The sports channel owned by Warner Bros, Eurosport India has obtained the broadcasting rights for the inaugural Grand Prix Badminton League (GPBL).
The maiden edition of the competition will be conducted between August 12 – August 21, 2022, in Bengaluru.
The tournament consists of eight teams that represent different cities of Karnataka. Over 64 players across the state will be featured in the inaugural season of the competition. The participants will be mentored by some of the decorated Indian national badminton superstars – PV Sindhu, Kidambi Srikanth, the duo of Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponappa, B Sai Praneeth Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj.
Speaking on the partnership, Ruchir Jain, Head of Eurosport India- South Asia, Warner Bros. Discovery, said, “It’s the first time that our top players will be managing a team consisting of budding players and we are very eager to bring that action to the audience in India. GPBL is just a new beginning that is going to go on for a long time and we are glad to be a part of this journey.”
Commenting on the association, Prashanth Reddy, CEO of Bitsport and League Commissioner of GPBL, said, “Exciting times lie ahead as GPBL is finally set to begin soon. It is a league like never before as we will get to see many new players under the mentorship of Olympics players like Sindhu and other top national badminton players. Eurosport has been a go-to destination for many sports and we found them to be the perfect broadcasting partner for GPBL.”
Mysore Panthers, Bengaluru Lions, Malnad Falcons, KGF Wolves, Mandya Bulls, Kodagu Tigers, Bandipur Tuskers and Mangalore Sharks are the teams participating in the inaugural edition of GPBL.