Kabaddi Leagues and Player Auctions — 2026-09-27

Top developments

India completes kabaddi golden double at Asian Games 2026

On September 26, 2026, the Indian men's team defeated Iran 40-34 in the final at Tokai Citizen Gymnasium in Aichi, claiming its ninth continental crown — India has now won nine of ten historical Asian Games kabaddi titles, with only Jakarta 2018 intervening. The women's team earlier beat Iran 37-34 for gold. Why it matters: Asian Games gold performances typically inflate auction prices for national stars heading into PKL Season 13's expected October–November window, and Iran finalists like Fazel Atrachali and Mohammadreza Shadloui remain marquee international auction names.

Iran's silver medal achieved amid conflict and sanctions

Rediff reported on September 26 that Iran's women's kabaddi team braved frequent camp changes due to regional conflict, psychological stress on young players, and difficulty arranging international friendlies because of sanctions on their way to the Asian Games silver. Iran's close finals against India in both men's and women's events confirm the country as kabaddi's second force — a talent pool PKL franchises will continue targeting at auctions.

PKL media rights talks face potential 50% valuation cut

Whalesbook reported this week that negotiations over the Pro Kabaddi League's media rights face a risk of a 50% valuation cut, even as PKL's operator Mashal Sports reported a net profit of ₹42 crore for FY26 on revenue of ₹310 crore. Why it matters: the rights outcome shapes franchise finances and realisable player bid ceilings for the Season 13 auction period.

PKL Season 13 timeline firms up

Season tracker coverage updated this week notes that PKL returns for its 13th season with the same 12 franchises, a summer mega auction framework, and a caravan-format league stage, with the season window expected around October or November 2026 — though Mashal Sports has not confirmed a date. Defending champions Dabang Delhi K.C. beat Puneri Paltan 31-28 in the PKL 12 final on October 31, 2025. Asian Games stars' form will be a key auction barometer.

India's knockout march set the stage

In the semi-finals on September 25, the women thrashed Nepal 48-24 and the men crushed Thailand 66-28 to storm into both finals. Earlier, the men beat Bangladesh 48-25 in Group A to qualify for the semi-finals.

Local view

AajTak's live coverage framed September 26 as India's "golden day" at the Games, with the kabaddi double the centerpiece of Day 7. The Times of India reported a festival atmosphere in Nagoya, with the Tamil chart-topper "Kabaddi Kabaddi" playing on loop and Indian fan cuisine filling the stands as the teams marched on. Pro Kabaddi's own platform ran live Asian Games kabaddi updates, tying the national-team moment directly to the league's fanbase.

Context & numbers

• India men: Asian Games gold No. 9 — nine of ten historical titles, all but Jakarta 2018
• Finals scores: men 40-34, women 37-34 vs Iran; semis: men 66-28 vs Thailand, women 48-24 vs Nepal
• Mashal Sports: FY26 net profit ₹42 crore; revenue ₹310 crore
• Asia Games 2026 squads: Iran's roster headlined by PKL stars Fazel Atrachali and Mohammadreza Shadloui

On the radar

• PKL Season 13 start date and auction confirmation — expected October–November 2026, pending Mashal Sports announcement
• Final terms of PKL's media rights deal amid reported valuation-cut risk
• Asian Games medalists' auction stocks — expect бере.getFullYear pulses on standout finalists once season vehicles are confirmed; monitor rumored franchise interest in Iranian raiders and defenders
• Follow-up on integrity headlines flagged earlier this month (doping case precedents) as national selections continue — treat any new allegations as unconfirmed until official statements