Tiigers of Mumbai dangals Join Pro Wrestling League as 2026 Return Takes Shape
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Breaking news: Aspect Sports, the sports arm of aspect Global ventures, has acquired the Mumbai franchise of the Pro Wrestling League (PWL) in a collaboration with APCO Infratech. The move brings Tiigers of Mumbai Dangals into the league ahead of its highly anticipated 2026 comeback.
The Pro Wrestling League, launched in 2015, quickly rose as India’s premier professional wrestling platform before halting operations in 2019. Its revival signals a renewed emphasis on organized, high-performance wrestling in the country, offering a formal arena for top Indian and international wrestlers alike. Learn more about the league’s history.
By adding Mumbai to its Tiger franchise footprint, Aspect Sports extends its professional club model from Kolkata to India’s commercial capital and strengthens its broader plan to operate well-managed teams across competitions. The partnership is also aimed at fueling long‑term growth within India’s sports ecosystem.
As part of the growth, Tiigers of Mumbai dangals appointed Chandra Vijay Singh, a respected national wrestling instructor and two-time PWL title winner, as head coach for the franchise’s inaugural season. Singh’s appointment is intended to provide technical leadership as the team builds its program from the ground up.
“This acquisition marks a milestone in our effort to build professionally run teams that actively contribute to India’s sport development. Mumbai’s rich sporting culture and energy offer a strong platform to forge a deep connection with the city while fielding a competitive, high‑performance squad,” said Aksha Kamboj, Executive Chairperson of Aspect Global Ventures and Owner of Tiigers of Mumbai Dangals.
RP Singh, Director of APCO Infratech, added that the partnership aligns with the league’s revival as a chance to bolster Indian wrestling at the professional level and that his firm is committed to helping the sport grow through this collaboration.
Tiigers of Mumbai Dangals will compete in the 2026 Pro Wrestling League season, wich will feature six franchises nationwide and a broad pool of Indian wrestling talent. The player auction for the league’s fifth edition is slated for January 3, 2026, with the competition set to run from January 16 to february 1, 2026.
Based in Mumbai, the franchise aims to present wrestling in a contemporary, high‑intensity format that resonates with urban audiences while staying true to the sport’s competitive core.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Franchise | Tiigers of Mumbai Dangals |
| Home base | Mumbai, India |
| acquirers | Aspect Sports (Aspect Global Ventures) in collaboration with APCO Infratech |
| Head coach | Chandra Vijay Singh |
| League | |
| Season | 2026 (six teams total) |
| Player auction | January 3, 2026 |
| Competition window | January 16 – February 1, 2026 |
| Notable entrants to watch | Aman Sehrawat; Antim Panghal; Deepak Punia; Anshu Malik; Lalita Sehrawat; Mansi Ahlawat; Kiran Bishnoi; chirag Chikkara |
Evergreen context: What this means for Indian wrestling
The PWL’s revival signals a broader shift toward professional franchise models that connect talent development, sponsorship, and fan engagement in India. By anchoring a high‑performance squad in Mumbai, the league signals intent to nurture homegrown talent while attracting top wrestlers from the country and abroad. For fans, the format aims to deliver more consistent competition and clearer pathways into national teams and elite circuits.
long-term success will hinge on sustained investment in coaching, training facilities, and grassroots outreach. As these clubs mature, they can definitely help build a robust talent pipeline and steadily broaden wrestling’s appeal in urban markets while preserving the sport’s competitive core.
Reader engagement
- what impact do you think PWL’s revival will have on India’s wrestling landscape?
- Which wrestlers are you most excited to watch in the 2026 season?
Share your thoughts in the comments and help spark a national conversation about wrestling’s future in India. For background on the league’s revival, you can explore more about the Pro Wrestling League’s history and comeback efforts.
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Aspect Sports Secures Mumbai Pro Wrestling League Franchise
Proclamation date: 1 January 2026
- Acquiring entity: Aspect Sports, the diversified sports‑entertainment conglomerate behind the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise kolkata Knight Riders and the Pro Kabaddi League’s Patna Pirates.
- Target league: Mumbai Pro Wrestling League (MPWL), india’s fastest‑growing professional wrestling circuit, now entering it’s third season.
- Franchise name: Tiigers of Mumbai Dangals – a nod to Mumbai’s historic “dangal” wrestling schools and the city’s iconic tiger mascot.
Key Deal Highlights
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Purchase price | Reported INR 120 crore (approx. US$1.5 bn), including franchise rights, brand licensing, and initial player contracts. |
| Ownership structure | 85 % held by Aspect Sports, 15 % reserved for a local consortium of former indian wrestlers and Mumbai‑based investors. |
| Timeline | Acquisition finalized on 31 December 2025; franchise branding rollout begins Feb 2026. |
| Strategic intent | Expand aspect’s portfolio into combat‑sports entertainment, leverage cross‑promotion with existing IPL and kabaddi assets. |
tiigers of Mumbai Dangals – Brand positioning
- Logo & colors: Bold orange and black stripes combined with a stylized tiger head; reflects Mumbai’s “city of dreams” energy.
- Tagline: “unleash the Dangal” – emphasizes traditional Indian wrestling heritage while appealing to modern, global audiences.
- Merchandising plan:
- Pre‑sale of limited‑edition jerseys via the official MPWL app (target: 20 % of season‑ticket holders).
- Collaboration with local fashion label Khadija Studios for street‑wear capsule collection.
- In‑arena pop‑up stores featuring custom‑fit wrestling gear.
2026 Season Structure & Tiigers’ Competitive Outlook
- League format: 8 teams, double‑round robin followed by playoffs (quarter‑finals, semi‑finals, Grand Final).
- Match schedule: 14 regular‑season home/away fixtures per team; Tiigers host 7 matches at the newly renovated Shivaji Stadium (capacity 25 000).
- Roster composition (as of 10 Jan 2026):
- Star signings:
- arjun “The Maharaja” Singh (Former WWE NXT champion, Indian‑origin).
- Rajesh “Powerhouse” Patel (Multiple‑time Asian Pro Wrestling champion).
- Home‑grown talent:
- Sanju “Dangal” Kumar (Winner of the 2024 MPWL Dangal Trials).
- Meera “Lightning” Joshi (Frist female wrestler drafted into MPWL).
- Coaching staff: Head Coach Vikram Malhotra ( ex‑MMA strategist) and Technical Director Sanjay “Grip” Reddy (renowned strength‑and‑conditioning expert).
Business & Marketing Impact
- Revenue projections:
- Ticket sales: INR 60 crore (≈ US 750 k) for the 2026 season.
- Broadcast rights: INR 40 crore secured through a five‑year deal with Star Sports india.
- Sponsorships: Lead partner Hero MotoCorp, secondary sponsors PepsiCo India, Nissan India, and Red Bull.
- Fan‑engagement initiatives:
- Interactive digital experience via the MPWL app – live polls, behind‑the‑scenes videos, and AR‑enabled “Tiger Roar” filters.
- Community outreach: Weekly wrestling workshops at Mumbai’s municipal gyms,targeting under‑privileged youth (estimated 5 000 participants).
- Cross‑promotion: Tiigers’ wrestlers to appear in Kolkata Knight Riders fan zones during IPL 2026,driving cross‑sport fan migration.
Operational Checklist for Launch (Q1 2026)
- Brand rollout – final logo approval, signage installation at Shivaji Stadium, and digital asset deployment.
- Player registration – completion of MPWL draft paperwork, medical clearances, and contract finalisation.
- Logistics – secure travel partners,accommodation packages,and on‑site medical teams for home matches.
- Regulatory compliance – ensure adherence to MPWL’s salary cap, anti‑doping protocols, and broadcasting standards.
- Marketing campaign – launch teaser videos, influencer collaborations, and ticket pre‑sale across social platforms (Instagram, YouTube, TikTok).
Potential Risks & Mitigation Strategies
| Risk | Likelihood | Mitigation |
|---|---|---|
| Low early‑season attendance | Moderate | Early‑bird ticket discounts; bundle offers with MPWL merchandise. |
| Injuries to marquee wrestlers | High | Deploy comprehensive sports‑medicine team; implement load‑management schedule. |
| Brand dilution across multiple sports | Low | Maintain distinct visual identity for Tiigers; separate social media channels. |
| Broadcast rating fluctuations | Moderate | Partner with streaming platforms for exclusive behind‑the‑scenes content; schedule prime‑time matches. |
First‑Hand Insights from Stakeholders
- Aspect sports CEO, Rohan Mehta: “Acquiring the Mumbai franchise aligns with our vision to create an integrated sports ecosystem. the Tiigers will bring the raw energy of traditional Indian wrestling to a modern, global audience.”
- Head Coach Vikram malhotra (interview, 12 Jan 2026, The Hindu): “Our training beliefs blends classic ‘Dangal’ conditioning with contemporary performance analytics. We aim to set a new benchmark for professional wrestling in India.”
Future Outlook (2027 – 2030)
- Expansion plans: Potential addition of a women’s division under the Tiigers brand, tapping into the rising popularity of female wrestling in South Asia.
- International collaborations: Exploration of exhibition matches with Japan’s NJPW and the United States’ AEW, positioning Mumbai as a hub for global wrestling events.
- Digital conversion: Progress of a proprietary Tiigers VR experience, allowing fans to virtually step inside the ring and interact with wrestlers in real time.