Top 10 Sports Leagues in India Besides the IPL | 2025 Guide

Cricket may dominate India’s sporting scene, but the nation’s passion for athletics stretches far beyond the Indian Premier League. Over the past decade, professional leagues in multiple sports have transformed grassroots games into nationally celebrated spectacles. These leagues foster local talent, invite international stars, and draw massive crowds both online and offline.

From kabaddi to wrestling, football to badminton, India’s sports ecosystem is more vibrant than ever. Below is a countdown of the top ten sports leagues in India—apart from the IPL—highlighting how each is contributing to a multi-sport revolution.

10. Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT)

Ultimate Table Tennis, launched in 2017, has brought a fresh dynamic to a sport often overlooked in India. By blending international stars with rising Indian talent, UTT has enhanced the country’s table tennis standards and inspired young players nationwide.

The league’s fast-paced format, live TV coverage, and global partnerships have raised the sport’s visibility, creating role models like Manika Batra and Sharath Kamal for a new generation of enthusiasts.

• Sport: Table Tennis
• Founded: 2017
• Teams: 6 city-based franchises
• Broadcast: Star Sports & digital platforms

9. Premier Badminton League (PBL)

The Premier Badminton League showcases India’s growing dominance in world badminton. Featuring Olympic medalists and top-ranked international players, PBL has elevated the sport’s profile and offered Indian shuttlers the chance to compete at elite levels on home soil.

City-based franchises, high-octane rallies, and passionate fan engagement make PBL an annual spectacle that fuels badminton’s rapid grassroots growth.

• Sport: Badminton
• Founded: 2013 (as Indian Badminton League)
• Teams: 8 franchises
• Notable Players: P.V. Sindhu, Carolina Marin

8. Ultimate Kho Kho

Reviving one of India’s oldest traditional sports, Ultimate Kho Kho blends heritage with modern entertainment. Introduced in 2022, it has successfully reintroduced kho kho to urban audiences through professional teams and slick presentation.

With strategic gameplay and electrifying sprints, Ultimate Kho Kho gives local athletes a platform to shine while preserving the cultural essence of the game.

• Sport: Kho Kho
• Founded: 2022
• Teams: 6 city-based franchises
• Key Feature: High-speed action and tactical play

7. Pro Wrestling League (PWL)

The Pro Wrestling League has tapped into India’s deep-rooted wrestling culture. By bringing together Olympic wrestlers and global champions, PWL has reinvigorated the sport’s popularity nationwide. The league features exciting bouts with a mix of Indian and international stars.

Its franchise format, coupled with large cash prizes and live broadcasting, makes PWL a major draw for sports fans seeking high-intensity physical contests.

• Sport: Wrestling
• Founded: 2015
• Teams: 6 franchises
• Highlights: Olympic medalists and world champions compete

6. Indian Hockey League (HIL)

The Indian Hockey League revived national interest in the country’s national sport when it began in 2013. Featuring top Indian players alongside global stars, the league has redefined how hockey is perceived in modern India. High-intensity matches, televised broadcasts, and competitive franchises have helped hockey regain its historical significance.

HIL provides opportunities for young players to learn from international greats while giving fans thrilling, skill-based competition.

• Sport: Field Hockey
• Founded: 2013
• Teams: 6 franchises
• Notable Teams: Ranchi Rays, Delhi Waveriders

5. Indian Volleyball League (Prime Volleyball League)

Prime Volleyball League has rejuvenated volleyball in India with a city-based franchise format. With exciting rallies, power-packed spikes, and strong marketing, it is giving volleyball players a professional platform and drawing a growing fan base.

High-definition broadcasts and partnerships with international bodies ensure the league maintains world-class standards.

• Sport: Volleyball
• Founded: 2019 (as PVL)
• Teams: 8 franchises
• Broadcast: Sony Sports Network

4. Ultimate Frisbee League (UFL)

Still growing but rapidly gaining traction, the Ultimate Frisbee League provides a unique, fast-paced sport for urban youth. Teams compete in high-energy matches that emphasize speed, stamina, and strategy.

With a focus on fair play and community, UFL is carving out its niche among younger audiences and is expected to grow further in coming years.

• Sport: Ultimate Frisbee
• Founded: 2020
• Teams: Multiple city-based squads
• Key Appeal: Youth-centric and rapidly expanding

3. Indian Super League (ISL)

The Indian Super League is India’s premier football competition, launched in 2014 to boost the sport’s popularity. It has successfully brought international footballers and renowned coaches to Indian turf, raising the game’s standard and viewership.

With FIFA and AFC recognition, the ISL contributes to India’s official football calendar, offering players a direct path to the national team. State-of-the-art stadiums, youth development programs, and grassroots initiatives have positioned the ISL as a vital pillar in India’s growing football ecosystem.

• Sport: Football
• Founded: 2014
• Teams: 12 franchises
• Notable Clubs: ATK Mohun Bagan, Kerala Blasters

2. Pro Kabaddi League (PKL)

The Pro Kabaddi League is the most successful non-cricket league in India. Launched in 2014, it has transformed a traditional rural sport into a prime-time spectacle. With star players, dramatic tackles, and strategic gameplay, PKL has amassed a huge following nationwide.

Teams like Patna Pirates, Jaipur Pink Panthers, and Bengal Warriors have become household names. The league’s franchise model, glitzy auctions, and celebrity owners further amplify its popularity, making it a cultural phenomenon.

• Sport: Kabaddi
• Founded: 2014
• Teams: 12 franchises
• Broadcast: Star Sports Network

1. Legends League Cricket (LLC)

While not as large as the IPL, Legends League Cricket gathers retired international cricket stars for competitive, entertaining matches. Fans relish the chance to see their heroes back in action, and the league keeps cricket excitement alive year-round.

The mix of nostalgia, competitive spirit, and global fan interest secures LLC the top spot among India’s sports leagues outside the IPL.

• Sport: Cricket (Retired Legends)
• Founded: 2021
• Teams: 4 iconic squads
• Special Appeal: Features retired international superstars

Also Read: Who is the highest wicket-taker in T20Is against Pakistan?

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