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.