Pickleball IPL Teams & Owners: Full Breakdown (2025)

Pickleball is exploding across India — not just as a recreational sport but as a competitive, franchise-based league with big-city representation and major corporate backing. As the Indian Pickleball League (IPBL) steps onto the national sporting stage, here’s a complete breakdown of the teams and their owners that are shaping the future of the sport in India.

What Is the Pickleball IPL (IPBL)?

The Indian Pickleball League (IPBL) — often referred to as India’s Pickleball IPL — is the first national franchise-based pickleball league in India. Launched by The Times Group and sanctioned by the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, it kicked off its inaugural season from December 1–7, 2025 in New Delhi.

This league aims to professionalize pickleball in India, giving domestic players competitive exposure while attracting fan engagement, corporate investment, and a credible sporting infrastructure.

The IPBL Teams & Their Owners

In its first season, the IPBL unveiled five core franchises, with a sixth anticipated to be announced soon. Here’s a team-wise breakdown:

1. Gurgaon Capital Warriors

Location: Gurugram
Owner / Backer: M3M India Family Office — Fronted by Pankaj Bansal, Director of M3M India.
Overview: Positioned as Gurugram’s flagship pickleball franchise, the Capital Warriors reflect the city’s fast-paced sporting culture and aim to build a loyal pickleball fan base.

2. Mumbai Smashers

Location: Mumbai
Owner: Absolute Sports Pvt. Ltd. — A subsidiary of Nazara Technologies Ltd., a leading gaming and digital entertainment company.
Leadership Insight: Nitish Mittersain, CEO of Nazara Technologies, has publicly stated that Mumbai’s high-energy sports ecosystem is a perfect fit for pickleball.

3. Bengaluru Blasters

Location: Bengaluru
Owner / CEO: Vasanth Kalyan — As the CEO, Vasanth represents the team’s management, embodying Bengaluru’s vibrant, tech-forward energy.
Vision: The Blasters aim to engage local youth and tech communities in pickleball while developing homegrown talent.

4. Chennai Super Warriors

Location: Chennai
Owner: Accord Distillers & Brewers Pvt. Ltd.
Team Representative: Dr. Swetha Sundeep, who highlighted Chennai’s deep-rooted sporting passion, bringing both legacy and corporate strength into the league.

5. Hyderabad Royals

Location: Hyderabad
Ownership: Part of the initial franchise lineup, the Royals represent Hyderabad’s sporting passion and the city’s rich athletic heritage.
Note: Official details on individual corporate backers may still evolve as the league gains commercial traction.

6. Lucknow Leopards (Reported Competitor)

Location: Lucknow
Owner: Shreya Agarwal — Cited in event banners and draft coverage.
Status: While not officially announced in earlier press releases, this team has appeared in match drafts and tournament records, signaling expansion.

What Makes These Teams Special?

Strategic Corporate Backing

Unlike grassroots pickleball clubs, these franchises are backed by established business houses and sports enterprises — M3M India, Nazara Technologies, and Accord Group — bringing marketing muscle and long-term investment to the sport.

City Identity & Fan Engagement

Each team is built around a major Indian city — drawing parallels with cricket and other sports leagues where city pride drives fan passion and loyalty.

Boosting Indian Talent

While international players feature in the lineup, the league emphasizes Indian talent development, ensuring local pickleball players get meaningful exposure and competition.

Why This League Matters

• First of its kind: As India’s first national franchise pickleball league, the IPBL lays the foundation for structured, professional growth of the sport.

• Corporate & Media Trust: Backed by India’s largest media house — The Times Group — the league brings credibility, broadcast reach, and commercial potential.

• Sports Ecosystem Growth: As pickleball gains traction globally, leagues like the IPBL help create a sporting economy that supports athletes, coaches, sponsors, and fans.

Final Thoughts

The Indian Pickleball League (IPBL) isn’t just transforming the sport’s competitive landscape — it’s creating a thriving ecosystem where players, fans, and brands all benefit. As city-based franchises like Gurgaon Capital Warriors, Mumbai Smashers, and Chennai Super Warriors attract attention, pickleball is moving from social courts into the mainstream — and that has a powerful downstream impact on gear, training, and performance.

For players of all levels — from beginners inspired by the league to experienced competitors chasing their own wins — choosing the right equipment matters more than ever. That’s where SportsGear24x7 comes in:

Gear You Can Trust — Backed by League-Level Standards
Pickleball IPL pros rely on paddles designed for power, precision, and control. SportsGear24x7’s curated range of pickleball paddles, balls, and footwear brings those same performance standards to players across India. Whether you’re aiming to master your serves or dominate the dink line, high-quality gear accelerates your improvement.

In essence, the Pickleball IPL isn’t just a league — it’s a catalyst. It’s pushing the sport forward and putting a spotlight on the tools players need to succeed. And whether you’re discovering pickleball for the first time or upgrading your gear to match your competitive ambitions, SportsGear24x7 has everything you need to elevate your game.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Pickleball IPL and why is it important for Indian sports?

Pickleball IPL, officially known as the Indian Pickleball League (IPBL), is India’s first franchise-based professional pickleball league. It plays a key role in promoting the sport nationwide, creating professional opportunities for Indian players, and building a structured ecosystem similar to cricket leagues.

2. How many teams are there in Pickleball IPL and which cities do they represent?

In its inaugural season, Pickleball IPL features teams representing major Indian cities such as Gurugram, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad, with more franchises expected to join as the league expands.

3. Who owns the Pickleball IPL teams?

Pickleball IPL teams are owned by leading corporate groups and business leaders, including M3M India, Nazara Technologies, and Accord Group. Their involvement brings financial strength, professional management, and long-term growth to the league.

4. Can beginners start playing pickleball after watching Pickleball IPL?

Absolutely. Pickleball is one of the easiest racket sports to learn, making it ideal for beginners inspired by Pickleball IPL matches. With the right paddle, ball, and court shoes, new players can start playing comfortably within days.

5. What type of pickleball gear is best for players inspired by Pickleball IPL?

Players inspired by Pickleball IPL should look for balanced paddles with good control, durable outdoor pickleballs, and court shoes with strong grip and lateral support. Platforms like SportsGear24x7 offer pickleball equipment suitable for beginners, intermediate players, and those aiming to play at a competitive level.