Mumbai: In a groundbreaking move merging sports and entertainment, Smashers Sports, backed by Terra Invest and Ashok Amritraj’s Hyde Park Entertainment Group, has officially acquired the Delhi franchise of the World Pickleball League (WPBL). This strategic investment highlights the intersection of global capital, sports innovation, and India’s rising enthusiasm for emerging sports, positioning the WPBL to reshape the country’s sports entertainment landscape.
Ashok Amritraj, a former Wimbledon tennis player turned award-winning Hollywood producer, brings unmatched expertise to the venture. With a career spanning decades and global box office hits that have generated over USD 2 billion, Amritraj is renowned for blending sports, entertainment, and business. His leadership will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Delhi franchise.
The WPBL, founded by celebrated sportsman and entrepreneur Gaurav Natekar, features six competitive teams and is affiliated with the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA). Pickleball, one of the world’s fastest-growing sports, is quickly gaining traction across urban populations and emerging players in India’s tier 2 and 3 cities.
Ashok Amritraj, Founder of Hyde Park Entertainment, shared, “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.”
Ankiti Bose, Partner at Terra Invest, added, “The sports media and entertainment sector in India is entering a golden age. With rising disposable incomes, AI-driven engagement platforms, and increased leisure time, this market is on the brink of exponential growth. We believe sports, enhanced by technology and entertainment, will play a transformative role in defining the next decade of India’s growth story.”
The growing influence of private equity firms in sports ownership is reshaping the global sports landscape. Major leagues like the NFL, NBA, and Major League Pickleball (MLP) have seen significant investments from private equity firms, creating new revenue models and boosting global fan engagement. Terra Invest and Hyde Park Entertainment Group’s entry into the WPBL mirrors this global momentum, recognizing sports as high-value assets with immense commercial and media potential. Celebrity involvement, as seen with icons like Tom Brady, LeBron James, and Leonardo DiCaprio in emerging sports, has amplified global interest and commercial success, aligning with the WPBL’s goal of making Pickleball a household name in India and beyond.
