The sport of kabaddi is once again set to grab the spotlight in Uttar Pradesh as the Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL) gears up for its Season 2 Player Auction, scheduled to take place on November 3, 2025, in Noida. Organized by SJ Uplift Kabaddi and sanctioned by the Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi Association, the league has grown rapidly since its inception, becoming one of India’s most prominent state-level kabaddi platforms.
The upcoming auction marks a major milestone in UPKL’s journey — expanding the league, introducing new teams, and giving hundreds of young kabaddi players a professional stage to showcase their talent.
UPKL Season 2: Bigger, Better and More Competitive
After the resounding success of its inaugural season, UPKL is ready to make an even grander return in 2025. The league, which started with eight teams, is now expanding its footprint to 12 teams this season — a clear sign of its growing popularity and professional approach.
The four new franchises joining the league are:
- Aligarh Tigers
- Purvanchal Panthers
- Gazab Ghaziabad
- Kanpur Warriors
These new entrants will join the established teams from Season 1, including Lucknow Lions, Yamuna Yoddha, Noida Ninja, Kashi Kings, Avadh Ramdoot, Bridge Stars, Sangam Challengers, and Ganga Kings of Mirzapur.
This expansion not only adds more excitement but also reflects the league’s vision to represent the entire state of Uttar Pradesh and nurture kabaddi talent from every region — from Purvanchal to Bundelkhand and Awadh to Western UP.
UPKL 2025 Auction: Date, Venue, and Watch Live
The much-awaited Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL) Season 2 Player Auction is finally here! The grand event goes live Monday, November 3, bringing together 12 powerful teams — all chasing one dream: the ultimate glory in kabaddi.
The auction will be held at the prestigious Sarovar Premiere, Noida, where excitement will be at its peak as team owners, players, and kabaddi fans gather to witness the action unfold. The event will kick off at 4:00 PM, and fans can catch all the live coverage on DD Sports OTT (Wave) App, and DD Sports TV Channel.
The UPKL Player Auction will be powered by CricBattle (Official Auction Partner), a leading auction technology company known for its advanced real-time auction platform. This partnership ensures a transparent, high-tech, and professional auction experience.
The event will be attended by team owners, league dignitaries, officials, and kabaddi fans who are eager to see which players will be picked by their favorite franchises.
Auction Format, Budget, and Player Pool
Each franchise will have a ₹12 lakh purse to build their team, bringing the total auction pool value to ₹1.2 crore. The player pool has seen a significant increase this year — from 350 players in Season 1 to over 500 shortlisted athletes in Season 2, thanks to UPKL’s extensive scouting and registration program held across various districts of Uttar Pradesh.
Players have been categorized into four groups based on their performance, experience, and skill level:
| Category | Base Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| A | 1,00,000 |
| B | 60,000 |
| C | 40,000 |
| D | 25,000 |
The auction will follow an open-bid, live format, conducted in front of franchise owners, officials, and league representatives. This will ensure complete transparency and fairness in player selections.
Squad Composition Rules: Building a Balanced Team
As per the UPKL Auction Handbook, each franchise must create a well-balanced team that includes a blend of experienced stars and rising young talents. Every team is required to select:
- Minimum 3 players from Category A
- 4 players from Category B
- 4 players from Category C
- 3 players from Category D
This composition ensures that every franchise maintains competitive balance, with a mix of seasoned kabaddi professionals and promising newcomers.
Leadership Speaks: Vision, Transparency, and Growth
Sharing his excitement about the upcoming auction, Sambhav Jain, Founder and Director of SJ Uplift Kabaddi, said:
“The player auction is one of the most thrilling phases for any franchise. With more teams and a larger pool of athletes this year, we are entering a new era of professionalism and competitiveness. Our partnership with CricBattle reinforces our goal to bring transparency and technology into every aspect of kabaddi.”
Adding to that, Rakesh Desai, Founder of CricBattle, said:
“We are delighted to be associated with UPKL as their official auction partner. Our real-time auction platform ensures precision, fairness, and seamless execution, which is crucial for large-scale sports events. This collaboration also marks CricBattle’s expansion into the kabaddi ecosystem, aligning perfectly with our vision of innovation and integrity.”
New Tagline for UPKL Season 2
To mark the new season, the league has also revealed its inspiring new tagline:
“Apna Bharat, Apna Khel Khel Raha Hai Mera Pradesh”
The tagline reflects UPKL’s vision to celebrate kabaddi as a sport that is deeply rooted in India’s culture, while also igniting regional pride within Uttar Pradesh. It resonates with the league’s mission — to make kabaddi not just a rural pastime but a modern, professional sport representing the heart and spirit of India.
UPKL Season 2 Schedule and Match Details
- Season Start Date: December 25, 2025
- Total Matches: Around 64
- Host City: Noida
All matches for the upcoming season will be hosted in Noida, which has become the hub of kabaddi in Uttar Pradesh. Fans can expect an electrifying sporting atmosphere throughout the festive season, as the best kabaddi players from across the state battle it out for glory.
About Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL)
The Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League is one of India’s most dynamic state-level kabaddi leagues, aimed at professionalizing the sport across the state. Conceptualized by SJ Uplift Kabaddi and supported by the Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi Association, UPKL focuses on providing a transparent, inclusive, and professional platform for athletes.
Through structured scouting, training, and media exposure, UPKL has successfully bridged the gap between local kabaddi players and national-level recognition. With each passing season, the league continues to strengthen the kabaddi ecosystem in the country.
All Eyes on November 3
The countdown has begun for the UPKL 2025 Auction, and excitement is already in the air. With more teams, a bigger budget, and a stronger player base, Season 2 promises to deliver non-stop kabaddi action and uncover the next big names in the sport.
Whether you’re a kabaddi enthusiast, a franchise owner, or just a proud Uttar Pradeshian, November 3, 2025, is a date you won’t want to miss. Because from that day, the stage will be set for the most thrilling and action-packed season of the Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League yet!
