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Pickleball is growing in India, with over 50,000 players in 2024 and nearly 1,000 courts now available. Sony Sports Network aims to expand the sport's reach with this partnership.
The League, conceptualised by Arjuna Awardee and former Indian tennis player Gaurav Natekar alongside Arati Ponnappa Natekar, will debut on January 24. Matches will be broadcast on Sony Sports Ten 2 channels.
Six teams—Dilli Dillwale, Pune United, Mumbai Pickle Power, Bengaluru Jawans, Chennai Super Champs, and Hyderabad Superstars—will compete in a ten-day tournament featuring 18 games and 48 international players from 14 countries. India’s top Pickleball players, including Vrushali Thakare, Mayur Patil, Vanshik Kapadia, Sonu Vishvakarma, Isha Lakhani, and Kuldip Mahajan, will participate alongside global stars such as William Sobek, Willy Ching, and Max Freeman.
Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer - Distribution & International Business and Head - Sports Business, Sony Pictures Networks India: "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."
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Gaurav Natekar, Co-Founder and CEO – World Pickleball League, "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."
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As reported earlier, Sony Entertainment Talent Ventures India (SETVI) has backed the World Pickleball League, a global professional pickleball league launched by Natekar Sports and Gaming (NSG), owned by former Indian tennis player Gaurav Natekar.
NSG plans to invest over $10 million over the next 3–5 years in the global professional pickleball league. SETVI is a joint venture between Sony Music Entertainment and Sony Pictures Entertainment.
