The Indian sporting landscape is set to welcome an exciting new addition as the Indian Pickleball League (IPBL) officially unveiled its first five franchises during a grand ceremony in Chennai. The league, which represents a significant milestone for racket sports in the country, will kick off its inaugural season from December 1 to 7, 2025, at New Delhi's KD Jadhav Indoor Hall within the Indira Gandhi Stadium complex.
Five Franchises Ready to Battle for Inaugural Title
The teams that will compete in the historic first season include Gurgaon Capital Warriors, Mumbai Smashers, Bengaluru Blasters, Chennai Super Warriors, and Hyderabad Royals. According to an official IPBL statement, a sixth team will be announced in the near future, expanding the competition's reach and competitive intensity.
The IPBL holds the distinction of being India's only officially sanctioned pickleball league, having received recognition from the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) which operates under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The league's establishment by The Times Group marks a significant investment in developing emerging sports within the country.
High-Profile Launch with Political and Business Support
The team unveiling event witnessed the presence of Udhayanidhi Stalin, Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, highlighting the political support for this new sporting venture. The occasion also featured Vineet Jain, Managing Director of The Times Group, who expressed enthusiasm about the league's potential to transform India's sports culture.
"These teams represent the scale, ambition, and reach that define the Indian Pickleball League," Jain stated during his address. "Together, they bring a fresh competitive spirit that will help make pickleball a modern fixture in India's sporting landscape."
Franchise Backers and Their Vision for Regional Representation
The league has attracted significant corporate interest with prominent companies backing the various franchises:
- M3M India owns the Gurugram franchise
- Nazara Technologies through its subsidiary Absolute Sports backs Mumbai Smashers
- Accord Distillers & Brewers promotes the Chennai team
- Operam Ventures owns the Hyderabad franchise
Pankaj Bansal, Director of M3M India, emphasized the strategic fit between the sport and their franchise location: "Gurugram loves fast, social, high-energy sport. Being the city's first major league franchise makes this moment even more special."
Vasanth Kalyan, CEO of Bengaluru Blasters, highlighted the connection between the city's character and the sport: "Bengaluru reflects the pulse of new India, quick, expressive, and competitive. Pickleball feels tailor-made for this city."
From Mumbai's perspective, Nitish Mittersain, CEO of Nazara Technologies, noted: "Mumbai thrives on speed, skill, and competition. Pickleball fits right in, and we're excited to champion the city in a league built for the future."
The Chennai franchise promoters echoed similar sentiments, with Swetha Sundeep of the Accord Group stating: "Chennai has always backed competitive, high-energy sport."
Anubhav Tyagi, Managing Director of Operam Ventures, expressed confidence in Hyderabad's readiness for the sport: "Hyderabad is ready for the next big sport. Pickleball has found early, enthusiastic adoption here, and IPBL gives us a national stage to build on that momentum."
The inaugural Indian Pickleball League season promises to bring fast-paced action and competitive excitement to sports enthusiasts across the nation, while establishing a professional platform for pickleball athletes to showcase their talent on a national stage.
