The World Pickleball League has announced Bengaluru Jawans, co-owned by well-known filmmaker Atlee, along with his wife Priya Atlee, and Hyderabad Superstars, owned by KLO Sports, as the newest franchises to come aboard WPBL.
For the record, KLO Sports is co-owned by “passionate sports enthusiasts” Sanjay Jupudi and Srinath Chittoori.
Last November, food delivery platform Swiggy had announced its ownership of Team Mumbai in WPBL. Swiggy’s Mumbai team was the second team announced by WBPL after the Chennai franchise was acquired by actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu. The third franchise to be onboarded was Pune United, backed by a consortium of owners, including Bollywood couple Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh, corporate leaders Sudhir and Sunanda Mehta from EKA Mobility and Pinnacle Industries, and educators Ajeenkya DY Patil and Pooja Patil from Ajeenkya DY Patil University.
The WPBL, co-founded by former Indian tennis player Gautav Natekar and Arati Ponnappa Natekar, will tip off January 24 at the iconic Cricket Club of India (CCI) in Mumbai, and feature teams from Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Pune, Mumbai, and Hyderabad.
A total of 48 players from India, along with players from around the world, will be competing in the league.
Bengaluru Jawans
This purchase marks the entry of Atlee and Priya into the sports world, which fuels their passion for pickleball and vision to grow the league. The Bengaluru Jawans have a massive roster, which is headlined by Indian star Vrushali Thakare (also known as Hammer Thakare) for her effective play style. International players Jack Foster, Katerina Stewart, Trang Hyunh McClain, Marcelo Jardim, Alejandra Bobaria, Felix Grunert, and Mauro Garcia will also be joining her, as they make a strong lineup.
As they expressed their excitement, both Atlee and Priya shared their views on this achievement, stating in a release: “Entertainment has always been our passion, allowing us to tell stories that deeply resonate with people. Sports, much like cinema, evoke emotions, build communities, and inspire change. The World Pickleball League is the perfect blend of high-energy sports and vibrant entertainment. It redefines how India experiences sports, and we are thrilled to contribute to its journey.
“Bengaluru holds a special place in our hearts, as the city’s affection and support have been a cornerstone in our lives. We are excited to create a platform that celebrates athleticism, culture, and community through this league.”
“We share a deep spiritual connection with Bengaluru, a city where we have been warmly embraced by the affection and support of countless fans and friends. The city’s unique charm and growing significance in our lives continue to leave a lasting impression,” Atlee added.
As he welcomed the duo to WPBL, Natekar noted that Atlee and Priya’s involvement is a significant deal in creating a platform for the newbie sport.
Hyderabad Superstars
Hyderabad Superstars will be led by renowned coach Jonny Andrews, popularly known as ‘Jonny Pickleball’. Jonny comes with extensive experience in the sport having been associated with Pickleball since 2016 and will get an opportunity to train a formidable roster, including Indian Pickleball sensation Kuldip Mahajan, who was part of the winning team at the WPC held in Mumbai. Joining Mahajan are international stars such as Max Freeman, Ava Cavataio, Ross Whittaker, Madalina Grigoriu, Karolina Owczarek, Ben Cawston, and Ludovica Sciaky.
Chittoori stated: “Driven by sheer passion, we are always seeking unique and exciting opportunities in the world of sports, and World Pickleball League presented just that. Impressed by Gaurav and Arati’s plans and vision for the league and the rapid rise of the sport’s popularity in India, we decided to associate with the World Pickleball League as team owners. We believe that with our investment, we can help nurture local and upcoming talent while building a strong community of players and fans. Our aim extends beyond simply creating a competitive team; we want to foster an environment where everyone can come together to celebrate the sport, share their passion, and embrace the fun and camaraderie that pickleball brings.”
Jupudi added, “We are thrilled to embark on this journey into the exciting world of pickleball—a sport that has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. The World Pickleball League is a fantastic platform to elevate its popularity and discover exceptional talent across the country. Hyderabad, with its vibrant sporting culture, has embraced pickleball with enthusiasm, and we are honored to represent the city in this league, adding to its rich sporting legacy. This moment is especially meaningful to me. As a 12-year-old, I and my 10-year-old cousin unknowingly created a version of this game, making it all the more rewarding to see pickleball gain recognition in India. We look forward to contributing to its growth and success in the country.”
Natekar expressed his enthusiasm, stating: “We are excited to welcome KLO Sports as the owners of the Hyderabad Superstars. Their deep understanding of the Indian sports landscape will be invaluable to the league. With their commitment to excellence and passion for promoting sports at various levels, we are confident that KLO Sports will elevate the franchise to new heights. Together, we look forward to creating memorable experiences for our fans and contributing towards the vision and the grandeur of the World Pickleball League.”
Pickleball is among the fastest-growing sports globally, thanks to its accessibility for players of all ages. This sport has become a popular recreational and lifestyle activity and is poised to gain significant traction among Indians in the coming decade.
There are more than 1,00,000 recreational pickleball players in India and close to 400 or 500 professional players currently. Last year, there was a growth of about 159 percent in India in the pickleball player pool. The sport has seen a 275 percent growth in active players over the past three years and is projected to surpass one million active players by 2028.
