the top 145 players, including 33 fresh talents, for the upcoming season across six franchises.
