The World Pickleball League (WPBL), India’s first and only franchise-based Pickleball competition, has announced a new team, Pune United, owned by Bollywood couple Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh.
Along with them, business leaders Sudhir and Sunanda Mehta from EKA Mobility and Pinnacle Industries, and visionary educators Ajeenkya D Y Patil and Pooja Patil from Ajeenkya DY Patil University are among the dynamic group of owners supporting this team.
On the deal, Riteish Deshmukh, said, “Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the world. Its craze and popularity are unmatched amongst all ages. We are excited to be part of the World Pickleball League which will surely take pickleball to newer heights across India. Our endeavor at Pune United is to champion a team that will inspire players to give their best and couples, families, and communities to come together and embrace this wonderful game and lead healthier and fitter lives.”
Genelia Deshmukh added, “Pune United is serving up a storm. We are excited to be part of the World Pickleball League. Pickleball has the power to unite, inspire, and transform. Our mission at Pune United is simple: to ignite a love for Pickleball that goes beyond the court. We’re committed to fostering a culture of camaraderie, wellness, and fun that will enrich the lives of our players, families, and community.”
Dr. Sudhir Mehta, Founder & Chairman of EKA Mobility & Pinnacle Industries, said, “We wanted to bring a global sports franchise to Pune. Pune is a young and vibrant city thriving with people from all walks of life, students, entrepreneurs, academicians, young professionals, etc. Pickleball is the perfect sport for today’s times—accessible, healthy, and enjoyable. With Pune United, we envision not just nurturing talent but also cultivating a culture that highlights Pune as a hub for innovation, fitness, and community engagement.”
Ajeenkya D Y Patil, Founder-President, Ajeenkya DY Patil University, said, “Through Pune United, we want to connect people of all ages and backgrounds, fostering a sense of belonging and pride. It is an interesting & engaging sport and as a team, Pune United will represent not only the city’s unparalleled potential but also its rich culture and innovative energy.”
Gaurav Natekar, Founder & CEO of WPBL, said, “As a Punekar I am thrilled to welcome Pune United to the WPBL family. The dynamic consortium of owners, with their diverse backgrounds and shared passion for sports, will undoubtedly create a powerful force and elevate pickleball’s popularity and aspirational value in Pune and beyond. The city’s rich sporting and cultural heritage make it the perfect breeding ground for the sport of Pickleball.”
Pickleball’s expanding global appeal reflects its capacity to bring people together, encourage health, and deliver sheer enjoyment. Pune United, a new unit in the WPBL, are set to raise the pickleball’s national profile by embracing their essence of inclusion, community building, and influence on fitness and well-being.
In recent times, the league also announced Swiggy as the owner of the Mumbai franchise.