The five new teams join the Indian pickleball league as the IPBL prepares for its first season from December 1 to 7 at the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall in New Delhi. The league revealed its first five teams on November 19, 2025, and the announcement created excitement across the sports community. Since each franchise represents a major city, the league hopes to grow pickleball into a national sport.
The five teams introduced at the event are:
• Gurgaon Capital Warriors
• Mumbai Smashers
• Bengaluru Blasters
• Chennai Super Warriors
• Hyderabad Royals
A sixth team will join soon, which will expand the competition even further. Because the league is backed by The Times Group and approved by the Indian Pickleball Association under the Sports Ministry, it carries strong credibility and official support.
Each selected city already has a strong sports culture. For example, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Chennai have long histories of supporting professional sports. Therefore, they offer the perfect environment for pickleball to grow among young and energetic fans.
During the launch, Vineet Jain, Managing Director of The Times Group, expressed his excitement. He said the teams represent the scale and spirit of the IPBL. According to him, pickleball will soon become a modern and widely loved sport in India. His message highlighted the league’s goal of bringing new athletic experiences to Indian audiences.
Team owners also shared their enthusiasm. Pankaj Bansal from the Gurugram franchise said that his city enjoys fast and high-energy sports. His comments showed how ready the region is to support a major pickleball team.
Similarly, Vasanth Kalyan, CEO of Bengaluru Blasters, explained that Bengaluru reflects the energy of new India. Because pickleball is a quick and expressive game, he believes the sport fits naturally with the city’s personality.
Nitish Mittersain from Nazara Technologies added that Mumbai loves speed and competition. Since pickleball includes both, he expects the sport to grow quickly in Mumbai’s active sports culture.
Dr. Swetha Sundeep of the Chennai Super Warriors also shared her excitement. She said Chennai has always supported competitive sports, and pickleball will add something fresh to the city’s legacy. Her comments captured the pride of representing Chennai in the league’s first season.
Additionally, Anubhav Tyagi from Operam Ventures explained that Hyderabad is ready for the next big sport. Pickleball already has strong early adoption there, so he believes the IPBL will help expand its reach across India.
The launch event became even more special with the presence of Udhayanidhi Stalin, Tamil Nadu’s Deputy Chief Minister. His appearance showed that state leaders are ready to support new sports and help them grow nationwide.
Pickleball is becoming popular across the world because it mixes elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It is fast, fun, and easy to learn. Because of this, the IPBL will introduce many new players to the sport. It may also inspire schools, clubs, and academies to start pickleball programs.
Moreover, the league hopes to build a strong fan base. Since the matches will take place over one exciting week, spectators can expect fast-paced rallies, powerful shots, and close finishes. The IPBL also aims to attract players from different age groups, which makes the sport even more inclusive.
In addition, the league may boost local sports industries. As interest grows, cities could see more pickleball courts, more coaching centers, and more recreational clubs. This growth would support fitness, training, and community participation.
Overall, the IPBL launch shows that India is ready to embrace new sports. Because of strong sponsors, committed team owners, and enthusiastic cities, the league has a strong foundation. If the first season succeeds, pickleball may soon become a regular part of sporting conversations in India.
In conclusion, the five new teams join the Indian pickleball league announcement marks the beginning of a new chapter in Indian sports. As fans prepare for the opening matches on December 1, the excitement continues to grow, and the league is expected to bring fresh energy to the national sports scene.
