ABSOLUTE SPORTS, a subsidiary of Nazara Technologies and the parent company of Sportskeeda and Pro Football Network, has forayed into the rapidly growing global sport of pickleball with the acquisition of the Mumbai franchise in the Indian Pickleball League.
With exclusive rights to the Mumbai territory, Absolute Sports will build and operate the franchise, overseeing its brand identity, digital presence, website, social media channels, athlete marketing, and fan engagement programs. The franchise rights agreement has been executed with PWR Indian League and Tour Private Limited, the organisers of the league, which is strategically backed by The Times Group, one of India’s largest media conglomerates.
According to the company, the deal includes an annual non-refundable franchise fee of up to Rs 5 crore, with an 8 per cent annual escalation for each subsequent season.
Rising in popularity, pickleball is one of the world’s fastest-growing sports, and as per some estimates, the market is globally projected to expand to USD 4.4 billion by 2033, from USD 1.5 billion in 2023. In India, participation has surged 159 per cent between 2019 and 2022, the release said.
“With the Asia-Pacific region projected to be the fastest-growing pickleball market through 2029, this move positions Absolute Sports and by extension, Nazara Technologies — at the forefront of a new and rapidly scaling sports category,” the release added.
