Actor-entrepreneur and Chennai Super Champs co-owner Samantha Ruth Prabhu unveiled the franchise’s new World Pickleball League (WPBL) Season 2 jersey during the inaugural Chennai Open at Sathyabama University on Friday. The tournament, organised by the Chennai Super Champs, is being hosted across six state-of-the-art indoor pickleball courts developed in partnership with the university.
Marking its first edition, the Chennai Open has already seen over 500 registrations across 46 categories, featuring India’s largest-ever pickleball prize pool of ₹25 lakh. The finals are scheduled for November 16.
The newly launched jersey draws inspiration from Chennai’s cultural identity and coastal landscape. Featuring an orange-to-yellow gradient symbolising the sunrise over the Bay of Bengal, the design incorporates subtle kolam-inspired micro-patterns and bold red accents that represent fire, movement, and speed. The colour palette reflects the city’s vibrancy, youthfulness and sporting spirit.
Speaking at the launch, Samantha Ruth Prabhu said, “Every time I step into Sathyabama University, I’m reminded of why this partnership matters. Chennai loves its sport loud, proud, and with heart. This new jersey carries that emotion onto the world stage. The Chennai Open is where the future of pickleball begins, and I want every youngster to know this sport belongs to them too.”
Dr. Mariazeena Johnson, Chancellor of Sathyabama University, highlighted the growing interest in the sport. “Our indoor courts have become a hub for young athletes. Having Ms. Samantha Ruth Prabhu cheer them on today was inspiring. This partnership encourages students to dream big and explore new sporting pathways,” she said.
Co-owner Himank Duvvuru added that Season 2 represents a larger vision for the franchise. “Pickleball is growing naturally in Chennai. The Chennai Open and our collaboration with Sathyabama University show what access and opportunity can do. The new jersey reflects our commitment to community and long-term development.”
With dedicated courts, grassroots initiatives, and flagship tournaments such as the Chennai Open, the Chennai Super Champs and Sathyabama University are driving the next phase of pickleball’s rise in the region.
The Chennai Super Champs will sport their new jersey during WPBL Season 2, beginning January 2026 at Jio World Garden, Mumbai.
Chennai Super Champs – WPBL Season 2 Squad:
Sonu Vishwakarma (India), Tanner Tomassi (USA), Simone Jardim (Brazil), Ly Hoang Nam (Vietnam), Carlota Trevino (Mexico), Rika Fujiwara (Japan), Do Minh Quan (Vietnam), Tea Pejic (Croatia)
Head Coach: Johnny Goldberg (USA)
With its renewed vision, strengthened partnerships and a jersey that reflects the soul of Chennai, the franchise is set to make an even more powerful mark on the global pickleball stage.
