World Pickleball League – shape of sports entertainment in coming times

The World Pickleball League (WPBL) officially kicked off on January 24, 2025 at Mumbai’s iconic Brabourne Stadium, marking a historic moment as the venue hosted its first non-cricket tournament. The WPBL is set to revolutionize the sports entertainment landscape by offering an innovative fusion of world-class athletics and premium entertainment. The World Pickleball League (WPBL) has been founded by former Indian tennis champions Gaurav Natekar and Arati Ponnappa Natekar through Natekar Sports and Gaming.

This rapidly growing sport has attracted major brands and personalities, with celebrities like Rakul Preet Singh, Jackky Bhagnani, Rishabh Pant, and Sunil Gavaskar among the prominent figures joining teams as co-owners. The League has quickly become a hotbed for collaborations, blending the passion of sports with the energy of Bollywood and leading brands.

Six premier franchises are competing in a meticulously structured format for the championship viz. Mumbai Pickle Power, Pune United, Bengaluru Jawans (led by filmmaker Atlee), Chennai Super Champs (owned by Samantha Prabhu), Hyderabad Superstars and Dilli Dillwale.

Gaurav Natekar, Co-Founder and CEO, World Pickleball League, remarked, “As we unveil the World Pickleball League, we are introducing India to a new era of sports entertainment – one that blends fast-paced action with unparalleled fan engagement. Pickleball is more than just a sport; it’s a movement that’s uniting people across ages and backgrounds. Through this league, we aim to make pickleball not only India’s hottest new sporting spectacle but also a platform that inspires, excites, and brings communities together.”

Star-Studded Co-Ownership Line-Up

The World Pickleball League has garnered a significant following even before its first match. With several high-profile personalities from the entertainment, sports, and corporate sectors stepping in as co-owners, the excitement around the league is palpable.

Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani – Hyderabad Superstars

Bollywood stars Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani have joined KLO Sports as co-owners of the Hyderabad Superstars franchise. Rakul, who expressed her enthusiasm about joining the WPBL, believes that the league will inspire a new generation of players, particularly from Hyderabad and across India. She stated, “Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the world and joining the World Pickleball League is an exciting new chapter in my sports journey.”

Sunil Gavaskar and Rohan Gavaskar – Dilli Dillwale

Iconic former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar and his son Rohan Gavaskar have partnered with the Dilli Dillwale team as co-owners. Sunil, a prominent figure in the sports world, expressed his excitement about being part of the WPBL, saying, “Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and I am thrilled to be a part of this exciting journey with Dilli Dillwale.” With over 60 gold medals already in their pocket, Sunil is confident that the team will shine in the inaugural season.

Rishabh Pant and Swiggy – Mumbai Pickle Power

Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant has teamed up with Swiggy to co-own the Mumbai Pickle Power team. Pant’s involvement in the league is part of his commitment to taking pickleball to new heights in India. Rohit Kapoor, CEO of Swiggy, emphasized the excitement that pickleball brings, describing it as “fun, fast-paced, and perfect for families to enjoy together”. Both Swiggy and Pant are eager to bring a new level of energy to the sport, with the ultimate goal of making pickleball a household name in India.

Priya and Atlee – Bengaluru Jawans

Priya and Atlee, the celebrated duo from the entertainment industry, have invested in the Bengaluru Jawans franchise. Their investment further cements the increasing appeal of the World Pickleball League, as the duo joins the growing list of co-owners who are driving the sport’s development in India.

Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations

The World Pickleball League has also attracted top-tier partnerships that highlight its growing significance in the Indian sporting ecosystem.

ABI Health Champions Wellness through Pickleball

ABI Health has partnered with the WPBL to promote fitness and wellness through the sport. Shreyas, Vice President Global at ABI Health, shared, “Fitness and an active lifestyle are integral to a healthier tomorrow, and pickleball is the perfect embodiment of this ethos.” ABI’s collaboration aims to inspire people to stay fit while enjoying the game, furthering the league's mission to make pickleball a nationwide movement.

Volvo: The Luxury Mobility Partner

Volvo Car India has come on board as the luxury mobility partner for the WPBL. Jyoti Malhotra, MD of Volvo Car India, stated, “We are stoked to be the Luxury Mobility Partners for the much-awaited WPBL. This partnership will contribute significantly to the growth and popularity of this dynamic sport in India.”

Sony Sports Network to Broadcast WPBL

The Sony Sports Network will broadcast the inaugural edition of the World Pickleball League, ensuring that fans across the country can follow the league. Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer at Sony Pictures Networks India, said, “At Sony Sports Network, we strive to bring the best and most diverse sporting content to our viewers. The addition of the WPBL further affirms our efforts to expand the reach of this exciting sport.”

FanCode Exclusively Streams the WPBL

FanCode, a leading digital sports platform, will exclusively stream the inaugural World Pickleball League. Yannick Colaco, Co-Founder of FanCode, expressed his excitement about bringing the sport to the digital audience. “Pickleball is rapidly gaining popularity in India, and we are thrilled to collaborate with WPBL to bring the excitement of pickleball to sports fans nationwide.”

Hudle unites with FanCode as co-presenting streaming sponsor of WPBL

Suhail Narain, Founder and CEO, Hudle, said, “At Hudle, we aim to create a digital ecosystem that connects players with sports venues, optimizes facility management, and fosters a thriving sports community. Our partnership with FanCode is a testament to our dedication to fostering emerging sports and building a dynamic community of enthusiasts. By leveraging this collaboration, we aim to inspire more people to embrace physical activity, discover new passions, and connect with like-minded players across the nation.”

The Future of Pickleball in India

With the World Pickleball League drawing attention from such high-profile personalities and corporate giants, the future of pickleball in India looks extremely promising. The league has successfully merged sports with entertainment, generating excitement among fans and players alike. As the WPBL kicks off its inaugural season, it will not only showcase top-notch athleticism but also serve as a platform to introduce pickleball to new audiences across the nation.

The League’s strong combination of celebrity ownership, strategic partnerships, and extensive media coverage will ensure that pickleball becomes one of the country’s most popular sports.