India is ready to make history with the launch of its first-ever franchise-based pickleball league, the World Pickleball League (WPBL). The league will kick off on January 24, 2025. (More Sports News)
Conceptualized by former Indian tennis stars and Arjuna Awardees Gaurav Natekar and Arati Ponnappa Natekar, the WPBL is poised to revolutionize pickleball in the country. It promise🔯s ten days of thrilling 💛sportainment, airing live on Sony Sports Ten 2 channels.
With💃 pickleball gaining rapid popularity in India, the WPBL represents the next big leap for the sport. Over 50,000 Indians have embraced pickleball in 2024 alone, supported by the construction of nearly 1,000 courts across the country. As the sport grows, the WPBL aims to bring it to an even wider audience, creat𒊎ing a fan-friendly ecosystem through high-octane competition and grassroots development.
The league will feature six city-based teams—Dilli Dillwale, Pune United, Mumbai Pickle Power, Bengaluru Jawans, Chennai Super Champs, and Hyderabad Superstars. Across 18 matches,ꦺ 48 top-tier players from 14 countries will clash for glory, making the W⛦PBL a global affair.
Indian stars such as Vrushali Thakare, Mayur Patil, and Isha Lakhani will showcase their international experience, while global sensations like William Sobek, Willy Ching, and Max Freeman are s꧋et to enthral fans.
In addition to the competitive action, the WPBL has partnered with the All-India Pickleball Association (AIPA) and the Inte🌌rnational Pickleball Federation (IPF) to promote grassroots tournaments in franchise cities. This effort underscores th💮e league's mission to nurture local talent and build a vibrant pickleball community.
Speaking about th𓃲e league, Gaurav Natekar, Co-Founder and CEO of WPBL, expressed his excitement, "The World Pickleball League is a dream come true. With Sony Sports Network as our broadcasting partner, we aim to elevate pickleball to new heights in India. Sony’s expertise in engaging audiences with diverse sports content makes them an ideal partner for this journey."
Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer at Sony Pictures Networks India, addedܫ, "Pickleball is experiencing a phenomenal surge globally, and India is no exception. We are thrilled to bring the WPBL to our vieꦛwers and provide a platform to showcase this dynamic sport to a broader audience."
World Pickleball League - Live Streaming Details
When will the World Pickleball League (WPBL) start?
The World Pickleball League (WPBL) will start on 24 January with two matc🀅hes - Mumbai Pickle Power vs Pune United and Bengaluru Jawans vs Chennai Super Champs.
Where to watch the World Pickleball League (WPBL) in India?
The TV broadcast of the World Pickleball League (WPBL) wi♋ll be available on the Sony Sport Network channels.
