The renowned sports broadcast entity, Sony Sports Network has acquired the television rights to the forthcoming World Pickleball League (WPBL).
The development’s focal point is to help this sport reach a larger audience. In India, more than 50,000 players picked up the sport of pickleball in 2024. There are an estimated 1,000 pickleball courts in India.
Former tennis players, Gaurav Natekar and Arati Ponnappa Natekar have conceptualized this league which debuts on January 24, 2025.
The upcoming tournament consists of six franchises – Chennai Super Champs, Hyderabad Superstars, Dilli Dillwale, Mumbai Pickle Power, and Bengaluru Jawans. The 10-day competition will consist of 18 fixtures and 48 international players from 14 different nations.
Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer – Distribution & International Business and Head – Sports Business, 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.”
Gaurav Natekar, Co-Founder and CEO – World Pickleball League, said, “We are delighted to have Sony Sports Network as the official broadcaster of the World Pickleball League. 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. Their ability to cultivate fan engagement and enthusiasm for various sports further enhances the excitement as we near the debut season.”
WPBL Schedule:
Match No. | Date (2025) | Match |
1 | 24th January | Mumbai Pickle Power vs Pune United |
2 | 24th January | Bengaluru Jawans vs Chennai Super Champs |
3 | 25th January | Bengaluru Jawans vs Hyderabad Superstars |
4 | 25th January | Mumbai Pickle Power vs Dilli Dillwale |
5 | 26th January | Chennai Super Champs vs Dilli Dillwale |
6 | 26th January | Pune United vs Hyderabad Superstars |
7 | 27th January | Mumbai Pickle Power vs Hyderabad Superstars |
8 | 27th January | Pune United vs Bengaluru Jawans |
9 | 28th January | Bengaluru Jawans vs Dilli Dillwale |
10 | 28th January | Mumbai Pickle Power vs Chennai Super Champs |
11 | 29th January | Chennai Super Champs vs Pune United |
12 | 29th January | Hyderabad Superstars vs Dilli Dillwale |
13 | 30th January | Mumbai Pickle Power vs Bengaluru Jawans |
14 | 30th January | Dilli Dillwale vs Pune United |
15 | 31st January | Hyderabad Superstars vs Chennai Super Champs |
16 | 1st February | Semi-final 1: 1st placed Team Vs 4th placed Team |
17 | 1st February | Semi-final 1: 2nd placed Team Vs 3rd placed Team |
18 | 2nd February | Finals |
Before this development, Sony Sports Network also signed associations with the World Tennis League, Hockey International League (HIL), and Asian Cricket Council (ACC).