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Tag: WPBL

  • Sony Sports Network secures broadcast rights for India’s first world pickleball league

    Sony Sports Network secures broadcast rights for India’s first world pickleball league

    MUMBAI: It’s lobbed the ball in the viewers’ court, with a cross court shot near the baseline.   Will Indian TV viewers manage to give an equally good return?

    Sony Sports Network will be telecasting the inaugural World Pickleball League (WPBL), set to debut on 24 January 2025. This franchise-based league aims to capitalise on the sport’s rapid growth in India, where more than 50,000 players are actively participating, and nearly 1,000 pickleball courts have emerged nationwide.

    Conceptualised by former tennis star Gaurav Natekar and ex-India No. 1 Arati Ponnappa Natekar, the WPBL promises thrilling “sportainment” with six teams—Dilli Dillwale, Pune United, Mumbai Pickle Power, Bengaluru Jawans, Chennai Super Champs, and Hyderabad Superstars—facing off in 18 high-stakes matches over ten days. The tournament will feature 48 elite international players from 14 countries, alongside India’s top talents, including Vrushali Thakare and Mayur Patil.

    Sony Pictures Networks India chief revenue officer & head of sports business Rajesh Kaul said: “The addition of the World Pickleball League affirms our efforts to provide diverse sporting content to our viewers.”

    WPBL co-founder & CEO Gaurav Natekar  praised Sony’s previous association in sports broadcasting, highlighting the network’s  commitment to engaging fans and elevating the league’s profile. 

  • Swiggy serves up excitement as the owner of World Pickleball League’s Mumbai team

    Swiggy serves up excitement as the owner of World Pickleball League’s Mumbai team

    Mumbai – Swiggy Ltd (NSE: SWIGGY), India’s pioneering on-demand convenience platform, has announced its ownership of Team Mumbai in the World Pickleball League (WPBL). Co-Founded by former Indian tennis players, Gaurav Natekar and Arati Ponnappa Natekar, the inaugural season of the WPBL is set to take place from 24 January to 2 February 2025.

    Pickleball is among the fastest-growing sports globally, thanks to its accessibility for players of all ages. This sport has become a popular recreational and lifestyle activity and is poised to gain significant traction among Indians in the coming decade. Swiggy’s Mumbai team is the second team announced by WBPL after the Chennai franchise owned by actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu. With the first edition of the World Pickleball League set to take place in Mumbai, Swiggy’s Team has the chance to showcase its skills in front of their home fans.

    Speaking about the acquisition of Team Mumbai in the World Pickleball League, Swiggy Food Marketplace CEO Rohit Kapoor said, “When we started discussing pickleball internally and our association with it, my joke was achar bina khaana kya! Look, it’s a fun, easy game to play for most people. And I can see food stalls, a happy game and the whole family there for a great weekend. We fit right into this scenario and deliver joy to folks, as per usual. This partnership with WPBL and Mumbai is Swiggy being part of what makes the city and indeed the world go round. Which is our way.”

    WPBL co-founder & CEO Gaurav Natekar stated, “We strongly believe that the World Pickleball League can become one of India’s best and most popular leagues in the next 3-5 years. Brands like Swiggy coming onboard as Team Owners for the World Pickleball League is a true testament to how the sport and the league is vibing with the masses. As one of India’s most-loved companies, Swiggy will add to the overall excitement and help us reach an even larger audience—not just for the league, but for the sport of Pickleball as well.”

    As the inaugural season approaches, fans can anticipate an exhilarating experience filled with high-energy matches and a vibrant atmosphere where six teams will compete for glory. The WPBL aims to transcend traditional sports events by creating a lifestyle experience that brings people together through their love for Pickleball.

  • Samantha joins World Pickleball League as Team Chennai owner

    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.