Pawan Kumar Patodia, chairman and managing director, Pulkit Veneer Mills Private Limited, and Vineet Bhandari, managing partner, SPINX Capital, have recently acquired a Prime Volleyball League franchise, the Kolkata Thunderbolts.
The Prime Volleyball League provides a platform for promotion and opportunity to the top-level volleyball players in India, who fails to get many development opportunities due to the sport not being much famous in the country. While the league operates on an internationally accepted model where the franchises are also the stakeholders in the holding organization of the league. This system helps to add more value to the team owners and the investors.
The league has secured a deal with Sony Pictures Network for telecasting the matches. While for marketing purposes, it has roped in Baseline Ventures, which is one of the leading sports marketing firms in India. Apart from these, A23, the Fantasy games leaders have joined hands with Prime Volleyball League in a multi-year deal, as powered by sponsors.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Patodia and Mr. Bhandari said: “We are absolutely delighted to acquire the Kolkata franchise. Volleyball has always been a hugely popular sport in India, and we wanted to play our part in promoting the sport and building a successful and sustainable business. We are extremely confident that the Prime Volleyball League will be a huge success.”
Adding to that, Joy Bhattacharya, CEO, Prime Volleyball League said: “It’s my pleasure to welcome Mr. Pawan Kumar Patodia and Mr. Vineet Bhandari to the Prime Volleyball League as owners of the Kolkata Thunderbolts. Pawan and Vineet truly want to make a difference in Indian sport and bring their vast management experience to the table. Their involvement in the Prime Volleyball League will provide a huge boost to the tournament.”
While welcoming the new Kolkata Thunderbolts owners, Thomas Muthoot, Owner, Kochi Blue Spikers, said: “It’s fantastic to hear that Mr. Pawan Kumar Patodia and Mr. Vineet Bhandari have acquired the Kolkata Thunderbolts. Their experience and their passion for the sport will certainly help take the Prime Volleyball League to an even wider audience and help take the tournament to greater heights during the upcoming season.”
The player auction of the league is yet to happen and is scheduled to be held on December 14, 2021. While the league fixtures will be also shortly announced by the organizers.