THE LUCKNOW LEOPARDS, a franchise in the Indian Pickleball League, has announced sponsorship of the Indian national pickleball team for the Pickleball World Cup 2026, to be held in Da Nang, Vietnam from 30 August to 6 September 2026.
Underlining the franchise’s commitment to the growth of Indian pickleball at every level, the Lucknow Leopards also unveiled the official jersey that the Indian team will wear at the World Cup. Bennett University extended its support as co-sponsor of the initiative, a media release said.
Th franchise announced that the inaugural Lucknow Leopards Championship will be scheduled for 21–22 August 2025 at Bennett University, Greater Noida. The event will feature a total prize pool of ₹10 lakhs across five competitive categories: Pro Men’s Singles, Pro Men’s Doubles, Pro Women’s Singles, Pro Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles. This makes it one of the richest level pickleball events on the Indian calendar, the release said.
The Lucknow Leopards Championship has been designated a PWR 700 event, awarding points towards national ranking, among the highest on offer at any domestic pickleball event in India. The designation ensures the tournament will draw the country’s top-ranked players, all competing not just for prize money but for critical points that determine their standing in the national rankings.
The event is also part of the Road to IPBL series, a pathway programme where standout performers earn the opportunity to enter the IPBL Player Auction, putting them in contention to represent a franchise in the Indian Pickleball League, the release added.
