The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) 2025 auction, held on May 31 and June 1 in Mumbai, has set the stage for an explosive Season 12. With over 500 players, including legends like Pawan Sehrawat and Mohammadreza Shadloui, up for grabs, franchises splurged their Rs 5 crore purses, making it the most competitive auction yet. The revamped Final Bid Match (FBM) rule and a star-studded player pool have fans buzzing.[](https://www.olympics.com/en/news/pro-kabaddi-league-pkl-12-2025-player-auction-watch-tv-live-streaming)[](https://www.prokabaddi.com/news/all-you-need-to-know-about-the-pkl-season-12-player-auction)
Blockbuster Bids Steal the Show
Day 1 saw Gujarat Giants secure Mohammadreza Shadloui for Rs 2.23 crore, making him one of the priciest picks. Pawan Sehrawat, the record holder at Rs 2.605 crore from 2023, drew fierce bidding, with Bengaluru Bulls and Dabang Delhi vying for the star raider. Naveen Kumar, entering the auction for the first time, was snapped up by UP Yoddhas, signaling a new era.[](https://www.business-standard.com/sports/pro-kabaddi-league/pkl-2025-auction-may-31-live-updates-pawan-devank-set-to-go-under-hammer-in-mumbai-today-125053100400_1.html)[](https://sportstar.thehindu.com/kabaddi/pro-kabaddi-league-12-auction-top-5-most-expensive-players-pkl-history/article69634456.ece)[](https://www.business-standard.com/sports/pro-kabaddi-league/pkl-2025-check-full-list-of-players-retained-by-all-teams-before-auction-125051700540_1.html)
New FBM Rule Shakes Things Up
The updated Final Bid Match (FBM) rule allows teams to retain players for one or two seasons, enhancing squad stability. This twist sparked strategic bidding, with teams like Jaipur Pink Panthers using FBM to reclaim Arjun Deshwal. The rule has been praised for balancing continuity with competitive bidding, though some fans argue it favors richer franchises.[](https://www.prokabaddi.com/news/all-you-need-to-know-about-the-pkl-season-12-player-auction)[](https://www.business-standard.com/sports/other-sports-news/pkl-2025-auction-new-fbm-rule-champion-players-pool-all-you-need-to-know-125053001007_1.html)
Retention Trends and Surprises
Before the auction, 83 players were retained, including 25 elite and 23 young players. Haryana Steelers shocked fans by releasing Mohammadreza Shadloui, while Puneri Paltan retained no new young players. Tamil Thalaivas led with 10 retentions, banking on stars like Sagar. Naveen Kumar’s release by Dabang Delhi was a major talking point.[](https://sportstar.thehindu.com/kabaddi/pro-kabaddi-league/pro-kabaddi-league-2025-auction-haryana-steelers-full-retained-players-list-vinay-shivam-rahul-jaideep-pkl-12/article69587392.ece)[](https://sportstar.thehindu.com/kabaddi/pkl-auction-2025-puneri-paltan-full-retained-players-list-aslam-inamdar-mohit-goyat-gaurav-khatri/article69587345.ece)[](https://www.olympics.com/en/news/pro-kabaddi-pkl-2025-teams-players-squad-list)
Emerging Talent Over Legends
Franchises leaned toward younger, versatile players like Devank Dalal, PKL 11’s top raider, who fetched high bids. Teams are prioritizing athleticism and adaptability, reflecting modern kabaddi’s high-tempo demands. Veterans like Pardeep Narwal faced uncertainty, with some predicting he may go unsold, highlighting the shift toward youth.[](https://www.mykhel.com/kabaddi/pkl-auction-2025-live-updates-pro-kabaddi-league-day-1-players-list-process-sold-coverage-364895.html)[](https://www.business-standard.com/sports/pro-kabaddi-league/pkl-2025-auction-top-five-raiders-to-watch-in-mumbai-125052300995_1.html)
Where to Watch and Follow
The auction, hosted by Charu Sharma on Day 1 and Mallika Sagar on Day 2, was broadcast live on Star Sports Network and streamed on Disney+ Hotstar from 7 PM IST on May 31. Fans can track updates on prokabaddi.com or PKL’s social media handles on X, Instagram, and YouTube.[](https://sportstar.thehindu.com/kabaddi/pkl-season-12-player-auction-live-streaming-info-details-how-to-watch-kabaddi-auction/article69637258.ece)[](https://sportstar.thehindu.com/kabaddi/pro-kabaddi-league-2025-auction-all-you-need-to-know-pkl-12-rules-format-schedule-time-live-streaming-info-updates/article69641106.ece)[](https://www.business-standard.com/sports/other-sports-news/pkl-2025-auction-new-fbm-rule-champion-players-pool-all-you-need-to-know-125053001007_1.html)
Season 12 Outlook
With squads revamped and Season 12 set to begin in August, PKL promises thrilling action. The home-and-away format’s return and potential Rs 3 crore bids signal a blockbuster season. As teams like Haryana Steelers defend their title, the focus on youth and strategic retentions could redefine kabaddi’s future.[](https://www.business-standard.com/sports/pro-kabaddi-league/pkl-2025-auction-in-mumbai-season-12-likely-to-start-in-august-goswami-125053001231_1.html)