India Launches First-Ever Professional Pickleball League: A New Era For The Sport
@bengaluru.jawans are the World Pickleball League champions! It was a hard-fought, well-deserved victory! 🎉
#WPBL #Pickleball #PickleSetGo
Source - World Pickleball League (Instagram)
India has officially entered the professional pickleball scene with the launch of its first-ever franchise-based league, the World Pickleball League (WPBL). This landmark event marks a significant step in the sport’s expansion within the country and across Asia, further establishing pickleball as a mainstream competitive sport.
WPBL Kicks Off In Mumbai
The inaugural season of WPBL commenced on January 24, 2025, at the iconic Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai, a historic venue known for hosting premier sporting events. The tournament has already garnered attention from sports enthusiasts, international pickleball professionals, and corporate sponsors, signaling a bright future for the sport in India.
Franchises And International Participation
The league features six teams, each representing major Indian cities:
Mumbai Pickle Power
Chennai Super Champs
Dilli Dilwale
Pune United
Bengaluru Jawans
Hyderabad Super Stars
Each franchise consists of a mix of 48 domestic and international players, hailing from 14 different countries, including India, Japan, South Korea, Spain, Australia, the USA, and the UK. This diverse lineup ensures a high level of competition and fosters international collaboration within the sport.
Format And Tournament Structure
The WPBL follows a round-robin format, where teams compete in five ties each, culminating in the top four advancing to the semi-finals. With an intense schedule featuring 90 matches, fans are set to experience thrilling gameplay and top-tier pickleball action.
Celebrity Backing And Media Coverage
One of the most exciting developments for WPBL is the involvement of Indian cricket star Rishabh Pant, who has joined as a co-owner of Mumbai Pickle Power. His investment and endorsement are expected to draw more attention to the league and inspire younger audiences to take up pickleball.
Additionally, Sony Sports Network has secured broadcasting rights for WPBL, ensuring nationwide coverage through Sony Sports Ten 2 channels. This move will bring professional pickleball into Indian households and boost the sport’s popularity on a mainstream level.
The Vision Behind WPBL
The league is spearheaded by Gaurav Natekar, a former Indian Davis Cup player, and Arati Ponnappa Natekar, who aim to build a professional structure for pickleball in India. Their vision is to break age and gender barriers while making pickleball an aspirational sport across India’s middle and upper-middle-class segments.
Arvind Prabhoo, President of the All India Pickleball Federation and the International Pickleball Federation, has voiced strong support for WPBL, emphasizing its potential to transform the future of pickleball in India. His backing further validates the league’s significance in the global pickleball landscape.
The Future Of Pickleball In India
The launch of WPBL represents more than just a tournament—it’s a movement aimed at embedding pickleball into India's sporting culture. As the league progresses, it is set to create more opportunities for Indian athletes, attract international partnerships, and inspire the next generation of pickleball players.
With high-profile endorsements, extensive media coverage, and a strong lineup of players, WPBL is poised to become a game-changer for professional pickleball in India and beyond.
For more information on the World Pickleball League and match updates, visit the official WPBL website.