Pro Kabaddi League 2025: A New Era of High-Octane Action Kicks Off

The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) 2025, now in its thrilling 12th season, is set to electrify arenas across India, starting August 29, 2025, at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Visakhapatnam. With a revamped format, new rules, and a star-studded roster, PKL Season 12 promises to be the most competitive yet, captivating kabaddi fans and sports enthusiasts nationwide.

Technocrat Magazine, your premier source for sports, tech, and culture, brings you an in-depth look at PKL 2025, including a detailed breakdown of the teams, their grades, earnings, key players, player net worths, and team owners, making this a must-read for fans of India’s sports events.

A Revamped Structure for Intense Competition

The Pro Kabaddi League 2025 introduces a streamlined format to keep the action relentless. The league stage, running from August 29 to October 23, 2025, across Visakhapatnam, Jaipur, Chennai, and Delhi, features 108 matches, with each of the 12 teams playing 18 games. A simplified points system awards 2 points for a win and none for a loss, ensuring fierce competition.

The Golden Raid shootout, a new tie-breaker rule, involves five raiders per team in a structured format, with the baulk line doubling as the bonus line. If tied, a single Golden Raid decides the winner, promising edge-of-the-seat moments.The playoff structure has been revamped, with the top eight teams advancing. Teams ranked 5th to 8th compete in Play-in matches, while 3rd and 4th face off in a mini-qualifier, leading to the grand finale on October 23, 2025. This format ensures multiple pathways to glory, making PKL 2025 one of the most exciting kabaddi seasons yet.

PKL 2025 Teams: Grades, Earnings, Key Players, Net Worth, and Owners

The 12 teams in PKL 2025—Haryana Steelers, Patna Pirates, Puneri Paltan, Jaipur Pink Panthers, Bengaluru Bulls, Tamil Thalaivas, Telugu Titans, U Mumba, Dabang Delhi K.C., Gujarat Giants, UP Yoddhas, and Bengal Warriorz—are ready to battle for supremacy.

Below is a detailed analysis of each team’s grade, earnings, key players, player net worths, and ownership, based on performance, auction data, and industry insights. Team grades are assigned based on their Season 11 performance, squad strength, and potential for 2025.

Haryana Steelers (Grade: A)

• Earnings: As Season 11 champions, they earned a significant portion of the ₹8 crore prize pool, with estimates suggesting ₹2–3 crore in prize money plus sponsorships. JSW Sports, their owners, reported a ₹2 crore profit for their PKL team.
• Key Players: Mohammadreza Shadloui (₹2.23 crore, top tackler in Season 11), Jaideep Dahiya (retained, defensive stalwart), Vinay (retained, dynamic raider).
• Player Net Worth: Shadloui’s net worth is estimated at ₹3–5 crore, boosted by his record-breaking auction price and endorsements. Jaideep and Vinay, as retained players, likely have net worths of ₹1–2 crore each, factoring in salaries and brand deals.
• Owners: Owned by Sajjan and Parth Jindal via JSW Sports, part of the JSW Group, a multinational conglomerate with interests in steel, energy, and sports (also owning IPL’s Delhi Capitals). Their net worth is estimated in billions, with JSW Group valued at over ₹1.5 lakh crore.
• Outlook: As defending champions, their balanced squad and financial backing make them favorites for a repeat title.

Patna Pirates (Grade: A-)

• Earnings: With three titles (Seasons 3–5), they’ve amassed significant prize money, estimated at ₹5–7 crore historically, plus sponsorship revenue. Their consistent playoff appearances ensure steady income.
• Key Players: Hamid Mirzaei Nader (retained, all-rounder), Sudhakar M (retained, young raider), Ayan (new young player). Pardeep Narwal, despite going unsold in 2025, remains a historical icon.
• Player Net Worth: Pardeep Narwal, with a peak auction price of ₹1.65 crore, has an estimated net worth of ₹4–6 crore from past earnings and endorsements. Retained players like Hamid and Sudhakar likely have net worths of ₹50 lakh–₹1 crore.
• Owners: Owned by GMR League Games Pvt. Ltd., part of the GMR Group, known for infrastructure and airports, with a collective net worth exceeding ₹50,000 crore.
• Outlook: Their experience and retained core make them strong contenders, though the loss of Pardeep Narwal could impact raiding strength.

Puneri Paltan (Grade: A)

• Earnings: As Season 10 champions, they earned ₹2–3 crore in prize money, with a total spend of ₹5 crore at the 2025 auction, the highest among teams. Sponsorships add to their revenue.
• Key Players: Aslam Inamdar (retained, MVP of Season 10), Mohit Goyat (retained, versatile raider), Abinesh Nadarajan (retained, defender).
• Player Net Worth: Aslam Inamdar’s net worth is estimated at ₹2–3 crore, driven by his MVP status and endorsements. Mohit Goyat’s net worth is likely ₹1–2 crore.
• Owners: Owned by Insurekot Sports Pvt. Ltd., linked to the Kotak family, with interests in banking and finance. Their net worth is estimated in the thousands of crores.
• Outlook: Their aggressive auction strategy and retained stars position them as top title contenders.

Jaipur Pink Panthers (Grade: A-)

• Earnings: Two-time champions (Seasons 1 and 9) with estimated earnings of ₹4–6 crore from prizes and sponsors. Their consistent playoff runs bolster revenue.
• Key Players: Arjun Deshwal (retained, star raider), Reza Mirbagheri (retained, defender), Nitin Kumar (new young player).
• Player Net Worth: Arjun Deshwal’s net worth is estimated at ₹2–3 crore, given his consistent raiding prowess. Reza and Nitin likely range from ₹50 lakh–₹1 crore.
• Owners: Owned by Abhishek Bachchan via Jaipur Sports Pvt. Ltd., with a personal net worth of ₹1,000 crore from Bollywood and sports investments.
• Outlook: A strong raiding unit and celebrity backing make them a fan favorite and playoff contender.

Bengaluru Bulls (Grade: B+)

• Earnings: Season 6 champions with estimated earnings of ₹3–5 crore from prizes and sponsorships. Their large fan base drives merchandise revenue.
• Key Players: Neeraj Narwal (retained, explosive raider), Saurabh Nandal (captain), Vikash Kandola (top buy, ₹55.25 lakh).
• Player Net Worth: Neeraj Narwal’s net worth is around ₹1–2 crore, while Saurabh and Vikash are estimated at ₹50 lakh–₹1 crore each.
• Owners: Owned by WL League Pvt. Ltd., a sports investment group with a net worth in the hundreds of crores.
• Outlook: A solid squad but needs defensive reinforcements to challenge for the title.

Tamil Thalaivas (Grade: B)

• Earnings: Yet to win a title, but their ₹2.605 crore spend on Pawan Sehrawat in Season 10 and sponsorships yield ₹2–3 crore in revenue.
• Key Players: Pawan Sehrawat (₹2.15 crore, costliest in 2024), Sachin Tanwar (₹2.15 crore in 2024), Narender (emerging raider).
• Player Net Worth: Pawan Sehrawat, PKL’s costliest player, has a net worth of ₹5–7 crore, boosted by his ₹2.605 crore Season 10 price. Sachin’s net worth is estimated at ₹3–4 crore.
• Owners: Co-owned by Vijay Sethupathi and IQuest Enterprises, with a combined net worth of ₹500 crore.
• Outlook: Heavy investment in raiders makes them offensively strong but defensively vulnerable.

Telugu Titans (Grade: B)

• Earnings: No titles, but their ₹2.605 crore spend on Pawan Sehrawat in Season 10 and sponsorships generate ₹2–3 crore.
• Key Players: Pawan Sehrawat (₹2.605 crore in Season 10), Deepak Niwas Hooda (₹12.60 lakh in 2014), Vijay Malik (retained).
• Player Net Worth: Pawan Sehrawat’s net worth is ₹5–7 crore. Deepak Niwas Hooda’s is estimated at ₹1–2 crore.
• Owners: Owned by GMR Group and Srinivas Goud, with GMR’s net worth exceeding ₹50,000 crore.
• Outlook: Pawan’s return could spark a revival, but consistency is key.

U Mumba (Grade: B+)

• Earnings: Season 2 champions with ₹3–5 crore in historical prize money and sponsorships. Their urban fan base drives revenue.
• Key Players: Sunil Kumar (retained, defender), Amirmohammad Zafardanesh (retained, Iranian all-rounder), Shabeer Bapu (former star).
• Player Net Worth: Sunil Kumar’s net worth is ₹1–2 crore, while Amirmohammad’s is around ₹50 lakh–₹1 crore. Shabeer Bapu’s is estimated at ₹50 lakh.
• Owners: Owned by Ronnie Screwvala via U Sports, with a net worth of ₹12,000 crore from media and ed-tech ventures.
• Outlook: A balanced squad with strong leadership but needs more raiding depth.

Dabang Delhi K.C. (Grade: A-)

• Earnings: Season 8 champions with ₹3–5 crore in prize money and sponsorships. Their 2022 title boosted their brand value.
• Key Players: Naveen Kumar (auctioned, 1102 raid points), Ashu Malik (retained, star raider), Yogesh (retained, top defender).
• Player Net Worth: Naveen Kumar’s net worth is ₹3–5 crore, Ashu Malik’s is ₹1–2 crore, and Yogesh’s is ₹50 lakh–₹1 crore.
• Owners: Owned by Radha Kapoor Khanna, daughter of Yes Bank’s Rana Kapoor, with a net worth of ₹500 crore.
• Outlook: Losing Naveen to auction is a blow, but their retained core keeps them competitive.

Gujarat Giants (Grade: B+)

• Earnings: Finalists in 2017 and 2018, earning ₹3–4 crore in prizes and sponsorships. Their Adani backing ensures financial stability.
• Key Players: Mohammadreza Shadloui (₹2.23 crore), Parteek Dahiya (retained, raider), Rakesh (retained).
• Player Net Worth: Shadloui’s net worth is ₹3–5 crore, Parteek and Rakesh are around ₹50 lakh–₹1 crore each.
• Owners: Owned by Gautam Adani via Adani Sportsline, with a personal net worth of over ₹7 lakh crore, making him one of the richest PKL owners.
• Outlook: Shadloui’s signing strengthens their defense, but they need consistency.

UP Yoddhas (Grade: B)

• Earnings: No titles but steady playoff appearances yield ₹2–3 crore in prizes and sponsorships.
• Key Players: Surender Gill (retained, star raider), Pardeep Narwal (historical star, unsold in 2025), Devank Dalal (₹2.205 crore).
• Player Net Worth: Pardeep Narwal’s net worth is ₹4–6 crore, Surender Gill’s is ₹1–2 crore, Devank’s is ₹1–2 crore post-auction.
• Owners: Owned by GMR Group, with a net worth exceeding ₹50,000 crore.
• Outlook: Devank’s signing boosts their attack, but they need defensive stability.

Bengal Warriorz (Grade: B+)

• Earnings: Season 7 champions with ₹3–5 crore in prize money and sponsorships, boosted by Akshay Kumar’s star power.
• Key Players: Devank Dalal (₹2.205 crore, Season 11’s top raider), Maninder Singh (auctioned, veteran raider), Jang Kun Lee (Scorpion Kick King).
• Player Net Worth: Maninder Singh’s net worth is ₹3–5 crore, Devank’s is ₹1–2 crore, and Jang Kun Lee’s is ₹50 lakh–₹1 crore.
• Owners: Co-owned by Akshay Kumar and Capri Sports, with Akshay’s net worth at ₹2,500 crore.
• Outlook: Devank’s addition makes them offensively potent, but defense needs work.

Technocrat Magazine: Your PKL 2025 Guide

As the official media partner for Pro Kabaddi League 2025, Technocrat Magazine delivers exclusive coverage, from player profiles to tactical breakdowns of the Golden Raid. Follow us for PKL live scores, auction insights, and guides to securing PKL tickets via BookMyShow or prokabaddi.com. Our updates on X and our mobile app keep you immersed in the kabaddi season 2025.

YTC Ventures: Powering the PKL Experience

YTC Ventures, a trailblazer in event innovation to elevate PKL 2025 into a global spectacle. With advanced broadcast features like dugout cameras and referee body-cams, plus seamless logistics across four cities, YTC Ventures ensures an unforgettable experience for fans watching on Star Sports or JioHotstar.

A Cultural and Sporting Phenomenon

Since 2014, the Pro Kabaddi League has transformed kabaddi into a global sensation, second only to the IPL in viewership. Season 12’s opening week saw a 56% surge in TV viewership (43.5 crore viewers) and 1.3 crore unique online visitors, an 18.5-fold increase. The league’s success has propelled India’s national team to gold at the 2023 Asian Games, cementing kabaddi’s global rise.

The opening match on August 29 features Telugu Titans vs. Tamil Thalaivas, followed by Bengaluru Bulls vs. Puneri Paltan. With stars like Pawan Sehrawat, Mohammadreza Shadloui, and Aslam Inamdar, PKL 2025 is set to deliver unparalleled excitement. Don’t miss this Indian sports event—secure your PKL tickets on BookMyShow or prokabaddi.com and follow Technocrat Magazine for the latest kabaddi news. Who will lift the trophy on October 23? Share your predictions on X with #PKL2025 and #TechnocratMagazine!

PKL 2025 Team Investment and Performance Comparison

Team	Grade	Auction Spend (₹ Cr)	Est. Earnings (₹ Cr)	Key Player Value (₹ Cr)	Owner Net Worth (₹ Cr)	Social Media Followers	Title-Winning Potential	Investor Appeal Rank
Haryana Steelers	A	3.50	2–3	Mohammadreza Shadloui (2.23)	1,50,000+ (JSW Group)	~1.5M	High	1
Puneri Paltan	A	5.00	2–3	Aslam Inamdar (1.50)	Thousands (Kotak Family)	~2M	High	2
Jaipur Pink Panthers	A-	3.80	4–6	Arjun Deshwal (1.405)	1,000 (Abhishek Bachchan)	~2.5M	High	3
Patna Pirates	A-	3.20	5–7	Hamid Mirzaei Nader (0.80)	50,000+ (GMR Group)	~1.8M	Moderate-High	4
Dabang Delhi K.C.	A-	4.00	3–5	Ashu Malik (1.90)	500 (Radha Kapoor Khanna)	~1.7M	Moderate-High	5
Gujarat Giants	B+	4.50	3–4	Mohammadreza Shadloui (2.23)	7,00,000+ (Gautam Adani)	~1.3M	Moderate	6
Bengal Warriorz	B+	3.90	3–5	Devank Dalal (2.205)	2,500 (Akshay Kumar)	~1.4M	Moderate	7
U Mumba	B+	3.00	3–5	Sunil Kumar (0.80)	12,000 (Ronnie Screwvala)	~1.6M	Moderate	8
Bengaluru Bulls	B+	3.50	3–5	Neeraj Narwal (0.55)	Hundreds (WL League)	~2M	Moderate	9
Tamil Thalaivas	B	4.20	2–3	Pawan Sehrawat (2.15)	500 (Vijay Sethupathi)	~1.2M	Low-Moderate	10
UP Yoddhas	B	3.70	2–3	Devank Dalal (2.205)	50,000+ (GMR Group)	~1.3M	Low-Moderate	11
Telugu Titans	B	3.60	2–3	Pawan Sehrawat (2.605)*	50,000+ (GMR Group)	~1.1M	Low-Moderate	12

*Note: Pawan Sehrawat’s ₹2.605 crore price is from Season 10; his 2025 auction price is not specified but remains a key investment.Parameters Explained and Investor Needs

1. Team Grade: Based on Season 11 performance, squad strength, and 2025 potential (A = top-tier, B = mid-tier). Investors prioritize teams with consistent playoff appearances and title contention for higher ROI.
2. Auction Spend: Total amount spent in the PKL 2025 auction (May 31–June 1, Mumbai), with a maximum purse of ₹5 crore per team. Higher spends indicate aggressive investment in talent but may reduce short-term profitability. Data sourced from auction reports.
3. Estimated Earnings: Includes prize money (₹2–3 crore for champions, less for others), sponsorships (₹2–4 crore per team), and ticket/merchandise revenue (₹30–50 lakh). Teams with titles or large fan bases earn more, appealing to investors seeking revenue.
4. Key Player Value: The auction price of the team’s most expensive or impactful player, reflecting star power and marketability. High-value players like Mohammadreza Shadloui or Pawan Sehrawat drive fan engagement and sponsorships.
5. Owner Net Worth: Reflects the financial backing of team owners, critical for long-term investment in academies, marketing, and talent scouting. Wealthy owners like Gautam Adani or JSW Group ensure stability.
6. Social Media Followers: Approximate total followers across Instagram, Facebook, X, and Threads, indicating brand value and fan engagement. Higher followings attract sponsors and boost revenue
7. Title-Winning Potential: Assessed based on squad balance, key players, and coaching changes. Teams with strong raiders and defenders (e.g., Haryana Steelers, Puneri Paltan) rank higher for investors eyeing prestige and prize money.
8. Investor Appeal Rank: A composite ranking based on the above parameters, weighted toward profitability (earnings, owner strength), marketability (social media, player value), and competitive success (grade, title potential). Top-ranked teams offer the best balance of short-term returns and long-term growth.

Methodology and Best Table for Comparison

This table is designed to meet investor needs by balancing financial metrics (auction spend, earnings, owner net worth) with marketability (social media, player value) and competitive performance (grade, title potential). It’s ideal for comparing PKL teams because:

• Comprehensive Metrics: Covers all aspects of team value, from financial investment to fan engagement, addressing diverse investor goals (e.g., ROI, brand exposure, or sporting success).
• Data-Driven: Uses verified auction data, viewership stats, and ownership details from credible sources like PKL’s official site, ESPN, and Mint.
• Investor-Focused: Prioritizes parameters like profitability and brand value, which are critical for investors evaluating franchise potential in a growing league like PKL, which reported a ₹2 crore profit in FY23.
• Clear Ranking: The Investor Appeal Rank simplifies decision-making by identifying teams with the best balance of financial stability, competitive strength, and market reach.

Key Insights for Investors

• Top Picks: Haryana Steelers and Puneri Paltan lead due to their championship pedigree, strong squads, and financially robust owners (JSW Group, Kotak Family). Their high social media following and key players like Mohammadreza Shadloui and Aslam Inamdar enhance brand value.
• High Risk, High Reward: Gujarat Giants and Tamil Thalaivas invested heavily in stars (Shadloui, Pawan Sehrawat), but lower title potential and earnings temper their appeal. Investors seeking bold plays may consider them.
• Underdogs: Telugu Titans and UP Yoddhas rank lower due to inconsistent performance and lower fan bases, but GMR Group’s backing offers long-term stability.
• Marketability: Teams like Jaipur Pink Panthers and Bengaluru Bulls leverage celebrity owners (Abhishek Bachchan) and large followings (~2–2.5M) for sponsorship potential.

Recommendations for Investors

• Short-Term ROI: Focus on Haryana Steelers or Puneri Paltan for their proven profitability and title chances. Their earnings and fan engagement ensure quick returns.
• Brand Building: Jaipur Pink Panthers and Bengal Warriorz offer high visibility due to celebrity owners (Abhishek Bachchan, Akshay Kumar) and strong social media presence.
• Long-Term Growth: Gujarat Giants and U Mumba, backed by billionaires (Adani, Screwvala), are ideal for investors eyeing future expansion, especially with PKL’s plans for a women’s league.

For the latest PKL 2025 updates, follow Technocrat Magazine on X or visit prokabaddi.com for live scores and schedules. Investors can explore franchise opportunities via Mashal Sports or BookMyShow for ticket-related partnerships.

Note: Earnings and net worth estimates are based on publicly available data and may vary. Social media figures are approximate as of 2024.