• Forty-five professional sumo athletes representing nine countries comprise SCL’s inaugural roster.
• The roster includes world champions, national champions, continental medalists, coaches and pioneers who have helped grow sumo around the world.
• Competitors bring backgrounds in sumo, wrestling, judo, sambo, mixed martial arts, football, strongman and other combat and strength sports.
• Athlete participation will vary by event, with event-specific competition fields announced in advance of each tournament.
• The current roster and additional athlete information can be found at www.sumochampionshipleague.com/roster.

ATLANTA, Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sumo Championship League (SCL), today introduced its inaugural roster of 45 athletes from nine countries who will compete throughout the league’s first season. The international field brings together established champions, national titleholders, continental medalists, experienced veterans and emerging competitors from across the global sumo community.

Representing decades of experience in sumo wrestling and other combat sports, SCL’s inaugural roster includes athletes who have represented their countries at world championships, founded clubs and federations, coached developing competitors and helped expand the sport in communities around the world. Together, they will become the first generation of athletes to compete in SCL and help introduce authentic professional sumo to new audiences across the United States.

The athletes announced today comprise SCL’s inaugural roster. Throughout the season, competitors will battle for victories, prize money and championship positioning as SCL builds toward its inaugural Annual Championship in late 2027.

“Every great sports league is ultimately defined by its athletes, and today we are proud to introduce the competitors who will help define the future of professional sumo,” said Stuart Snyder, Chairman and CEO of Sumo Championship League. “These athletes represent far more than impressive resumes. They represent years of dedication, sacrifice and a shared belief that professional sumo deserves a global stage. Some are world champions. Some are pioneers who have built the sport in their home countries. Others represent the next generation of international talent. Each athlete has their own story that we look forward to sharing with audiences. Together, they embody everything SCL stands for: authentic competition, respect for tradition and an unwavering commitment to excellence.”

MEET THE INAUGURAL CLASS
SCL’s inaugural roster reflects the international reach and continuing evolution of modern sumo. While every competitor brings a distinctive story, the following athletes illustrate the caliber, diversity and global commitment represented across the league’s first roster:

“Being part of the first Sumo Championship League season is a huge opportunity,” said Konner Kane, athlete in the inaugural SCL roster. “I’m proud to represent sumo, excited to compete alongside athletes from around the world and ready to show fans the strength, discipline and heart it takes to step into the dohyō.”

Beyond their competitive accomplishments, SCL’s inaugural athletes include coaches, club founders, engineers, professional wrestlers, performance psychologists, journalists and entrepreneurs. Their journeys underscore a shared commitment to growing sumo, challenging perceptions of the sport and creating a sustainable professional pathway for elite competitors outside Japan.

United States

Canada

Europe

Asia and the Middle East

Oceania

SCL’s inaugural season begins October 10 at H-E-B Center at Cedar Park in Austin, Texas, followed by Credit Union 1 Arena in Chicago on November 7 and Toyota Arena in Ontario, California, on December 19. Athlete participation will vary by event, with competition fields announced in advance of each tournament. Additional athlete profiles, competition format details, and league information will be announced as SCL builds toward its season opener and the inaugural SCL Annual Championship.

To learn more about the Sumo Championship League roster, purchase tickets for upcoming SCL events, explore partnership opportunities or inquire about hosting an event, visit www.sumochampionshipleague.com.

ABOUT SUMO CHAMPIONSHIP LEAGUE
Sumo Championship League (SCL) is building a modern professional sumo league for audiences in the United States and around the world. Combining authentic competition, elite heavyweight athletes, live-event spectacle and a modern sports experience, SCL brings league events to arenas across America beginning in fall 2026. Built on respect for sumo’s heritage and authentic competition, SCL features recurring live events, season-long rankings and championship competition, with a long-term vision of establishing professional sumo as a sustainable global sports and entertainment property.

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SOURCE Sumo Championship League (SCL)