City-Based Franchises Announced for the First Indian Pickleball League Season
The landscape of Indian sports is set to witness a vibrant new addition with the official unveiling of the franchises for the maiden season of the Indian Pickleball League (IPBL). In a grand event held in Chennai, the league organizers introduced the first five teams that will compete for the title. Spearheaded by The Times Group, the IPBL holds the unique distinction of being the only league officially sanctioned by the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) under the aegis of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
The Contenders and the Arena
The inaugural season is scheduled to take place from December 1 to December 7, 2025. All matches will be hosted at the prestigious KD Jadhav Indoor Hall, located within the Indira Gandhi Stadium complex in New Delhi.
The five franchises revealed during the ceremony represent key metropolitan hubs across the nation:
Gurgaon Capital Warriors
Mumbai Smashers
Bengaluru Blasters
Chennai Super Warriors
Hyderabad Royals
According to an official statement from the league, a sixth franchise is expected to be announced shortly to complete the roster.
High-Profile Launch and Corporate Backing
The team unveiling ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and Vineet Jain, Managing Director of The Times Group. Emphasizing the league's vision, Vineet Jain remarked that these franchises symbolize the ambition and scale of the IPBL, aiming to establish pickleball as a permanent fixture in modern Indian sports.
The league has attracted significant corporate interest. The Gurgaon franchise is owned by M3M India, while the Mumbai team is backed by Absolute Sports, a subsidiary of Nazara Technologies. The Bengaluru and Hyderabad teams are supported by individual investors and Operam Ventures respectively, with the Accord Group backing the Chennai team.
Owners Express Optimism
The franchise owners expressed high enthusiasm for the sport's potential. Pankaj Bansal of M3M India highlighted that the high energy of pickleball matches the vibe of Gurugram. Similarly, Nitish Mittersain of Nazara Technologies noted that the speed and skill involved in the game make it a perfect fit for the spirit of Mumbai.
Representatives from the southern franchises also shared their excitement. Vasanth Kalyan of the Bengaluru Blasters described the sport as "tailor-made" for the city's competitive pulse, while Anubhav Tyagi of the Hyderabad Royals pointed out the early adoption and enthusiasm for the game in Hyderabad.
With strong corporate backing and official recognition, the Indian Pickleball League is poised to make a significant impact on the country's sporting calendar this winter.
