New Delhi: In a major boost to one of the world’s fastest-growing sports, the Indian Pickleball League (IPBL) has announced a strategic partnership with the Adani Group, which comes on board as the Powered By partner for its inaugural season. The collaboration combines IPBL’s dynamic league blueprint with Adani’s extensive sporting expertise, underscoring a shared ambition to accelerate pickleball’s rise across India.
Launched by The Times Group and recognised as India’s first and only national pickleball league sanctioned by the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA), under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, IPBL will debut from December 1–7, 2025, at the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall, Indira Gandhi Stadium, New Delhi. The league will feature city-based teams and top Indian and international athletes in a fast-paced, television-friendly format designed to build mass engagement.
With pickleball rapidly expanding as a participation-driven global sport, the partnership with Adani strengthens IPBL’s mission of establishing a contemporary sporting property rooted in accessibility, energy, and fan-centricity. The collaboration comes at a time when India is emerging as a strong contender on the global pickleball stage.
Speaking on the partnership, Sameer Pathak, President – Pickleball World Rankings (A Times Group Company), said, “We are delighted to welcome on board the Adani Group for IPBL’s debut season. Their dedication to nurturing Indian sport aligns with our ambition to scale pickleball with the structure, visibility, and ambition it deserves. Together, we aim to elevate the sport’s journey and set the stage for a league that reflects the energy and potential of a new India.”
Echoing the sentiment, Sanjay Adesara, Chief Business Officer, Adani Sportsline, added: “The Adani Group is proud to support the debut edition of the Indian Pickleball League. Pickleball is among India’s fastest-growing sports, and our association reflects our commitment to nurturing emerging talent and building world-class sporting ecosystems. We believe the IPBL has immense potential to scale nationwide and inspire a new generation of athletes.”
The Adani Group has consistently invested in developing India’s sporting fabric through grassroots programmes, athlete development pathways, and infrastructure creation. With IPBL introducing a structured, competitive, and high-visibility format for pickleball, the partnership brings together two aligned visions—Adani’s mission to uplift sport at the foundational level and IPBL’s drive to professionalise and popularise pickleball across demographics.
Pickleball’s rapid ascent in India mirrors its global momentum. Team India’s strong performance at the Pickleball World Cup 2025 in Florida—where the contingent secured 25 medals (8 Gold, 8 Silver, 9 Bronze) and finished 7th overall, becoming the only Asian nation in the top 10—has further energised the sport’s domestic growth.
Entering its debut season backed by the Adani partnership, the Indian Pickleball League aims to deliver a modern, high-impact sporting experience designed for today’s audiences. Together, both organisations seek to build a long-term ecosystem that strengthens pickleball’s national presence and positions it as India’s next major participation-powered sport.
