Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited has announced a landmark broadcast partnership with the Kabaddi Champions League (KCL) Haryana, bringing professional kabaddi from the heartland to screens across India. The association marks a significant step in expanding the reach of indigenous sports, with the league’s inaugural season scheduled to run from January 25 to February 7, 2026.

The development was shared through a press release, outlining Zee’s plans to telecast all KCL Haryana matches live across its extensive linear television network as well as on the Zee5 digital platform. Officially sanctioned by the Amateur Kabaddi Association Haryana (AKAH), the league will feature eight franchises competing over 14 days, positioning Haryana’s grassroots kabaddi talent on a national stage.

Under the partnership, KCL Haryana will be streamed live on Zee5 and broadcast across multiple Zee channels including Anmol TV, Zee Yuva, Zee Bollywood, &Pictures HD, Zee Punjabi and Zee’s sports platforms. Matches will be available in Hindi and regional language feeds, ensuring wider accessibility, especially among audiences in regions where kabaddi remains a deeply rooted cultural sport.

The inaugural season will see teams such as Karnal Kings, Gurugram Gurus, Rohtak Royals, Faridabad Fighters, Panipat Panther, Sonipat Stars, Bhiwani Bulls and Hisar Heros battle for the title. Guided by Dronacharya Awardee Balwan Singh and backed by brand ambassadors Rajesh Narwal and Mohit Chhillar, the league is positioned as a professional platform for ‘Mitti Ka Talent’ to grow and gain recognition.

Beyond live match coverage, Zee will build a comprehensive content ecosystem around the league. This includes original programming on Zee5 such as player and coach podcasts under ‘Champions Talks’, behind-the-scenes content through ‘Champ’s POV’, and city-focused cine-films. The league will also be supported by a high-decibel promotional campaign across Zee’s network, leveraging its cumulative reach of over 800 million viewers.

Commenting on the partnership, Laxmi Shetty, Head – Advertisement Revenue, Broadcast and Digital, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited, said the collaboration aligns with Zee’s strategy of strengthening its sports portfolio by backing authentic, high-engagement properties. She noted that kabaddi represents the cultural heartbeat of Bharat and offers brands a powerful opportunity to connect with a young, passionate audience through an integrated linear and digital ecosystem.

A spokesperson for KCL Haryana said the partnership with Zee would give Haryana’s kabaddi talent the national visibility it deserves. Emphasising Haryana’s status as a global kabaddi powerhouse, the spokesperson added that Zee’s reach and storytelling strength would help transform grassroots players into national icons while delivering a compelling viewing experience for fans across the country.

The league also carries a social message, aligning with the Government of Haryana’s ‘Drug-Free Haryana’ campaign to promote fitness, discipline and pride through sport. The season will kick off with a state-wide trophy tour, followed by matches featuring expert commentary from Sunil Taneja and Vishwash Chauhan, along with high-energy on-ground entertainment.

With world-class production values and a multi-platform broadcast strategy, the Zee–KCL Haryana partnership aims to set a new benchmark for the presentation and consumption of indigenous sports in India.