INDIANAPOLIS — The Sumo Championship League (SCL) announced plans to introduce live professional sumo events in major U.S. markets starting in fall 2026. Indianapolis has been confirmed as a key city for the league's expansion.

The SCL was founded by Stuart Snyder and Toper Taylor. Snyder serves as the chief executive officer of the organization. Taylor is an Emmy Award-winning producer and a former William Morris Agency talent agent.

SCL events will feature season-long rankings and championship events. Wrestlers will compete throughout a season to earn points, prize money, and championship positioning. The SCL plans to recruit athletes internationally, including accomplished sumo competitors, former professional football players, wrestlers, strongmen, and other heavyweight athletes.

The league has secured initial funding to support its launch and long-term growth strategy. Future revenue for the Sumo Championship League is expected to be generated from live events, sponsorships, media rights, merchandise, licensing, and international expansion. Specific U.S. tour cities have not yet been announced, with the exception of Indianapolis.

Sumo bouts typically last from 10 seconds to several minutes. In sumo, wrestlers compete one-on-one inside a ring called a dohyō. The objective is to force an opponent out of the ring or cause any part of their body, other than the soles of their feet, to touch the ground. There are currently 45 amateur sumo clubs in the U.S. and 85 sumo ventures worldwide.

Snyder previously served as president of WWE, Feld Entertainment, and Turner Broadcasting's Animation, Young Adults and Kids Media division. He also held leadership roles at Cartoon Network and Adult Swim. "We're committed to bringing exciting, authentic sumo matches right here to Indianapolis," Snyder said. "It's about creating a local sports culture that fans can embrace."