The Pro Wrestling League (PWL) is officially set to begin its journey back into India’s sporting mainstream, with the organisers confirming January 3, 2026 as the date for the player auction ahead of the fifth season of the league.
Alongside the auction announcement, PWL has also revealed the six franchises that will compete in the upcoming edition, marking a major step in the revival of India’s premier franchise-based professional wrestling competition after a six-year hiatus.
Sanctioned by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), PWL 2026 represents a fresh chapter for a league that once played a crucial role in popularising wrestling as a televised, team-based sport in the country. The confirmation of both the auction date and participating teams signals the league’s readiness to re-establish itself as a structured, athlete-focused platform in the Indian sports ecosystem.
The six franchises set to compete in Season Five are Haryana Thunders, Tigers of Mumbai Dangals, Punjab Royals, Maharashtra Kesari, Delhi Dangal Warriors and UP Dominators. Each of these teams represents a traditional wrestling stronghold, underlining the league’s effort to maintain a strong regional connect while operating within a national, franchise-based framework. Together, the line-up ensures geographic balance and preserves the grassroots link that has long defined Indian wrestling.
The player auction on January 3 is expected to be the first major moment of the season, drawing attention from fans, athletes and stakeholders alike. Over 300 professional wrestlers from more than 20 countries will be part of the auction pool, making it one of the most diverse and competitive rosters assembled in the league’s history. The list includes Olympic and World Championship medallists alongside a deep contingent of Indian men and women wrestlers, reinforcing PWL’s ambition to blend global excellence with domestic strength.
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For Indian wrestlers in particular, the auction offers a valuable opportunity to compete alongside international peers in a professional team environment. Previous editions of the league were credited with providing exposure, financial stability and match experience beyond the traditional domestic calendar. The return of PWL could once again serve as a key bridge between grassroots wrestling and the global competitive circuit.
Akhil Gupta, CEO of the Pro Wrestling League, described the announcements as a foundational step in the league’s evolution. He emphasised that the confirmation of teams and the auction reflects a commitment to a competitive, transparent and athlete-centric season. According to Gupta, the strong response from wrestlers across the world has been encouraging, pointing to renewed confidence in the league’s vision and operational structure.
The PWL format is built around a fast-paced, team-based model that allows wrestlers across multiple weight categories to compete regularly while contributing to a collective team result. This structure not only enhances viewer engagement but also ensures that athletes gain consistent competition exposure over a short, intense window. The league has stated that it continues to work closely with national stakeholders to align competition standards, athlete welfare protocols and operational processes with international best practices.
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The fifth season of the Pro Wrestling League will be held from January 15 to February 1, 2026, with elite Indian and international wrestlers expected to feature across categories. The condensed schedule is designed to maintain intensity while minimising fatigue, a balance that has been a defining feature of the league in previous editions.
Beyond competition, PWL 2026 is also positioning itself as a vehicle for renewed fan engagement. With a refreshed identity and a reimagined competitive structure beginning with the January 3 auction, the league aims to capture the attention of both long-time wrestling followers and newer audiences. Franchise rivalries, star wrestlers and a team-based narrative are expected to play a central role in rebuilding momentum around the sport.
The league’s return also comes at a time when Indian wrestling is navigating a period of transition. Against that backdrop, PWL’s emphasis on professionalism, transparency and athlete welfare could offer a stabilising influence, providing wrestlers with a structured, high-visibility platform to showcase their skills.
As the countdown to the auction begins, the focus will now shift to team strategies, marquee signings and the balance between international stars and domestic talent.
For fans and wrestlers alike, the confirmation of the auction date and six-team line-up represents a clear signal: the Pro Wrestling League is back, and its fifth season is poised to play a significant role in shaping the next phase of professional wrestling in India.
