The World Pickleball League (WPBL), India's pioneering franchise-based pickleball competition, has ignited considerable interest among corporate investors and celebrities. Launched recently at Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai, this league marks a significant milestone in promoting the rapidly expanding sport of pickleball. The event brings together six teams, each backed by prominent business leaders and renowned personalities. With plans to invest million over the next few years and secure partnerships with major entertainment entities, the WPBL aims to capitalize on the global surge in pickleball’s popularity. Matches will be broadcasted on FanCode and Sony Sports, reaching millions of households. The league is expected to foster community engagement and promote wellness through sports.
At the heart of this initiative is Natekar Sports and Gaming (NSG), led by former tennis player Gaurav Natekar. NSG has signed a ten-year licensing agreement with the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA), which is affiliated with the International Pickleball Federation (IPF). This strategic partnership underscores the league's commitment to developing the sport within India. The WPBL features six teams, each comprising a mix of Indian and international talent. Teams like Mumbai Pickle Power, Bengaluru Jawans, Chennai Super Champs, Pune United, Hyderabad Superstars, and Dilli Dillwale are owned by influential figures from various sectors, including technology, entertainment, and sports.
The involvement of these high-profile owners adds star power to the league. For instance, Mumbai Pickle Power is co-owned by food delivery giant Swiggy and cricketer Rishabh Pant. Priya Atlee and Atlee lead Bengaluru Jawans, while Samantha Ruth Prabhu heads Chennai Super Champs. Pune United boasts support from Sudhir and Sunanda Mehta of EKA Mobility and Pinnacle Industries, along with Ajeenkya and Pooja Patil from Ajeenkya DY Patil University, and actors Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh. Hyderabad Superstars are backed by KLO Sports, actress Rakul Preet Singh, and producer Jackky Bhagnani. Lastly, Dilli Dillwale is owned by Ashok Amritraj of Hyde Park Entertainment, Ankiti Bose and Krishan Rattan of Terra Invest, and cricket legends Sunil and Rohan Gavaskar.
The WPBL's format includes five matches per team during the group stage, leading to semi-finals and a final match on February 2nd. Over 90 matches are scheduled, starting with exciting clashes between Mumbai Pickle Power versus Pune United and Bengaluru Jawans versus Chennai Super Champs. The league's broad reach is expected to attract over 30 million households, significantly boosting pickleball's visibility. Corporate leaders and celebrities have expressed enthusiasm about the league's potential. Swiggy CEO Rohit Kapoor highlighted the sport's accessibility and its alignment with the company's mission to spread joy. Atlee and Priya Atlee drew parallels between sports and cinema, emphasizing their shared ability to evoke emotions and build communities.
Sudhir Mehta underscored pickleball's connection with Pune's culture of innovation and fitness, while Riteish Deshmukh noted its appeal across generations. Genelia Deshmukh remarked on the sport's capacity to enhance lives through camaraderie and wellness. Srinath Chittoori of KLO Sports emphasized the importance of nurturing local talent, and Rakul Preet Singh saw the WPBL as a pivotal chapter in her sporting journey, hoping to inspire players nationwide. Jackky Bhagnani shared similar sentiments, aiming to encourage more people to take up the sport. Ashok Amritraj highlighted the league's potential to blend competitive sports with compelling narratives for a global audience. Sunil Gavaskar praised Dilli Dillwale's resilience and teamwork, expressing confidence in their success.
The WPBL represents a transformative moment for pickleball in India. By leveraging corporate investment and celebrity influence, the league aims to elevate the sport's profile and foster a vibrant community around it. With extensive media coverage and a robust schedule of matches, the WPBL is set to captivate audiences and inspire the next generation of pickleball enthusiasts. The league's ambitious goals and strategic partnerships position it as a key player in the global pickleball landscape, promising an exciting future for the sport in India.
Thrilling Matchups Highlight Weekend Football Action
The article by Harry Bamforth, Kim Morrissey, Matt Barlow, and Kieran Gill covers two football matchItalian Tennis Star Claims Back-to-Back Australian Open Titles
Jannik Sinner, the world's top men’s tennis player, secured his third Grand Slam title with a domiUSA Wrestling's Strategic Initiatives and Future Prospects
This article by Gary Abbott, published on January 25, 2025, discusses the evolving landscape of wresAnnual Car Show Celebrates Community Spirit and Supports Local Charities
The New Class Car Club hosted their annual car show in Yuma, Arizona, on Saturday, celebrating the cWinter Wonderland: Families Embrace Snowy Festivities After Chilly Confinement
After a week of arctic temperatures and nearly two feet of snow, which led to the cancellation of scThe Final Four: NFL Conference Championships Set the Stage for Super Bowl 59
The NFL playoffs are nearing their climax, with only two games remaining to determine the Super BowlUnveiling the Power of LED Face Masks: A Comprehensive Guide to Radiant Skin
LED face masks have gained popularity in the skincare gadget market, with brands like Current Body,Revolutionizing Fashion and Beauty: CES 2025 Showcases Cutting-Edge Innovations
The 2025 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) highlighted innovative fashion and beauty technologies, intZendaya's Golden Globes Transformation: A Modern Twist on Classic Hollywood Glamour
At the 2025 Golden Globes, Zendaya, nominated for Best Female Actor in a Motion Picture, Musical orHollywood's Night of Glamour: Unveiling the 2025 Golden Globes Red Carpet
The 2025 Golden Globes in Los Angeles marked the beginning of award season, with film and televisionNorman's Downs Family Christmas Light Show Illuminates Hunger Relief Efforts
The Downs Family Christmas Light Ministry in Norman, OK, raised significant donations for the RegionProposed Tariffs on Imported Goods: Implications for American Consumers and Economy
President Donald Trump has proposed implementing significant tariffs on imported goods, particularlyValentine’s Day Family Celebration: Hearts and Crafts Kids Ball at Cherry Street Pier
Join the inaugural Hearts and Crafts Kids Ball at Cherry Street Pier on Saturday, February 15, fromCredit Card Skimmer Scam Strikes Detroit Stores: How to Stay Safe
Credit card skimmers have become a significant concern in Detroit, with two suspects installing deviTragic Incident in Jacksonville: Man Arrested After Fatal Car Accident Involving an Infant
In Jacksonville, Florida, 20-year-old Justin Golden was arrested for aggravated manslaughter and vehTragic Accident Claims Mother's Life, Injures Toddler in St. Louis
In St. Louis, Shirley Jean Howard, 39, was killed, and her 2-year-old son Amir was critically injureThe Resilience of U.S. Gaming: A Deep Dive into Consumer Spending Trends
In 2024, U.S. consumers spent USD .7 billion on video games, a slight decrease from the previousHoYoverse Settles FTC Allegations Over Privacy Violations and Misleading Practices
Singapore-based Chinese video game developer HoYoverse, known for the popular role-playing game *Gen2025: A Year of Gaming Triumphs and Innovations
2025 promises a wealth of highly anticipated video games from major studios. Notable releases includMilo the Cat Takes Center Stage with Hilarious Video Game Intervention
Milo, an internet-famous cat, has gone viral again with his humorous reaction to his human playing v