Mumbai: In a major development for Indian sports, Sony Sports Network has acquired the television broadcast rights for the World Pickleball League (WPBL), India’s first-ever franchise-based Pickleball league. As one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, Pickleball has witnessed a meteoric rise, with over 50,000 players joining the sport in 2024 and nearly 1,000 dedicated courts now available across India. With this partnership, Sony Sports Network aims to propel Pickleball’s popularity to new heights, introducing the game to a wider audience nationwide.
Gaurav Natekar, Arjuna Awardee and former Indian tennis icon, along with Arati Ponnappa Natekar, former India No. 1, conceptualized the WPBL as a unique blend of high-energy matches and entertainment. The league debuts on January 24, 2025, with live action telecast on Sony Sports Ten 2 channels, featuring two games daily throughout the tournament.
The inaugural edition of the WPBL will feature six franchise teams:
- Dilli Dillwale
- Pune United
- Mumbai Pickle Power
- Bengaluru Jawans
- Chennai Super Champs
- Hyderabad Superstars
The ten-day event includes 18 games and showcases a stellar lineup of 48 top international players from 14 countries, alongside India’s premier Pickleball talent.
Indian players such as Vrushali Thakare, Mayur Patil, Vanshik Kapadia, Sonu Vishvakarma, Isha Lakhani, and Kuldip Mahajan, known for their international experience, will represent their respective franchises. Fans can also look forward to watching world-class Pickleball stars, including William Sobek, Willy Ching, and Max Freeman, compete on Indian soil for the first time.
Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer – Distribution & International Business and Head – Sports Business, Sony Pictures Networks India: “Pickleball has experienced a tremendous surge in popularity, not just in India but globally. At Sony Sports Network, we have always strived to bring the best and most diverse sporting content to our viewers and the addition of the World Pickleball League affirms our endeavors. We are excited to showcase the inaugural edition of the World Pickleball League to our audiences and provide a platform that will help expand the reach of this dynamic sport.”
Gaurav Natekar, Co-Founder and CEO – World Pickleball League: “We are delighted to have Sony Sports Network as the official broadcaster of the World Pickleball League. Sony Sports Network holds a special place in my heart, given my previous associations with them. Their exceptional track record of captivating audiences with their comprehensive coverage of sporting events across India and the globe is truly commendable. The brand has a deeper partnership with the World Pickleball League, and Sony Sports Network coming on board is a testament to their commitment and trust in the World Pickleball League. Their ability to cultivate fan engagement and enthusiasm for various sports further enhances the excitement as we near the debut season.”
| Match No. | Date
(2025) |
Match | |||
| 1 | 24th January | Mumbai Pickle Power vs Pune United | |||
| 2 | 24th January | Bengaluru Jawans vs Chennai Super Champs | |||
| 3 | 25th January | Bengaluru Jawans vs Hyderabad Superstars | |||
| 4 | 25th January | Mumbai Pickle Power vs Dilli Dillwale | |||
| 5 | 26th January | Chennai Super Champs vs Dilli Dillwale | |||
| 6 | 26th January | Pune United vs Hyderabad Superstars | |||
| 7 | 27th January | Mumbai Pickle Power vs Hyderabad Superstars | |||
| 8 | 27th January | Pune United vs Bengaluru Jawans | |||
| 9 | 28th January | Bengaluru Jawans vs Dilli Dillwale | |||
| 10 | 28th January | Mumbai Pickle Power vs Chennai Super Champs | |||
| 11 | 29th January | Chennai Super Champs vs Pune United | |||
| 12 | 29th January | Hyderabad Superstars vs Dilli Dillwale | |||
| 13 | 30th January | Mumbai Pickle Power vs Bengaluru Jawans | |||
| 14 | 30th January | Dilli Dillwale vs Pune United | |||
| 15 | 31st January | Hyderabad Superstars vs Chennai Super Champs | |||
| 16 | 1st February | Semi-final 1: 1st placed Team Vs 4th placed Team | |||
| 17 | 1st February | Semi-final 1: 2nd placed Team Vs 3rd placed Team | |||
| 18 | 2nd February | Finals |
