The World Pickleball League (WPBL), India’s first and only franchise-based Pickleball competition, entered a new chapter today with the Season 2 Player Draft, where seven teams selected 56 players from 25 countries across five continents.
The final roster of 56 players includes a mix of experienced athletes and burgeoning young talent from around the world, representing 18 different nations, making this the most varied WPBL lineup to date. Season 2 has a more tiered competitive scene. The draft room was crisper, with teams using greater scouting tools and other strategies to assemble balanced rosters.
Gaurav Natekar, Founder and CEO of WPBL, said, “This draft is reflective of the future we are building. Over a year ago, WPBL was an idea, and now players across continents are choosing this league. The scouting this year was far more evolved, and what excites us most is the surge of young talent entering the system. You can feel a shift in the energy, the ambition, and the belief. Every franchise has been deliberate and strategic, covering all bases with precision. We have witnessed increased participation from Indian players this season, which is encouraging to see. The League is committed towards the development of Indian players and providing a platform and pathway to showcase their talents at the highest stage.”
“Season 2 promises high-octane sporting action mixed with lively entertainment and fan engagement, producing an atmosphere that captures the attention of players, fans, and sponsors alike.”
WPBL is marketed as a sports entertainment product that combines high-speed pickleball with personalised fan experiences, live entertainment, and premium accommodations. It combines sport and spectacle to keep fans involved both on and off the court, transforming pickleball into a lifestyle experience rather than merely a match.
Earlier, the league stated that WPBL Season 2 will be held at Jio World Garden in Mumbai from January 24 to February 8, 2026, transforming the facility into a purpose-built, festival-style pickleball stadium.
Season 2 aims to be faster, louder, and more dramatic than ever before, thanks to renewed rivalries, sharper strategies, and a new surge of global talent.
FULL TEAM LISTS:
BENGALURU JAWANS
Kat Stewart, Dusty Boyer, Brooke Revuelta, Vrushali Thakare, Mauro Garcia, Eungwon Kim, Molly O’Donoghue, Eduardo Irizarry
PUNE UNITED
Vanshik Kapadia, William Sobek, Katie Morris, Madalina Grigoriu, Balint Bako, Thaddea Lock, Sarah Jane Lim, Bartosz Karbownik
MUMBAI PICKLE POWER
Brandon Lane, Glauka Carvajal Lane, Jada Bui, Tejas Mahajan, Max Green, Helen To, Santhosh Narayanan, Sabrina Mendez
HYDERABAD SUPERSTARS
Hong Kit Wong, Seone Mendez, Mayur Patil, Kaitlynn Hart, Louis Laville, Lauren Mercado, Pep Canyadell, Talia Saunders
CHENNAI SUPER CHAMPS
Simone Jardim, Hoang Nam Ly, Carlota Trevino, Sonu Vishwakarma, Tanner Tomassi, Rika Fujiwara, Quan Do, Tea Pejic
DILLI DILLWALE
Max Manthou, Trang Huynh-McClain, Erik Lange, Anuja Maheshwari, Mihae Kwon, Hien Truong, Alejandra Lopez, Rob Cassidy
TEAM JAIPUR
Amanda Hendry, Giang Trinh, Naveen Beasley, Ritam Chawla, Lorena Duknic, Jack Foster, Isabella Nelson, Connie Lee
