The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) has made a significant impact on the Indian sports landscape since its inception in 2014. It has emerged as the second most-watched sports league in India, only trailing the Indian Premier League (IPL).
With its growing popularity, PKL has established itself as a major player in the Indian sports industry, attracting millions of fans and a substantial amount of investment.
But how does it compare to other sports leagues in the country? Let’s take a closer look at the most watched sports leagues in India.
Click here to make your bets as you watch the thrilling T20I action in the IND vs BAN series
India’s sports industry has experienced tremendous growth in the past decade, with various professional leagues gaining immense popularity. While cricket remains the dominant sport, other leagues have carved their own space.
Here is a list of the top professional sports leagues in India based on their viewership:
| League | Year Launched | Viewership (in Crores) |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Premier League (IPL) | 2007 | 60 |
| Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) | 2014 | 20 |
| Women’s Premier League (WPL) | 2022 | 18 |
| Celebrity Cricket League (CCL) | 2011 | 15 |
| Indian Super League (ISL) | 2013 | 13 |
Advertising revenue is an essential indicator of a league’s financial success. The Indian Premier League, unsurprisingly, leads the way with an annual advertising revenue of ₹10,000 crores. PKL follows in second place with ₹350 crores.
| League | Advertising Revenue (₹ Crores) |
|---|---|
| Indian Premier League (IPL) | 10,000 |
| Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) | 350 |
| Women’s Premier League (WPL) | 300 |
| Indian Super League (ISL) | 270 |
| Celebrity Cricket League (CCL) | 50 |
BET NOW: Bet here on the upcoming IND vs NZ Test series and win cash bonuses
Another metric to evaluate the success of sports leagues is their team values. The IPL, due to its massive popularity and profitability, boasts a team value of ₹10,000 crores. Meanwhile, the PKL, despite popularity has team values averaging only ₹200 crores.
The Women’s Premier League has an average team value of ₹1,000 crores, reflecting its high potential, while the Indian Super League’s teams are valued at ₹150 crores.
| League | Average Team Value (₹ Crores) |
|---|---|
| Indian Premier League (IPL) | 10,000 |
| Women’s Premier League (WPL) | 1,000 |
| Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) | 200 |
| Indian Super League (ISL) | 150 |
The Celebrity Cricket League’s team values aren’t as clearly defined, but it has shown a significant growth rate of 50% year-on-year post-pandemic.
