The upcoming fifth season of the Pro Wrestling League (PWL), returning after a significant break, is drawing attention to the pivotal role of wrestlers from Haryana. The foundation of this season’s competition is largely built upon the talent pool from the state, with several high-profile athletes securing substantial deals in the PWL 2026 auction.
Key Player Signings
Olympic medalist Aman Sehrawat, a bronze medalist at the Paris Olympics, has been signed by Tigers of Mumbai Dangal for ₹51 lakh. U23 World Champion Sujeet Kalkal was secured by Delhi Dangal Warriors for ₹52 lakh. Additionally, Antim Panghal also joined UP Dominators for ₹52 lakh. The league will also feature a four-time Hind Kesari heavy wrestler.
The PWL 2026 auction saw six franchises — Delhi Dangal Warriors, Haryana Thunders, Tigers of Mumbai Dangal, Maharashtra Kesari, Punjab Royals, and UP Dominators — complete their team rosters.
Tournament Structure and Schedule
The PWL season is scheduled to take place from January 15 to February 1, 2026, at the Noida Indoor Stadium. The competition will follow a league and knockout format, featuring a total of 15 wrestling matches. The league stage will comprise 15 matches played over 13 match days. Following a round-robin format, the top four teams will advance to the semi-finals on January 30 and 31. The PWL 2026 final is slated for February 1, 2026.
The opening match of the season on January 15 will see Punjab Royals compete against UP Dominators. Double-header match days are scheduled for January 16 and 17, 2026. On January 16, Maharashtra Kesari will face Delhi Dangal Warriors, followed by Punjab Royals against Haryana Thunders. January 17 will feature Tigers of Mumbai Dangal vs. UP Dominators, followed by Delhi Dangal Warriors vs. Haryana Thunders. The final league stage match will be held on January 29, between Punjab Royals and Delhi Dangal Warriors.
Each league stage match is set to include nine bouts across various weight categories. These bouts will feature Olympic medalists, world champions, emerging Indian stars, and international wrestlers who were signed during the record-breaking PWL 2026 auction. Rest days have been incorporated into the schedule on January 22 and 24 to support player recovery and sustained performance throughout the league.
