The Pro Wrestling League (PWL), India’s premier franchise-based professional wrestling competition sanctioned by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), is set to make a high-profile return after a six-year hiatus with its 2026 player auction scheduled for January 3 at Hotel ITC Maurya, New Delhi.
Over 250 wrestlers from India and across the world will go under the hammer as franchises prepare for the league’s fifth season, which will be held from January 15 to February 1.
Pro Wrestling League 2026 Player Auction: Base Prices
The auction pool has been divided into four categories based on performance credentials and international standing:
- A+ (Marquee): ₹18 lakh
- Category A: ₹12 lakh
- Category B: ₹8 lakh
- Category C: ₹3 lakh
Aman Sehrawat, Antim Panghal Headline Auction Pool
The auction features an elite mix of Olympic champions, World Championship medallists and top Indian wrestlers.
The A+ category is headlined by Japanese women’s wrestling legend Yui Susaki, Paris Olympics silver medallist Yusneylis Guzman Lopez (Cuba), two-time Olympic medallist Iryna Koliadenko (Ukraine), Paris Olympics bronze medallist Aman Sehrawat, and two-time World Championship medallist Antim Panghal.
The Category A pool includes world championship silver medallist Deepak Punia, reigning U-23 world champion Sujeet Kalkal, four-time world medallist Arsen Harutyunyan (Armenia), Asian Games champion Tulga (Mongolia), and 2025 World Championship bronze medallist Robert Baran (Poland).
Category B features accomplished internationals such as Nigerian legend Odunayo Folasade, Iranian heavyweight Hadi Vafaeipour, Armenian world medallist Arman Andreasyan, Pan-American champion Roman Guillermo Bravo Young (Mexico), along with Indian star Anshu Malik.
The Category C group includes emerging Indian talent like U-23 Asian champions Jaideep, Chandermohan, Manisha and Priya, alongside Canada’s Pan-American champion Karla.
With Olympic medallists, world champions and rising stars available, the January 3 auction is expected to play a decisive role in shaping early favourites ahead of PWL’s much-anticipated return.
Also Read: Pro Wrestling League Launches New Official Logo Ahead Of Season 5
Pro Wrestling League 2026 Player Auction: Purse Details
The league will operate with a total purse of ₹12 crore, with each of the six franchises allocated ₹2 crore to build their squads. Teams must select 9 to 12 wrestlers, including five men and four women.
Each franchise is required to sign four overseas wrestlers (two men and two women) and must include at least one Category C wrestler, ensuring opportunities for young and emerging talent.
The six franchises competing in the Season 5 of Pro Wrestling League are:
- Haryana Thunders
- Tigers of Mumbai Dangals
- Punjab Royals
- Maharashtra Kesari
- Delhi Dangal Warriors
- UP Dominators
