When Gaurav Natekar and Arati Ponappa Natekar discuss the World Pickleball League (WPBL), they draw from their athletic backgrounds and a strong business vision. Both are former India No. 1 tennis players, now leading the nation’s inaugural global franchise-based pickleball league. Natekar, a multiple national lawn tennis champion and Asian Games gold medalist, alongside Arati, an ex-national champion and junior national coach, have focused their competitive spirits on building WPBL from scratch.
Launched in January 2025 in Mumbai, WPBL has carved out a niche at the intersection of sport and entertainment. The inaugural season featured 48 players from 14 nations, presented in a 10-day format at the famous Cricket Club of India (CCI).
Talent Placement
As Season 2 approaches, scheduled from late January to early February 2026 at the newly selected Jio World Garden in Mumbai, the league has broadened its international reach. Natekar noted that the draft included talents from 25 nations, marking WPBL’s success in drawing a diverse global participation.
“In Season 1, we had players from 14 nations, and this season saw players from 25 nations in the draft, with participants from 18 countries making the final teams. The initial feedback suggests that teams are pleased with their selections. We traveled extensively to scout players, and seeing them placed across teams is quite satisfying,” Gaurav stated.
This growth is crucial from both competitive and commercial viewpoints. The league is now acknowledged as India’s premier franchise pickleball venture and shares a close partnership with the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA), aligning with initiatives to professionalize the sport domestically.
Scouting Strategy
WPBL’s effective scouting has been a key factor in its ascent. Natekar and Arati describe their global outreach as both a competitive edge and a fruitful investment in grassroots networks.
“Pickleball is flourishing across Asia, Europe, and the USA. It has become well established in the sports ecosystem. As former players, our ability to identify talent is advantageous. We manage our responsibilities effectively, and it has proven successful thus far,” Arati remarked.
The international surge of pickleball is notable, with participation in developed markets like the United States increasing over 200% in recent years, resulting in millions of players and significant court expansions. WPBL’s leadership seems to amplify this trend through strategic global scouting and league positioning.
This international strategy also supports WPBL’s mission to elevate Indian talent. Several Indian athletes are part of the Season 2 rosters, striking a balance between imported expertise and local development, a vital element for long-term sustainability.
WPBL On Tour
Understanding that a seasonal tournament alone cannot maintain market traction, WPBL has initiated WPBL On Tour, a series of off-season events aimed at engaging fans and broadening the sport’s reach across the country. Natekar acknowledges that operationally, this has been challenging due to the lack of a defined model, but the outcomes have confirmed the effort’s value:
“It’s been extremely tough; very challenging, because there hasn’t been a standard template for this. We’ve conducted 57 WPBL On Tour events and aim to push that number to 100 in the upcoming seasons. This initiative helps teams build their brands and expand their fan bases,” Gaurav explained.
This continuous model seeks to transform the league into a comprehensive sporting ecosystem rather than merely a seasonal endeavor.
The selection of Jio World Garden as the venue for Season 2 indicates a conscious shift towards a sportainment experience.
“When we began, we aimed for an iconic venue steeped in history, which is why we chose the CCI last time. However, Jio Gardens represents modernity, and we’re branding it as sportainment, incorporating many of those elements,” Arati noted.
“We were considering how to expand after Brabourne, and Jio World Gardens allows us to achieve that,” Gaurav added.
This transition reflects broader trends in sports entertainment, where factors related to experience economy, ambiance, lifestyle-centric spaces, and fan engagement zones increasingly influence how leagues present their offerings to broadcasters and sponsors.
Player Relations and Competitive Intensity
As WPBL evolves, the competitive intensity rises. Natekar emphasized that players are entering Season 2 with improved fitness levels, strategic focus, and an eagerness to adapt to the league’s dynamic format:
“The stakes have only grown higher, with increased pace and competition from various nations. Players are becoming fitter, and our high-octane format contributes to an exciting overall experience. We can confidently declare WPBL as India’s premier pickleball league in every relevant metric,” Gaurav stated.
Arati added that WPBL’s rapport with players, coaches, and owners has been fundamental to its success. “We had a clear vision from day one and have prioritized treating players well and fostering strong relationships with team owners. This approach has enabled us to navigate challenges effectively. The owners align with our league vision as well,” she remarked.
In just two seasons, WPBL is already attracting interest from brands and broadcasters. According to Storyboard18, industry estimates suggest a viewership potential in the 8-12 million range per season across multiple platforms, with early sponsorship deals valued in the multi-crore range annually.
These metrics indicate commercial viability and the league’s potential to significantly enrich India’s growing sports advertising ecosystem, which, although still in its infancy, is rapidly advancing.
