Tag: World Pickleball League

Bengaluru Jawans triumph in inaugural World Pickleball League

MUMBAI: Bengaluru Jawans etched their names in history by defeating Pune United 3-1 to claim the championship title of the first-ever World Pickleball League (WPL), India’s pioneering franchise-based pickleball tournament.

Held in south Mumbai’s Cricket Club of India, it is India’s inaugural franchise-based pickleball competition, co-founded by Arjuna Awardee and former Indian tennis player Gaurav Natekar, along with former India No. 1 Arati Ponnappa Natekar.

It featured six teams: Mumbai Pickle Power, Pune United, Bengaluru Jawans, Chennai Super Champs, Hyderabad Hustlers, and Dilli Dilwale. Each team consisted of eight players, including five or six international players and one or two Indian players. The WPL also included top juniors selected by the federation to provide them with exposure to high-level competition. The league offered a prize pool of $250,000 (approximately Rs 2.1 crore), with awards distributed to the winner and runner-up teams.

It was streamed live on FanCode and telecast live on the Sony Sports network.

The tournament commenced with Mumbai Pickle Power facing Pune United, followed by Bengaluru Jawans clashing with Chennai Super Champs. Each team competed in five group-stage matches, with the top four advancing to the semi-finals. In total, spectators enjoyed 90 matches over the ten-day event.

The intense final saw Jack Foster deliver a commanding 26-8 victory in the men’s singles, setting the stage for Bengaluru’s success. Trang Hyunh-McClain and Alejandra Borobia followed with a 13-9 win in the women’s doubles. Pune United responded with William Sobek and Vanshik Kapadia securing a 15-6 men’s doubles victory, but Katerina Stewart’s decisive 21-9 triumph over Brooke Revuelta in the women’s singles sealed Bengaluru’s championship.

Stewart, named Player of the League, said, “I’m incredibly grateful and overjoyed—it’s still sinking in! These ten days of pickleball in India have been extraordinary. Winning with my team made it even more special. At 5-5 today, I had a bit of panic but reminded myself to stay calm and focus, and it paid off.”

February 2, 2025
Raja Kumari, Suhani Shah, Dhvani Bhanushali to rock World Pickleball League

MUMBAI: The World Pickleball League (WPBL) is about to serve up more than just high-speed rallies. From 24 January to 2 February 2025, the historic Brabourne Stadium will witness a dazzling fusion of competitive pickleball and sensational live performances. This inaugural event promises to transform India’s sportainment landscape, pairing the nation’s newest sporting craze with a powerhouse lineup of stars.

The league’s entertainment roster, curated by Entertainment Consultant, features some of the biggest names in music and performance. Expect electrifying acts from Raja Kumari, Dhvani Bhanushali, Suhani Shah, The Yellow Diary, The Indian Jam Project, Taba Chake, and more, alongside emerging sensations like Akshath Acharya and Adi Dishaan. Anchoring the event is the charismatic Himanshu Chatwani, who promises to keep the energy high between matches and performances.

Entertainment Consultant business head Aahana Mehta summed up the event’s vision, “WPBL is not just about sport—it’s about creating an immersive experience. By blending world-class pickleball with live entertainment, we’re redefining the way audiences engage with sports in India. It’s about making pickleball a celebration for all, not just the players.”

The tournament’s six franchises—Mumbai Pickle Power, Pune United, Bengaluru Jawans (led by filmmaker Atlee), Chennai Super Champs (owned by Samantha Prabhu), Hyderabad Superstars, and Dilli Dillwale—will compete in a thrilling format culminating in the finals on 2 February 2025. Adding star power to the semi-finals will be a special exhibition match featuring legendary boxer Amir Khan, who will step onto the court for a memorable showdown.

WPBL co-founder & CEO Gaurav Natekar shared his excitement, “The World Pickleball League is a movement as much as it is a tournament. We’re blending fast-paced athleticism with unparalleled fan engagement. This league is about making pickleball the next big thing in Indian sports, and the Brabourne Stadium will be the epicentre of this revolution.”

The event will feature 12 matches, each paired with a stellar performance, ensuring every evening is a mix of edge-of-the-seat sporting action and unforgettable entertainment. WPBL has also partnered with Swiggy Scenes as its official ticketing partner, making it easier for fans to grab their spot at the event.

Schedule highlights:

. 24 January: Raja Kumari kicks off the league alongside Mumbai Pickle Power vs Pune United at 8 pm.

. 26 January: Suhani Shah performs during Chennai Super Champs vs Dilli Dillwale.

. 1 February: Semi-finals to feature a special exhibition match with Amir Khan.

. 2 February: The Yellow Diary headlines the finals.

The league isn’t just focused on elite competition. Through its grassroots tournaments in franchise cities, WPBL is committed to nurturing talent and building a strong foundation for pickleball in India. This initiative, spearheaded by Natekar Sports and Gaming, aims to inspire new players and foster a thriving pickleball community. And with Sony Corporation as a partner and support from the All-India Pickleball Association, WPBL is creating ripples in India’s sporting ecosystem.

January 27, 2025
ABI Health shook hands with WPBL to champion fitness

MUMBAI: When healthcare meets pickleball, the game gets serious. ABI Health has announced its partnership with the World Pickleball League (WPBL). This collaboration unites ABI’s mission to revolutionise wellness with WPBL’s drive to make pickleball a national movement. Together, they’re proving that fitness, fun, and community are a match made in heaven.

Pickleball is more than just the fastest-growing sport globally—it’s an embodiment of inclusivity, low injury risks, and intergenerational fun. Recognising this, ABI Health sees pickleball as a perfect vehicle to inspire healthier lifestyles and strengthen community ties.

ABI Health vice president global, Shreyas highlighted the significance of this partnership, “At ABI Health, we believe that health, wellness and prevention need to be part of everyone’s lifestyle in today’s day and age. Fitness and an active lifestyle are integral to a healthier tomorrow, and pickleball is the perfect embodiment of this ethos. We are thrilled to support WPBL in their mission to make this sport a movement that inspires people to stay fit. This partnership reflects our dedication to building a healthier, more connected world.”

WPBL brings together six dynamic teams from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, Chennai, and Hyderabad to compete at Brabourne Stadium, creating a platform that celebrates not just pickleball but also teamwork, fitness, and community spirit.

WPBL co-founder & CEO, Gaurav Natekar expressed excitement for the collaboration, “We welcome ABI Health as a partner in this journey to elevate pickleball in India. ABI’s passion for promoting health and wellness aligns perfectly with our mission to make pickleball a sport for everyone. Together, we hope to create a platform that celebrates fitness, teamwork, and community spirit.”

This partnership goes beyond the court. It’s a movement to build healthier lives, foster connections, and redefine what fitness looks like in today’s world. Pickleball is no longer just a sport; it’s a lifestyle.

Catch the action as WPBL brings pickleball fever to India while ABI Health ensures the fitness revolution hits its stride.

January 24, 2025
Volvo drives into World Pickleball league as luxury mobility partner

MUMBAI: It’s driven right into a “pickular” partnership. Swedish car maker Volvo Car India has come on board the World Pickleball League (WPBL) as official luxury mobility partner. Unconfirmed estimates are that it has put in about Rs 50 lakh for the privilege.

Founded by former top tennis players Gaurav Natekar and Arati Ponnappa Natekar, the WPBL aims to capture wide audiences through thrilling competitions and entertainment. The league will feature six teams competing in 48 matches over ten days, complemented by performances from renowned Indian artists.

Natekar expressed pride in the partnership with Volvo, stating, “This collaboration underscores the league’s broad appeal and promise of high-octane action.”

Volvo Card India MD Jyoti Malhotra added, “We are thrilled to support WPBL and believe it will significantly boost the sport’s popularity and engage discerning audiences who value luxury and performance.”

The inaugural edition kicks off on 24 January, with tickets available on Swiggy Scenes and live coverage on FanCode. The iconic Brabourne Stadium, will be playing host, marking the first time the historic venue will be holding a non-cricket tournament, adding a new chapter to its illustrious legacy.

The WPBL promises a unique blend of sports and entertainment, featuring performances from renowned artists including Dhvani Bhanushali, Suhani Shah, and the popular band The Yellow Diary. Fans can expect high-energy acts to complement the intense pickleball matches, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

The opening day will feature thrilling matchups, including a much-anticipated Maharashtra derby where Mumbai Pickle Power faces Pune United, followed by a southern derby with Atlee’s Bengaluru Jawans taking on Samantha Prabhu’s Chennai Champs.

The WPBL, promoted by Natekar Sports& Gaming, is committed to growing the fandom for pickleball in India through engaging events, community building, and grassroots initiatives in franchise cities. It also works closely with the All-India Pickleball Association (AIPA) and has the backing of Sony Corp as an investor.

(Picture courtesy: World Pickleball League facebook page)

January 21, 2025
Smashers Sports acquires Delhi franchise of World Pickleball League

MUMBAI: In the leafy backyards of Bainbridge Island, Washington, a humble paddle, a wiffle ball, and an improvised net birthed a game that would one day cross oceans and cultures. Pickleball. Once a suburban pastime invented by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum for their children in 1965, has transformed into a global sensation—and now, it’s ready to smash its way into India’s booming sports arena.

With the same spark of ingenuity that gave the world the number zero and yoga, India is poised to elevate pickleball from backyard origins to center stage.

Smashers Sports, powered by Terra Invest and Ashok Amritraj’s Hyde Park Entertainment Group, claims the Delhi franchise of the World Pickleball League (WPBL). This alliance of global capital, sports innovation, and India’s growing appetite for niche sports promises to redefine the country’s athletic and entertainment horizons.

Stay tuned, because the pickleball fever is about to hit India like never before!

The WPBL, affiliated with the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA), features six competitive teams. With pickleball recognised as one of the world’s fastest-growing sports, its appeal is spreading rapidly among urban audiences and younger players in tier two and tier three cities in India.

Former Wimbledon tennis player and renowned Hollywood producer with global revenues exceeding $2 billion, Amritraj remarked on the acquisition, “Having spent decades in sports and entertainment globally, I see tremendous potential for pickleball in India. The WPBL offers a unique opportunity to combine competitive sports with entertainment-driven narratives that can engage audiences worldwide. Smashers Sports’ vision for the Delhi franchise aligns perfectly with this mission.”

Terra Invest partner Ankiti Bose highlighted the sector’s growth prospects, “The sports media and entertainment sector in India is entering a golden age. With rising disposable incomes, AI-driven engagement platforms, and increased time for leisure activities, this market is on the cusp of exponential growth. We believe that sports, coupled with technology and entertainment, will play a transformative role in defining the next decade of India’s growth story.”

Globally, private equity investments are reshaping sports ownership, as seen in the NFL, NBA, and Major League Pickleball. This acquisition reflects the international momentum of private equity firms leveraging sports as high-value assets with commercial and media potential.

With Terra Invest and Hyde Park Entertainment Group’s expertise, the Delhi Franchise is set to become a premier sporting platform in India, blending competitive sports with entertainment. The involvement of high-profile investors and celebrities in emerging sports underscores pickleball’s potential to transform into a cultural phenomenon.

What started as a DIY game for kids is now a global sensation. Could your backyard brainchild be next?

December 18, 2024
WPBL is the ‘powered by partner’ for World Pickleball Championship

Mumbai: The World Pickleball League (WPBL), a franchise-based Pickleball tournament launching in January 2025, has announced its role as the ‘Powered By’ sponsor for the upcoming World Pickleball Championship (WPC).

This partnership coincides with India hosting the World Pickleball Championship Series for the first time. Scheduled for November, the tournament will showcase nearly 650 stars from the Pickleball community, following successful events in Vietnam and Bali earlier this year.

Pickleball is rapidly gaining popularity in India, attracting players of various demographics and ages, whether professionally or for fitness and socializing. The World Pickleball Championship will provide an exciting preview of the sport ahead of the launch of the WPBL.

Former Indian number one Tennis player, Arjuna awardee and WPBL founder & CEO, Gaurav Natekar stated, “Firstly, we would like to congratulate the All India Pickleball Association for their efforts to bring the World Pickleball Championship to India. The tournament, already a global phenomenon, will see the best of Pickleball talent from across the world descending on the island city of Mumbai for an action-packed event. Such tournaments are crucial as they help us identify the talents at the grassroots level. Additionally, it increases the aspirational value of Pickleball worldwide and further strengthen its reputation as one of the fastest-growing sports in India. The World Pickleball League will be India’s first and only official global franchise-based Pickleball league, and we are delighted to support the WPC, a tournament dedicated to developing the sport at grassroots levels globally, as the powered by sponsor.”

The All India Pickleball Association has been instrumental in bringing the World Pickleball Championship to India and promoting the growth of Pickleball in the country. All India Pickleball Association and the International Pickleball Federation president Arvind Prabhoo shared, “Our journey with Gaurav and Arati in helping shape WPBL – India’s first and only official global franchise-based Pickleball league – has been delightful so far. We are extremely happy that Gaurav’s commitment to building and developing Pickleball in India goes beyond the league, and we are excited to invite the World Pickleball League (WPBL) as the powered by sponsor for the World Pickleball Championship.”

The World Pickleball Championship is the brainchild of Jan Papi, founder of Pickleball Global and the WPC series. His vision and aspiration to grow Pickleball globally, along with the efforts of AIPA and WPBL in India, will ensure that the country embraces a Pickleball revolution as it further elevates the sport’s popularity, development, and participation to new heights.

October 24, 2024
Samantha joins World Pickleball League as Team Chennai owner

Mumbai: The World Pickleball League (WPBL) – owned by Natekar Sports and Gaming, today announced actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu as the owner of the Chennai franchise. Widely respected for her acting prowess, Samantha’s foray into the World Pickleball League marks her exciting debut as a sports entrepreneur.

As the owner of the Chennai franchise, Samantha will play a pivotal role in shaping the league’s future and promoting pickleball’s popularity in India. Her involvement underscores her commitment to India’s evolving sports ecosystem, with a particular focus on increasing women’s participation as athletes as well as entrepreneurs.

“Love at first sight — that’s exactly how I’d describe my feelings for pickleball. It caught my attention from the moment I was introduced to it. Today, I’m thrilled to be the owner of the Chennai franchise in the upcoming World Pickleball League. I’ve always wanted to be a part of India’s growing sports ecosystem. In recent years, our country has made great progress towards becoming a multisport nation, with a significant increase in women’s participation in sports. My goal is to encourage more women and young girls to get involved in sports, and I’m eager to work with Gaurav Natekar and AIPA to drive participation in the sport.” said Prabhu.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Samantha Ruth Prabhu as one of the team owners of the World Pickleball League. When I first met her a few months ago, she was very clear about her desire to play a hands-on role in promoting a sport and owning a team, and building communities in Chennai, especially by creating more opportunities for women and girls to play. With 40% of pickleball players being women, Samantha’s involvement is a perfect fit for the league. ” said WPBL founder & CEO Gaurav Natekar. “We’re crafting an experience that is at the confluence of pop culture. From exceptional food and engaging content to captivating music, and with the star power of owners like her, the WPBL will be a sensory feast that goes far beyond just the sport itself.

“Pickleball is the fastest growing sport globally, and WPBL is set to be an unmissable event where the world’s top players will showcase their talents on Indian soil. Samantha is particularly passionate about increasing female participation in sports and creating opportunities for young women and girls. We at AIPA are excited to collaborate with her to further popularize pickleball across the country.” added All-India Pickleball Association and President, International Pickleball Federation president Arvind Prabhoo.

August 20, 2024