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PWL 2026 Returns: WFI Steps In to Guarantee Timely Wrestler Payments

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) will intervene to ensure timely salary payments to athletes in the upcoming Pro Wrestling League season, addressing past controversies. The league is set to begin on January 15, marking its return after a seven-year suspension due to the pandemic. This fifth season will feature six franchises and has launched a new logo and brand identity. The WFI's direct involvement aims to provide financial transparency and build confidence among the participating wrestlers.

Key Points: PWL 2026: WFI Ensures Timely Payments to Wrestlers

  • WFI to monitor salary payments
  • League returns after 7-year hiatus
  • Aims to prevent past payment delays
  • Features six Indian franchises
  • New logo and brand identity unveiled
2 min read

PWL 2026: WFI to ensure timely payments to grapplers as league begins on January 15

WFI to monitor Pro Wrestling League payments, ensuring financial transparency for athletes as the league returns on January 15 after a 7-year hiatus.

"To ensure transparency in the distribution of salaries, the WFI will closely monitor that grapplers receive their agreed payments on time. - IANS sources"

New Delhi, Jan 8

With the Pro Wrestling League scheduled to kick off on January 15, the Wrestling Federation of India has decided to intervene to ensure financial transparency and guarantee that athletes receive their agreed-upon payments on time.

The federation has taken note of previous controversies regarding salary delays and is instituting a monitoring mechanism to protect the interests of the wrestlers this season.

"To ensure transparency in the distribution of salaries, the WFI will closely monitor that grapplers receive their agreed payments on time from the Pro Wrestling League teams," sources told IANS.

The move is seen as a necessary confidence-building measure ahead of the league's start. In previous editions, several wrestlers had alleged that their dues were not cleared by the franchises despite them featuring prominently in the league.

"There have been instances in the past when wrestlers alleged that their dues were not cleared despite featuring in the league. This time, the WFI will be directly involved in resolving the issue," the source added.

The Pro Wrestling League (PWL) was started in 2015 with the aim of bringing Olympic-style wrestling to a mainstream, prime-time audience, but it was suspended after four seasons due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

After a seven-year wait, it is finally returning with a star-studded lineup of both Indian and international wrestlers. The league has unveiled a new official logo and brand identity, signalling a refreshed vision and renewed commitment to wrestling in India. The fifth season of the Pro Wrestling League will feature six franchises, each representing a key wrestling region in India.

PWL's renewed mission is to create a world-class professional platform for wrestlers by bridging the gap between grassroots akhadas and the global competitive stage. The league aims to provide structured opportunities, international exposure, and a professionally managed environment for athletes, while contributing to the long-term growth and credibility of wrestling in India.

The revitalised vision is being implemented in close collaboration with the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), ensuring the league operates in line with national regulations and governance standards. The collaboration is expected to strengthen the pathway for emerging wrestlers to progress from traditional training systems to the national and international spotlight.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Good to see the league is back after such a long break. The monitoring mechanism is essential. Past controversies really hurt the credibility of the sport. Hope this season sets a new standard.
V
Vikram M
Finally! Our wrestlers are not just athletes, they are our pride. They come from humble backgrounds and depend on this income. WFI should have done this monitoring from season one itself. Better late than never.
P
Priya S
As a sports fan, I'm excited for PWL's return! The new logo looks fresh. But the real test is execution. Will the federation actually have the teeth to enforce payments, or is this just PR? Let's wait and watch.
R
Rohit P
Bridging the gap between akhadas and the global stage is a fantastic mission. This league can do for wrestling what IPL did for cricket. Hope the wrestlers get the respect and money they deserve. All the best to all teams!
K
Karthik V
While the intent is good, I have my doubts. The WFI itself has had governance issues in the recent past. Who will monitor the monitors? There needs to be an independent auditor or committee for true transparency.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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