The Indian Pickleball League (IPBL) announced five franchises for its inaugural season from December 1–7 at the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi.
Launched by The Times Group and sanctioned by the Indian Pickleball Association under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, the IPBL’s announcement was made at an event in Chennai attended by Thiru Udhayanidhi Stalin, Deputy CM of Tamil Nadu.
The franchises are M3M Gurugram, Nazara Mumbai, Bengaluru Blasters, Chennai Super Warriors and Hyderabad Royals. It is learnt that a sixth team will be announced later.
“These teams represent the scale, ambition, and reach that define the IPBL. They bring a fresh competitive spirit that will make pickleball a modern fixture in India’s sporting landscape,” said Vineet Jain, Managing Director, The Times Group.
Pankaj Bansal, Director, M3M India, said, “Gurugram loves fast, social, high-energy sport. Being the city’s first major league franchise makes this moment special.”
Vasanth Kalyan, CEO of Bengaluru Blasters said: “Bengaluru reflects the pulse of new India — quick, expressive, and competitive. Pickleball feels tailor-made for this city.”
Nitish Mittersain, CEO of Nazara Technologies, who are backing the Mumbai franchise added: “Mumbai thrives on speed, skill, and competition. And Pickleball
fits right in.”
Dr Swetha Sundeep of Accord Group, who are behind Chennai Super Warriors, said: “Chennai has always backed competitive, high-energy sport. Pickleball adds a new dimension to that spirit.”
Anubhav Tyagi, Managing Director of Operam Ventures, who own Hyderabad Royals said: “Hyderabad is ready for the next big sport. Pickleball has found early, enthusiastic adoption here, and IPBL gives us a national stage to build on that momentum.”
