Siddharth Shankar, Chairman of UK-based Tails Trading and Global COO of Komerz Ltd, has acquired the newly formed Jaipur Djinns franchise in the World Pickleball League (WPBL).
The Pink City joins the WPBL in a historic move, increasing the league’s roster to seven clubs ahead of Season 2.
With the addition of the Jaipur Djinns, the WPBL will now have seven teams in Season 2, expanding to a 120-match schedule from 90 in Season 1. The forthcoming edition promises 16 days of nonstop entertainment, with teams fighting for the coveted WPBL title beginning January 24, 2026, at the Jio World Garden in Mumbai.
Following a great debut season, WPBL maintained momentum by engaging the community year-round through its WPBL On Tour project. The multi-city initiative has expanded the sport beyond the league season, with an emphasis on increased participation, exposure to new players, and community connection.
Moreover, the arrival of Jaipur Djinns guarantees that participation in the state of Rajasthan continues beyond Season 2, introducing a new regional following and bolstering India’s burgeoning pickleball ecosystem.
Gaurav Natekar, Founder and CEO of World Pickleball League, said, “We are pleased to welcome Siddharth and Jaipur Djinns into the WPBL family ahead of the league’s much-awaited Season 2. When global entrepreneurs and long-term investors choose to back the league, it reinforces the strength of our vision. WPBL is fast becoming a force to reckon with thanks to its unique sports & entertainment format and the expansion into Rajasthan reflects our commitment to building a truly national, scalable league with international relevance as we prepare for a bigger and more competitive Season 2, providing exposure to more players.”
Siddharth Shankar, franchise owner, Jaipur Djinns, said, “What drew me towards WPBL is when Gaurav and Arati shared their vision to build an ecosystem rather than just a sports league, which resonated with my ambition for such an investment. From my experience of building global distribution and market platforms, success comes from scale, participation and consistency and WPBL mirrors those principles. Jaipur has an immense sports and entertainment legacy, and through Jaipur Djinns, we aim to build a competitive franchise with strong regional and community connect, which is commercially viable and scalable for us.”
Shankar has extensive expertise in global sports and business ecosystems, having previously invested in the United Soccer League and Central Florida Pro Soccer in the United States. His entry into the WPBL reflects a long-held trust in the sport’s global growth trajectory and India’s expanding sports environment.
The team has already hired Lee Whitwell as head coach and confirmed its roster through a player draft held last month. Amanda Hendry, Giang Trinh, Naveen Beasley, Ritam Chawla, Lorena Duknic, Jack Foster, Isabella Nelson, and Connie Lee make up the Jaipur Djinns lineup.
