The only sporting league in India to have two seasons in the same year - ‘The Pro Kabaddi League’ returns only three months after the previous season’s finale on 5th March 2016. This season’s launch on 25th June experienced a total TV audience of 34.4 million TV viewers and the first week of the season garnered 77.2 million TV viewers across the channels airing the telecast in different languages.
Aired between 7 PM to 11 PM, the opening night had the highest viewership during the 9:00 PM match played between U Mumba and Jaipur Pink Panthers with 21.3 million TV viewers.
This season’s opening night had lesser viewership than the previous season’s launch night on January 30th which saw 42.2 million TV viewers. Out of the individuals who watched the previous season of Pro Kabaddi League this year, 12.26% of viewers continued following the new season this month.
Hindi viewers claimed the top spot for the maximum viewership with 24.4 million TV viewers for the opening night. Compared to the previous season, the Hindi viewership remained at par, but the English and Telugu viewership witnessed a significant drop. It remains to be seen if it picks up again later in the tournament.
One of the many sporting leagues started recently in India, Pro Kabaddi League has proven to be amongst the most popular ones in terms of viewership, beaten only by IPL. Here's a look at the TV viewership experienced on the opening nights of some of the biggest sporting leagues in India:
There is a massive intersection in the TV viewership of Indian sporting leagues: 87.2% of viewers who watched the Pro Kabaddi League also watched VIVO IPL this year (read our article on IPL 2016 viewership).
While the Indian consumption of foreign sport coverage on TV is relatively lesser than native sporting league telecasts, ZAPR's TV viewership data reveals that 58.2% of viewers who watched these Indian sporting leagues also watched the UEFA Euro 2016 and The 2016 French Open; this segment makes up a loyal sports audience across TV viewers in India.
Across individuals who viewed Pro Kabaddi League. 'The Kapil Sharma Show' was the most watched TV show, followed closely by 'India's Got Talent'.
Among major brands that advertised on the launch night of the Pro Kabaddi League, Gionee claimed the top spot with 31 ad spots, followed closely by Bajaj Electricals and SBI.
ZAPR can help you identify and engage with the viewers of Pro Kabaddi League and other sporting leagues across their different TV viewing habits and interests. Don't miss the opportunity to leverage our platform to reach your most relevant audiences.
