Times Group’s Bet on Pickleball: When a media giant like The Times Group invests in a sport, it’s more than just a sponsorship—it’s a game changer. Last week, the Indian media powerhouse unveiled its ambitious plans for pickleball, including the launch of the Pickleball World Rankings (PWR), the Pickleball World Series, and the PWR World Tour.
PWR: The New Frontier in Pickleball
The Pickleball World Rankings (PWR) will serve as the foundation for the sport’s new global framework. This ranking system will lead to the Pickleball World Series, a set of six premier events designed to determine the world’s top players. The series will feature both team and individual competitions, with 12 American players squaring off against 12 international rivals in each event.
The inaugural PWR Series is scheduled for March 2025 in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), marking a significant expansion of the sport’s global footprint.
Record-Breaking Prize Pools
In a move that redefines the financial stakes in pickleball, the PWR World Series has set new benchmarks for prize money. The previous record was set at $275,000 during the 2023 Biofreeze USA Pickleball National Championships. The PWR World Series aims to eclipse that with a prize pool ranging from $6 to $9 million, starting with a $1.5 million prize for its debut event.
The PWR India Tour and League will distribute $1 million across a dozen tour stops and a team competition. The PWR World Tour will feature a massive prize pool of $6 to $9 million, distributed over 500-plus events, including a notable $100,000 for the China Open.
The Times Group’s Vision for Pickleball
The Times Group, also known as Bennett Coleman & Company Limited (BCCL), has a rich history dating back to 1838. Headquartered in Mumbai, this media conglomerate is a dominant force across newspapers, magazines, television, and more. Its investment in pickleball reflects a long-standing tradition of innovation and forward-thinking.
Vineet Jain, managing director of The Times Group, expressed his belief that pickleball has the potential to surpass tennis in popularity. “We are excited to support PWR,” Jain stated. “Our goal is to provide a platform that allows players from around the world to compete and showcase their skills on a global stage.”
Forging Strategic Alliances
To ensure the success of the PWR World Tour, several key partnerships have been established. These include:
- The Dink Minor League Pickleball
- National Pickleball League
- Indian Pickleball Tour & League
- Canadian National Pickleball League
- Pickleball World Cup
- Canadian Pickleball Association
- La Cocina Pickleball
These strategic alliances are designed to enhance the global reach of the tour and elevate pickleball to new heights.
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Dubai: The Stage for a Historic Announcement
Dubai, a city synonymous with grandeur, provided the perfect backdrop for a historic pickleball event. The launch ceremony, held in the shadow of the Burj Khalifa, featured a star-studded lineup of players and industry leaders. Among the highlights were American stars Megan Fudge, currently leading the APP Tour, and her husband Ryler DeHeart, who is ranked fifth. Joining them were top Australian players Emilia Schmidt and Mitch Hargreaves, who thrilled the crowd with a high-octane exhibition match.
The event attracted major figures from the pickleball world, including The Dink’s Thomas Shields, Major League Pickleball’s Steve Kuhn, and DUPR’s Tito Machado. Their presence underscored the significance of The Times Group’s commitment to taking pickleball global.
In essence, The Times Group’s investment marks a pivotal moment for pickleball, promising to transform the sport with record-breaking prizes, strategic global partnerships, and a comprehensive ranking system. This initiative is set to propel pickleball from a growing American pastime to a leading global sport.
News in Brief: Times Group’s Bet on Pickleball
The Times Group’s recent investment in pickleball is set to revolutionize the sport. Announced in Dubai, the media giant introduced the Pickleball World Rankings (PWR), the Pickleball World Series, and the PWR World Tour. With a record-breaking prize pool ranging from $6 to $9 million, the PWR World Series aims to surpass the $275,000 mark set in previous tournaments. The inaugural series will begin in March 2025 in the GCC. The Times Group’s vision includes significant global expansion and partnerships with entities like The Dink Minor League and the National Pickleball League. Vineet Jain, MD of The Times Group, anticipates pickleball could surpass tennis in popularity, marking a new era for the sport.
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