How Did Women Wrestlers Stand Out in the PWL Auction with Yui Susaki's Record Bid?
Synopsis
The Pro Wrestling League (PWL) 2026 auction showcased the prowess of women wrestlers, led by Yui Susaki's astonishing bid of ₹60 lakh from Haryana Thunders. This event not only highlights the growing prominence of female athletes but also sets the stage for an exciting wrestling season ahead, promising fierce competition and star power.
Key Takeaways
Yui Susaki set a record bid of ₹60 lakh .
Women wrestlers are becoming major attractions in the PWL.
Franchises are focusing on building competitive teams.
The auction features a total purse of ₹12 crore .
Teams must include at least one Category C wrestler.
New Delhi, Jan 3 (NationPress) Dominating the Pro Wrestling League (PWL) 2026 auction, Japan’s Yui Susaki drew an unprecedented bid of ₹60 lakh from the Haryana Thunders, establishing women wrestlers as the prime draws in the player auctions held in New Delhi on Saturday.
In addition to Tokyo 2020 gold medallist Susaki, World Championship medallist Antim Panghal was acquired by UP Dominators for ₹52 lakh in the women's 53 kg category. Meanwhile, Puerto Rico’s Ana Godinez attracted ₹46 lakh from Punjab Royals in the women’s 62 kg division. The Delhi Dangal Warriors also bolstered their squad by acquiring Anastasiya Alpayeva from Azerbaijan for ₹27 lakh in the women’s 76 kg category.
All Category A+ wrestlers entered the auction with a base price of ₹18 lakh, yet numerous names experienced significant increases. Among the male competitors, notable signings included Robert Baran from Poland (₹55 lakh) for Maharashtra Kesari and Paris 2024 bronze medallist Aman Sehrawat (₹51 lakh) for Tigers of Mumbai Dangal, highlighting a persistent demand for established talents across weight classes.
Delhi Dangal Warriors further strengthened their lineup with Turan Bayramov from Azerbaijan, while UP Dominators enhanced their squad with Vasyl Mikhailov and Arman Andreasyan.
The auction process is still ongoing. Wrestlers are categorized into four classes: A+ (Marquee), A, B, and C, with base prices established at ₹18 lakh, ₹12 lakh, ₹8 lakh, and ₹3 lakh respectively. The league operates with a total purse of ₹12 crore, allocating ₹2 crore to each of the six franchises to create teams competing across nine weight categories—five men’s and four women’s.
Each team must assemble a roster of nine to twelve wrestlers, including four international grapplers (two men and two women) and at least one Category C wrestler. With additional bidding rounds still ahead, franchises are anticipated to continue refining their squads as the PWL 2026 auction evolves.
India's top franchise-based professional wrestling league, endorsed by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), is poised for a prestigious return to competitive action from January 15 to February 1, 2026, promising a thrilling spectacle featuring elite Indian and global wrestling talents.
Point of View
I believe the PWL 2026 auction signifies a pivotal moment for women in sports, showcasing their talent, determination, and marketability. The record bids for female wrestlers reflect a growing recognition of their contributions to wrestling, paving the way for future generations. Nation is committed to covering these transformative events that shape the sports landscape.
NationPress
21 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the highest bid in the PWL 2026 auction?
The highest bid was ₹60 lakh for Japan’s Yui Susaki from Haryana Thunders.
Which teams participated in the auction?
Six franchises participated in the auction, including Haryana Thunders, UP Dominators, Punjab Royals, and Delhi Dangal Warriors.
What are the different categories of wrestlers in the auction?
Wrestlers are classified into four categories: A+ (Marquee), A, B, and C, with varying base prices.
When will the PWL 2026 season begin?
The PWL 2026 season is set to commence from January 15 to February 1, 2026.
How many wrestlers can each team have?
Each team must have a squad of nine to twelve wrestlers, including four overseas grapplers.
