The second season of the World Pickleball League (WPBL) kicked off in grand fashion on Friday with a glittering Celebrity Pickleball Showdown at Jio World Garden, bringing together some of the biggest names from Indian cinema and sport.
Superstars Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Atlee, Riteish Deshmukh, Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani took centre court in a first-of-its-kind exhibition match, setting the tone for an expanded and highly anticipated Season 2 of India’s premier pickleball league.
The Celebrity Pickleball Showdown saw star franchise co-owners team up with players from their respective squads, offering fans a high-energy curtain-raiser that seamlessly blended sport and entertainment. The spectacle marked the official return of India’s No.1 pickleball league, which continues to gain momentum and popularity across the country.
Season 2 of the World Pickleball League features seven teams owned by icons from the worlds of sport and entertainment. The franchise owners include youth cricket icon Rishabh Pant, Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar, actors Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia Deshmukh, alongside Samantha Ruth Prabhu, the Rakul–Jackky duo and filmmaker Atlee.
The league has expanded significantly this season, featuring 56 elite players from 18 countries, who will compete across 120 matches over 13 days, underscoring WPBL’s growing global footprint and competitive stature.
The World Pickleball League is officially sanctioned by the All India Pickleball Association, the Asia Federation of Pickleball and the United World Pickleball Federation, reinforcing its credibility on the international stage.
Speaking on the occasion, Gaurav Natekar, Founder and CEO of World Pickleball League, said, “As India’s No.1 pickleball league, WPBL’s Season 2 represents a major step forward for us. With seven teams, 56 players from 18 nations, an expanded format and the passion of our franchise owners, our focus is on giving players greater exposure and delivering a high-quality, competitive league experience for fans, partners and sponsors alike. The Celebrity Pickleball Showdown was the perfect way to set the tone for what promises to be an exciting season ahead.”
Following the star-studded opening, WPBL Season 2 now moves into full competitive action at Jio World Garden. The league stage begins on January 27, featuring a blockbuster opening clash between last season’s finalists Bengaluru Jawans and Pune United, with the grand finale scheduled for February 8.
