Hockey India League returns after seven years: Teams, franchise owners, schedule, auction details and more

The Hockey India League (HIL) is set to make a comeback after a seven-year gap after Hockey India (HI) officially launched the league for the 2024-25 season on Friday in New Delhi. The HIL 2024-25 will feature 8 men’s teams and 6 women’s teams, marking the first time a standalone women’s league will run concurrently with the men’s competition.

The introduction of an exclusive women’s league within the HIL framework provides a powerful platform for female athletes to demonstrate their prowess, paving the way for a more inclusive and competitive future for Indian hockey.

Apart from officially launching the brand new HIL, Hockey India also revealed the men’s and women’s franchises that will compete in the coming edition of the league.

List of men’s franchises and their owners

1. Chennai – Charles Group
2. Lucknow – Yadu Sports
3. Punjab – JSW Sports
4. West Bengal – Shrachi Sports
5. Delhi – SG Sports and Entertainment
6. Odisha – Vedanta Limited
7. Hyderabad – Resolute Sports
8. Ranchi – Navoyam Sports Ventures Private Limited

List of women’s franchises and their owners*

1. Haryana – JSW Sports
2. West Bengal – Shrachi Sports
3. Delhi – SG Sports and Entertainment
4. Odisha - Navoyam Sports Ventures Private Limited

*Two of the women’s franchises will be announced shortly after the closure of legal proceedings in the coming days.

Hockey India League players’ auction and rules: The players’ auction for the HIL 2024-25 will be held from 13 to 15 October in New Delhi. Each franchise will build a 24-player squad, consisting of at least 16 Indian players (with a mandatory inclusion of 4 junior players) and 8 international stars. This balanced approach is designed to nurture local talent while adding international flair to the competition.

Hockey India League players list: The list has not been shared by Hockey India but best players from across the world are expected to part in HIL.

Hockey India League dates and venue:

The HIL 2024-25 will commence on 28 December, with the opening ceremony scheduled to take place on the same date in Rourkela. The HIL 2024-25 will see its matches played across two venues — Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astroturf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi, Jharkhand and Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela, Odisha.

The women’s league final is scheduled for 26 January 2025 in Ranchi and the men’s final is to be held on 1 February 2025 in Rourkela. Each match will result in a winner, with shootouts being introduced for tied games to ensure every encounter concludes decisively.

Hockey India League live streaming: Currently, Hockey India has not shared any details on this.