Zee Sports has entered into a three-year strategic partnership with the Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL), acquiring exclusive broadcast and digital rights across television and OTT platforms for Seasons 2, 3, and 4.
Season 2 of the UPKL will kick off on December 25, 2025, in Noida, featuring 12 teams-including four new franchises-representing major cities across Uttar Pradesh. The 19-day tournament will host 71 matches, broadcast live in Hindion Zee Sports and streamed on Zee5, bringing regional kabaddi action to a national audience.
This partnership marks a significant milestone as the first long-term broadcast deal for a state-level sports property, underscoring Zee Sports’ commitment to promoting India’s indigenous sports and nurturing grassroots talent.
Bavesh Janavlekar, Business Head, Zee Sports, said, “At Zee Sports, we’re committed to celebrating India’s sporting heritage. Our collaboration with UPKL is a powerful step in building sustainable, scalable sporting IPs that drive fandom and long-term value. With Zee’s extensive TV reach and Zee5’s digital ecosystem, we aim to give Kabaddi the stage and storytelling it truly deserves.”
Sambhav Jain, Founder and Director, SJ Uplift Kabaddi, added, “Partnering with Zee Sports marks UPKL’s evolution from a regional league to a national sporting enterprise. After a successful first season, Season 2 will take UPKL into homes across India, amplifying visibility for our athletes and franchises while strengthening our mission to build a professional and inclusive Kabaddi ecosystem.”
The collaboration aims to elevate UPKL’s stature, combining Zee’s broadcast expertise with the league’s vision to create a sustainable platform for emerging kabaddi talent.
