Archive · 30 Jun 2025
WPBL Announces 'On Tour' Initiative, Aims for Premium Status
Imagine a new sport called pickleball that's getting super popular!
The World Pickleball League (WPBL) wants to make sure everyone stays excited about it, even when the main games aren't happening.
They're starting 'WPBL On Tour,' which means they'll have big tournaments and fun events in different cities, like Chennai, Hyderabad, and Mumbai.
They want to attract big brands and make the league a top-tier sports event.
They're working on the next season that starts in January 2026.
World Pickleball League (WPBL) is launching 'WPBL On Tour' to maintain engagement between seasons.
The new initiative includes major tournaments in each franchise city.
Community events and amateur competitions will also be part of the off-season plan.
WPBL aims to be a premium sports property with global ambitions.
Season 2 of WPBL is scheduled to begin in January 2026.
- Who
- The World Pickleball League (WPBL) is organizing the initiative.
- What
- WPBL is launching 'WPBL On Tour' to sustain year-round engagement and position itself as a premium property.
- When
- The tour activities will happen between now and Season 2, which starts in January 2026.
- Where
- Tournaments will take place in each franchise city: Chennai, Hyderabad, Delhi, Bengaluru, Pune, and Mumbai.
- Why
- To maintain engagement between seasons and position WPBL as a premium sports property.
Pickleball's Growing Popularity
WPBL's Role in Popularization
Popularity of Pickleball
Pickleball's Growing Popularity
WPBL aims to capitalize on pickleball's growing popularity.
WPBL's Role in Popularization
The sport is gaining visibility and participation across cities in India, attracting ex-pro tennis and badminton players.
- League Name
- World Pickleball League (WPBL)
- Initiative
- WPBL On Tour
- Season 2 Start
- January 2026
- CEO
- Gaurav Natekar
- Franchises
- Six: Chennai Super Champs, Hyderabad Superstars, Dilli Dillwale, Bengaluru Jawans, Pune United, Mumbai Pickle Power
- Sponsors
- Dove, Volvo, Red Bull, Barclays Bank, Sony