The Indo International Premier Kabaddi League (IPKL), also referred to by many fans as the International Kabaddi Premier League (IKPL), was launched as a franchise-based kabaddi competition with a different ownership model from the Pro Kabaddi League. Instead of being operated by a single sports marketing company, the league was built through a partnership between a sports broadcasting company and a national kabaddi federation.
If you are wondering who owns IKPL, here is a complete look at the International Kabaddi Premier League owners, the IKPL investors, and the organizations behind the competition.
Who Owns IKPL?
The ownership of the league is centered around two major organizations that jointly developed and managed the competition.
Lex Sportel Vision Private Limited
Lex Sportel Vision is the primary corporate owner and one of the biggest IKPL Investors.
The company is led by Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer R.C. Venkateish, who previously served as the Managing Director of ESPN Star Sports and later became the CEO of DISH TV India.
Lex Sportel Vision handled the league’s financial investment, marketing strategy, broadcasting operations, and overall commercial management. The company also managed television production through DSPORT before later launching its own sports channel, 1Sports, to expand the league’s reach.
New Kabaddi Federation
The second key stakeholder among the International Kabaddi Premier League owners is the New Kabaddi Federation (NKF).
The NKF acted as the governing and sanctioning body for the tournament. It was responsible for player registrations, competition rules, franchise approvals, and the overall sporting structure of the league.
Together, Lex Sportel Vision and the New Kabaddi Federation formed the foundation of the league’s ownership and operations.
Major IKPL Investors and Key Personalities
Apart from the primary owners, several well-known personalities played important roles in promoting the competition.
Former India cricketer Virender Sehwag joined the league as its official brand ambassador. His involvement helped increase the league’s visibility and attract sponsors during its early stages.
Ravi Kiran served as the league’s director and worked closely with franchise owners while overseeing league operations.
Franchise Owners
The league consists of eight franchises, each backed by different regional business groups and private investors.
The International Kabaddi Premier League owners at the franchise level include investors from multiple industries.
- Pune Pride is backed by sports promoters and real estate investors from Maharashtra.
- Bangalore Rhinos are supported by technology entrepreneurs and private equity investors.
- Mumbai Che Raje is promoted by regional sports administrators and local investors.
- Haryana Heroes receive backing from agricultural and infrastructure business groups.
- Diler Delhi is owned by logistics companies and sports management firms.
- Telugu Bulls are supported by construction companies and media businesses from Hyderabad.
- Ranchi Marathas are backed by mining and manufacturing companies from eastern India.
- Pondicherry Predators receive investment from hospitality, tourism, and real estate businesses.
Revenue-sharing Model
One feature that made the league unique was its revenue-sharing structure.
Unlike many sports competitions, the league announced that 20 percent of its total revenue would be distributed directly among players through contracts and match fees. The remaining income from sponsorships, broadcasting rights, and ticket sales was shared between Lex Sportel Vision and the franchise owners to support the long-term growth of the competition.
The answer to “Who owns IKPL?” is therefore not limited to one company. The league operates through a partnership between Lex Sportel Vision and the New Kabaddi Federation, while multiple regional business groups serve as IKPL Investors by owning and supporting individual franchises across India.
