Noida: The Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL), conceptualized and operated by SJ Uplift Kabaddi and approved by the Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi Association, has announced that the player auction for Season 2 will take place on November 3 in Noida. The auction will be conducted by CrickBattle, the league’s official auction partner.
Season 2 marks a significant milestone for UPKL as the league expands from 8 to 10 teams, reinforcing its commitment to promoting kabaddi talent across Uttar Pradesh. The new franchises—Aligarh Tigers and Kanpur Warriors—will join existing teams including Lucknow Lions, Yamuna Yoddha, Noida Ninja, Kashi Kings, Awadh Ramdoot, Bridge Stars, Sangam Challengers, and Ganga Kings of Mirzapur.
Each team will have a budget of ₹12 lakh to assemble their squads, with the total player pool valued at ₹1.2 crore. A total of 500 players, shortlisted through the league’s scouting and registration process, will be part of the auction. Players are categorized into four groups based on experience and performance:
- Category A: ₹1,00,000
- Category B: ₹60,000
- Category C: ₹40,000
- Category D: ₹25,000
The auction will follow an open-bid format, with franchise owners, team representatives, and league officials present. Each team must select a balanced squad: a minimum of 3 Category A players, 4 each from Categories B and C, and 3 from Category D, ensuring a mix of experience and talent.
Sambhav Jain, Founder & Director of SJ Uplift Kabaddi, said, “The player auction is a decisive moment for each franchise. With 10 teams and a larger talent pool this season, the event promises to be more competitive and exciting. Our partnership with CrickBattle ensures a transparent, tech-driven process, aligning with our mission to professionalize kabaddi at every level.”
Rakesh Desai, Founder of CrickBattle, added, “We are thrilled to partner with UPKL as the official auction platform. Our live auction system is designed for accuracy, fairness, and efficiency, enabling smooth execution for a rapidly growing state-level league like UPKL. This collaboration extends CrickBattle’s reach beyond cricket, supporting our tech-driven vision.”
UPKL Season 2 will officially kick off on December 25, 2025, in Noida, featuring approximately 64 matches. The league has also unveiled its new tagline for Season 2:
“Apna Bharat, Apna Khel – Khel Raha Hai Mera Pradesh”, reflecting its mission to promote kabaddi as a sport rooted in Indian culture and regional pride.
The company is the founder, owner, and operator of UPKL, dedicated to professionalizing kabaddi, building sustainable league structures, and creating opportunities for Uttar Pradesh’s players.
The Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League is a professional kabaddi league designed to promote the indigenous sport and regional representation across the state, with a focus on grassroots talent development and community-centered fan engagement.
