The bronze medal win at the Paris Olympics has reignited interest in Indian hockey. Google search analytics show a five-year peak in searches for “hockey.” Social media platforms are buzzing with hockey content, as X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Reddit all report a rise in hockey-related posts since the Olympics began.
A hot topic on social media is the potential return of the Hockey India League. This franchise-based tournament, which launched in 2013 with high expectations, has been on hold since 2017 due to various challenges.
Hockey India has actively explored ways to revive the tournament. In 2023, they partnered with Bang Bang Media Ventures Pvt Ltd (BBMVPL) as the commercial partner to help relaunch the league. Since then, BBMVPL has worked to get the Hockey India League back on track.
When Will the Hockey India League Return?
The Hockey India League is set to start in late December. Hockey India has secured a window from the FIH for the tournament. While they have not finalized the exact dates, media reports suggest the 2024-25 season will kick off on December 27, 2024, and end on February 1, 2025.
How Many Teams Will Participate in the Hockey India League?
The league will feature eight men’s teams and six women’s teams. Hockey India invited interested parties to submit formal expressions of interest by July 8, 2024.
What Is the Cost of a Hockey India League Franchise?
Owning a franchise will cost INR 7 crores (approximately $830k) per year for a men’s team and INR 3 crores (approximately $350k) per year for a women’s team. Hockey India will grant franchise ownership rights for an initial period of 10 years.
Who Is Expected to Purchase Hockey India League Franchises?
Hockey India has not yet updated the public on franchise ownership. However, the Indian Express reports that over 30 groups, including Adani, Jindal Sports, GMR, and JK Cements, have expressed interest in buying a franchise.
Will the Hockey India League Continue to Have Matches in a Multi-City Format?
It seems unlikely. The high costs of hosting a multi-city tournament led Hockey India to suspend the league. The expenses were too burdensome for franchise owners. Although Hockey India has not made an official announcement, media reports suggest they will likely hold the tournament in just two locations—Ranchi and Rourkela.
How Many Players Will Participate in the Hockey India League?
Over 500 foreign players have registered for the league so far. Some federations requested an extension of the registration deadline due to the Olympics. Hockey India has invited players from the top 15 ranked nations to apply for the auction pool. Alongside the 500 foreign players, more than 1,000 Indian players (both domestic and international) have also registered.
Why Did Hockey India Discontinue the Hockey India League?
The league faced suspension due to an unsustainable business model. High operating costs resulted in significant losses for franchise owners. Rising expenses and decreasing revenues led to the league’s temporary halt..
Read More: Hockey India League- The Past and Expected Future
