India’s sports scene is exploding, and cricket, or more specifically IPL, is not the reason. If you think that sixes and wickets in the IPL matches were the only things that brought you thrill, it’s time for a reality check. The Indian sports landscape is undergoing a revolution, and it’s time to be a part of it, rather than missing the bus and being left behind.
A league here, a league there, a league everywhere
Many sports in India have realized the importance of having leagues. These leagues help in finding and nourishing the young talent in the country. Along with that, the league also helps increase the sport’s popularity by offering viewers a mix of national and international talents locking horns and showcasing their skills.
Let’s check out the new leagues in town:
Pro Kabaddi League (PKL)
If listening to “Kabaddi, Kabaddi” gives you an adrenaline rush, then this is the league to watch. It is the second most watched league in India after the IPL and has played an important role in not only professionalizing the sport but also making the raiders and defenders national stars. With the 12th season final to be held on 31st October, the league is going strong and making a huge splash.
Where to watch: JioHotstar, Star Sports
Indian Super League (ISL)
With city-based teams and backed by star owners, ISL has reignited India’s passion for football. A mix of foreign and national stars combined with fierce club loyalty has helped ISL stamp its place among the top-tier sports leagues in India. With the 2025-26 season set to kick off around December, stay tuned for some action-packed derbies.
Where to watch: JioHotstar, Sports18
Prime Volleyball League (PVL)
Mix thunderous high-energy spikes and blocks, an electric environment, and celebrity owners, and the result is PVL. Launched in 2022, the league has found a loyal fan following that loves the fast-paced indoor action.
Where to watch: Sony Sports, YouTube
Hockey India League (HIL)
Launched in 2013 and revived in 2024, HIL brings a blistering pace, elite Olympic players, and a feeling of nostalgia among the fans.
Where to watch: SonyLiv
Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT)
Reinvented as a team spectacle with short, sharp, and intense matches, UTT is designed to deliver fast-paced, high-intensity matches. They showcase the insane level of hand-eye coordination that matches the speed of the international stars.
Where to watch: JioHotstar, Star Sports
Indian Racing League (IRL)
With a focus on bringing India back on the motorsports map, IRL is a franchise-based league with the aim of giving opportunities to young talent, both men and women, to showcase their talent and improve.
Where to watch: Fancode
Premier Handball League (PHL)
Launched in 2023 and mixing European pace with Indian grit, the PHL is one of the first high-speed, high-contact indoor leagues in India. It is fast, unpredictably fun and pure chaos, giving handball a place among other team sports.
Where to watch: JioHotstar, Sport18
Rugby Premier League (Rugby Sevens)
The newest league on the block, Rugby Sevens is India’s official foray into rugby leagues. It is ideal for those who love a fast yet rough global sport, with added Indian flavour.
Where to watch: JioHotstar, Star Sports.
Premier Badminton League (PBL)
Set to return in 2026, PBL brings Indian and global talent together in fast, fierce, and complex games. The 2026 season is expected to have a format revision.
Where to watch: JioHotstar, Sports18
Honorable mentions:
There are some leagues not mentioned in the list but that can be expected to make a splash, like the Pro-Panja (Arm Wrestling) League, Ultimate Kho-Kho, Super Boxing League, Elite Pro Basketball League (EPBL) and Global Wrestling League.
FAQs
Q: Which is the most watched Indian sports league after IPL?
A: PKL and ISL compete regularly for the crown of the most watched league after IPL.
Q: Are the leagues year-round or just for short durations?
A: Each league has its own format, but most leagues have short durations at the moment.
Q: Are the leagues franchise-based?
A: Yes. Leagues are mostly city-based franchises with celebrity owners.
Q: Do these leagues have women participation?
A: In most of the leagues, a separate women’s division exists, whereas some leagues feature mixed teams.
Q: Are these leagues IPL inspired?
A: Yes, these leagues were launched after the success of IPL and follow a similar city-based franchise model.
Q: Which new league could make an impact in the future?
A: Every league is expected to have its own impact based on its popularity, but Rugby Seven could be a standout league in the upcoming future.
The Indian sports landscape is changing at a fast pace. These leagues are not only competing with IPL; they are also competing among each other.
Ignore now and be prepared to be the odd one out, missing the epic league finals.
