For a league that’s grown into India’s second-most-watched sporting property, the silence has been deafening. Nearly a year after PKL 12 wrapped up in October 2025, fans are still without an auction date, let alone a start date, for Pro Kabaddi League’s 13th season — and the reasons behind the delay run deeper than just scheduling.
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PKL 13 Delay: A Packed International Calendar
Kabaddi’s global calendar has grown increasingly crowded, with the Asian Games 2026 kabaddi event running from September 21-26, followed shortly after by the Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship, where the Indian team will also compete. Teams have spent months in coaching camps preparing squads for these tournaments, naturally pushing domestic league planning further down the priority list.
PKL 13 – The Bigger Problem: Media Rights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| PKL 12 Ended | October 2025 |
| Previous Broadcaster | Star Sports (5-year deal) |
| Deal Status | Expired in 2025, not renewed |
| Sticking Point | Valuation gap between Mashal Sports and Star Sports |
| Asian Games Kabaddi Dates | September 21-26, 2026 |
| Auction Date | Not yet announced |
According to sources, the league’s organizer, Mashal Sports, isn’t satisfied with the current offer from Star Sports, whose previous five-year rights deal has already lapsed. With both parties still negotiating and exploring alternatives, this financial standoff appears to be the single biggest factor holding up any concrete announcement.
Why It Matters
With no auction scheduled and international commitments stacking up through late September, PKL 13 fans may need to brace for a considerably longer wait than usual before their favourite franchises return to action. Full league updates are available on the official Pro Kabaddi League website.
For more kabaddi news and PKL 13 updates, check out our Sports section on TechnoSports.
