Overview
- Hosts Tamil Nadu Dragons face Hyderabad Toofans in Chennai to open the men’s HIL on January 3, with the multi-city season running through the January 26 final in Bhubaneswar.
- The eight-team league shifts to Ranchi and then Bhubaneswar, features a single round-robin, and advances the top four to playoffs under a Qualifier–Eliminator format.
- Telecast is on Sony Sports Network and DD Sports, with live streaming available on the Hockey India League YouTube channel.
- Franchise changes include UP Rudras’ exit with the HIL Governing Council team stepping in, Ranchi Royals replacing Team Gonasika, and Odisha Warriors withdrawing their teams after one edition.
- Hockey India’s 2026 calendar sets the men’s Pro League home leg in Rourkela on February 10–15, the women’s World Cup qualifiers in Hyderabad on March 8–14, the men’s World Cup on August 15–30, and the Asian Games on September 19–October 4.