The Pro Kabaddi League is set for a major change in its usual schedule as Season 13 is expected to begin much later than normal. Instead of taking place during its traditional monsoon and autumn window, PKL 13 is likely to start in late December 2026.
The delay has mainly been caused by a busy international sports calendar and ongoing discussions around the league’s media rights. With the Asian Games and other major kabaddi events taking place in the second half of the year, the league organisers have decided to move the tournament to a winter window.
Why PKL 13 Is Delayed
The biggest reason behind the delay is the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The event is scheduled for September and October, with kabaddi being one of the important sports for India and several other countries.
Top kabaddi players from India, Iran, South Korea, Bangladesh and other nations are expected to be involved in national camps and the Asian Games. Holding the Pro Kabaddi League at the same time would make it difficult for teams to have their best players available.
The Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship is another major event affecting the calendar. National teams are expected to focus on international commitments after the Asian Games before players return to franchise competition.
As a result, the international calendar has played a major role in deciding the PKL 13 start date.
Media Rights Talks Also Affect Schedule
Media rights are another important part of the story. Star Sports’ five-year domestic media rights agreement with Mashal Sports ended after PKL Season 12.
Reports have indicated that discussions over a new agreement have taken longer than expected. The organisers are believed to be considering different offers covering television and digital platforms.
The final media deal is important because it can influence the broadcast schedule, match timings and overall planning of the competition. This is one of the key factors behind the uncertainty surrounding the Pro Kabaddi League 2026 start date.
When Could PKL 13 Begin?
The current expected window for the PKL 13 auction is between October 18 and October 25, although Mashal Sports is yet to make a formal announcement.
Franchise training camps could then take place during November and early December. The tournament itself is expected to begin around December 25 to 27, 2026.
The playoffs and final could be played in late February or early March 2027. These dates are still tentative and could change once the organisers officially confirm the full schedule.
What Can Fans Expect From PKL 13?
The tournament is expected to continue with the standard 12-team format and the popular multi-city caravan model. The season could run for around two months and continue into early 2027.
The player auction is also expected to follow the established systems, including Elite Retained Players, Retained Young Players and Final Bid Match cards. The team salary purse is expected to remain around ₹5 crore per franchise.
PKL Season 13 latest news suggests that the delay is mainly about finding the right window rather than cancelling or reducing the tournament. Fans may have to wait longer, but the winter schedule could allow more international stars to take part once their national duties are completed.
