Sony Sports Network bags the broadcasting rights of World Pickleball League

The league will see six dynamic teams, that is, Dilli Dillwale, Pune United, Mumbai Pickle Power, Bengaluru Jawans, Chennai Super Champs and Hyderabad Superstars, battling it out in 18 matches.

By  Storyboard18Jan 22, 2025 4:28 PM
Sony Sports Network bags the broadcasting rights of World Pickleball League
The WPBL tournament schedule includes daily games, starting with the opening match between Mumbai Pickle Power and Pune United on January 24

Sony Sports Network has secured the television broadcast rights for World Pickleball League (WPBL), which is set to make its debut on January 24, 2025. The event marks India’s first franchise-based Pickleball league, with matches slated to air live on Sony Sports Ten 2 channels.

Pickleball, one of the world’s fastest-growing sports, has gained significant traction in India. Over 50,000 new players took up the sport in 2024, and the number continues to rise, with nearly 1,000 courts now available across the country. Sony Sports Network aims to help further popularize the sport by bringing the exciting action of the WPBL to Indian audiences.

Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer - Distribution & International Business and Head - Sports Business at Sony Pictures Networks India, said, "Pickleball has experienced a tremendous surge in popularity, not just in India but globally. At Sony Sports Network, we have always strived to bring the best and most diverse sporting content to our viewers and the addition of the World Pickleball League affirms our endeavors. We are excited to showcase the inaugural edition of the World Pickleball League to our audiences and provide a platform that will help expand the reach of this dynamic sport."

Conceived by Arjuna Awardee and former tennis star Gaurav Natekar, alongside former India No. 1 Arati Ponnappa Natekar, the WPBL will be a 10-day tournament featuring 48 international players from 14 countries. The league will see six dynamic teams, that is, Dilli Dillwale, Pune United, Mumbai Pickle Power, Bengaluru Jawans, Chennai Super Champs and Hyderabad Superstars, battling it out in 18 matches.

Indian Pickleball stars, including Vrushali Thakare, Mayur Patil, Vanshik Kapadia, Sonu Vishvakarma, Isha Lakhani and Kuldip Mahajan, will be representing their respective teams, alongside international talent such as William Sobek, Willy Ching and Max Freeman.

Gaurav Natekar, Co-Founder and CEO of WPBL, added, "Sony Sports Network holds a special place in my heart, given my previous associations with them. Their exceptional track record of captivating audiences with their comprehensive coverage of sporting events across India and the globe is truly commendable. The brand has a deeper partnership with the World Pickleball League, and Sony Sports Network coming on board is a testament to their commitment and trust in the World Pickleball League."

The WPBL tournament schedule includes daily games, starting with the opening match between Mumbai Pickle Power and Pune United on January 24, followed by Bengaluru Jawans facing Chennai Super Champs. The competition will culminate with the finals on February 2, 2025.

First Published on Jan 22, 2025 4:28 PM

More from Storyboard18

Television

300k+ viewers flock to News18 India during Delhi Exit polls

300k+ viewers flock to News18 India during Delhi Exit polls

Television

Paramount and Nielsen sign multi-year measurement and analytics deal across Paramount's broadcast, cable and streaming platforms

Paramount and Nielsen sign multi-year measurement and analytics deal across Paramount's  broadcast, cable and streaming platforms

Television

ZEEL gets GST notice of Rs 16.60 million for ineligible ITC claims

ZEEL gets GST notice of Rs 16.60 million for ineligible ITC claims

How it Works

Govt issues advisory to cable operators; mandatory to carry four DD HD channels

Govt issues advisory to cable operators; mandatory to carry four DD HD channels

Advertising

Pushpa 2, Fighter lead co-branded advertising in 2024, contribute 800+ hours of TV Ad Time

Pushpa 2, Fighter lead co-branded advertising in 2024, contribute 800+ hours of TV Ad Time

Advertising

TV ad volumes declined by 4% in 2024 compared to 2023

TV ad volumes declined by 4% in 2024 compared to 2023

Television

Ashwini Vaishnaw calls Ahmedabad's Coldplay concert a 'global benchmark', Chris Martin calls it 'best stadium'

Ashwini Vaishnaw calls Ahmedabad's Coldplay concert a 'global benchmark', Chris Martin calls it 'best stadium'

Television

Prasar Bharati's WAVES vs D2M: Committee of Secretaries meet to discuss D2M tech

Prasar Bharati's WAVES vs D2M: Committee of Secretaries meet to discuss D2M tech