Pro Wrestling League Set for 2026 Comeback Under WFI Control to Ensure Transparency

The Pro Wrestling League (PWL) is set to return in January 2026 after a five-year hiatus, marking a significant revival for Indian wrestling. The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) announced on Monday that it will directly handle all payments to wrestlers and franchises, ensuring financial transparency and stability — a key issue that had plagued the league before its suspension following the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The WFI confirmed that wrestlers who participated in protests against former federation chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh will not face any discrimination. “Anyone who wants to compete can come forward; no one will face any discrimination,” said WFI President Sanjay Singh at a press conference.

The earlier editions of PWL, managed by private promoter ProSportify, faced financial irregularities. Many wrestlers had complained of not receiving their Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) documents, while the WFI claimed it never received the agreed royalty payments. In June 2022, the WFI formally took full control of the league by paying Rs 30 crore to acquire its ownership from ProSportify.

Dayaan Farooqui, the new chairman and promoter of PWL, signed a mandate with the WFI for the relaunch, with ONO Media now holding all league rights. “We have learnt our lessons from the past,” said Sanjay Singh. “WFI will keep control of the payments.”

Former president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who attended the announcement despite no official role in WFI, remarked that he was there as a sports enthusiast. “I don’t have any role in the running of the League. I was invited by WFI, so I have come here. I might have no official role in WFI, but I am a sports lover, and no one can take away that right from me,” he said. Responding to suggestions of continued influence behind the scenes, he quipped, “A lot of things happen behind the scenes,” before affirming that Sanjay Singh’s election win was fair and independent.

PWL CEO Akhil Gupta shared key details about the upcoming edition, revealing that the 2026 season will feature six franchises, all based in one city — Delhi — for logistical ease. “Since it is the first season, we will keep one venue in Delhi, and from next season, we can take it to other cities,” Gupta said. Each of the six teams will have a purse of INR 2 crore and a roster of nine wrestlers — five Indian and four foreign — including four women. The 18-day event will be held across nine Olympic weight categories, featuring men’s freestyle and women’s wrestling only.

Brij Bhushan also hinted that the league will continue its tradition of inviting world-class talent. “When you run shoulders with Olympians and World Champions, the fear disappears. That’s what we wanted — Indian wrestlers gaining confidence,” he said.

The exact start date for the 2026 PWL season will be announced in the coming weeks.