Sports
UPKL Season 2 TV reach surges 120 per cent to 40 Million
State kabaddi league doubles viewership with Zee broadcast boost
NOIDA: The raiders were not the only ones making swift moves this season. Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League, organised by SJ Uplift Kabaddi, has clocked a 120 per cent surge in television reach for Season 2, underlining the rising appetite for regional sporting leagues across India.
Broadcast exclusively by Zee Entertainment Enterprises, the league was telecast live in Hindi and English on Zee Anmol Cinema 2 and &Pictures HD, expanding its footprint across households nationwide. Hosted at the Noida Indoor Stadium, Season 2 delivered a cumulative reach of 40 million viewers aged 2 and above, compared with 18.2 million in Season 1.
The Average Minute Audience rose sharply to 90.8, up from 49 in the inaugural season, signalling deeper engagement and stronger stickiness for the state-based league format.
“Season 2 marked an important step forward in UPKL’s journey,” said SJ Uplift Kabaddi founder and director Sambhav Jain. “Our focus has been on building a professionally structured league that strengthens regional development and creates sustainable pathways for kabaddi talent. We are grateful to the team at Zee Sports for their support and look forward to a long-standing partnership.”
Organised by SJ Uplift Kabaddi Pvt. Ltd. in association with the Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi Association, the league continues to position itself as a grassroots-to-professional platform. Season 2 featured 66 live matches, up from 55 in Season 1, offering fans more mat time and more local rivalries.
The competition also expanded its roster with four new teams: Kanpur Warriors, Aligarh Tigers, Purvanchal Panthers and Gazab Ghaziabad, taking the tally to 12 franchises. Actor Tusshar Kapoor joined as co-owner of the Gazab Ghaziabad franchise, adding a touch of star power to the sporting spectacle.
The season, which kicked off on 25 December 2025, culminated on 10 January 2026 with Kashi Kings lifting the trophy, capping off a fortnight that proved regional kabaddi is no longer playing a supporting role. It is firmly in the spotlight.
Sports
KKR unveils ‘Lines of Legacy’ jersey for IPL 2026
Three-time champions weave iconic moments into new kit design.
MUMBAI: KKR just turned their jersey into a history book because when every six and every wicket gets its own line, even the fabric starts telling tales. Kolkata Knight Riders have unveiled their new jersey for TATA IPL 2026, themed “Lines of Legacy,” transforming defining moments from the franchise’s 18-year journey into abstract linear art that forms the letters KKR. From Brendon McCullum’s explosive 158* on opening night in 2008 to Rinku Singh’s five consecutive sixes in a dramatic finish, each milestone becomes a deliberate line woven into the design.
The jersey allows fans to literally wear a piece of the team’s story. The reveal was supported by a viral social-media campaign under #LinesOfLegacy that trended for 48 hours, culminating in a humorous film blending pop culture and Kolkata flavour, featuring actor Rajat Bedi, comedian Anirban Dasgupta and local creators.
Knight Riders Sports CEO Venky Mysore said, “The Lines of Legacy captures the essence of KKR’s storied history and celebrates the journey of the team over the years. Each line represents a pivotal moment of brilliance, reflecting the energy and spirit that weaves together to form our identity.”
Knight Riders Sports chief marketing officer Binda Dey added, “Through our ‘Kya Line Hai?’ campaign film, we wanted to bring the idea of the ‘Lines of Legacy’ to life and celebrate the iconic moments that define KKR’s journey. By collaborating with local Kolkata influencers and creators, we’re bringing the legacy of the team to fans in a fun and authentic way.”
The new jersey is available for purchase on the official website.
In a league where kits often change for fashion, KKR changed it for memory turning every thread into a trophy moment and every fan into a walking chapter of IPL folklore.
