The debut of the PWR DUPR Indian League, a professional pickleball league in India, has been delayed for the second time this year. Originally scheduled to start in January, the league was first pushed to March 17-23, but now, as of Thursday, the event has been postponed once again, with no new date set.
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Concerns Over Funding and Mismanagement
The situation surrounding the league’s delay is worsened by growing concerns over its financial stability. A source revealed that the league, which has been backed by a $10 million investment from The Times Group, an Indian media conglomerate, has already spent most of the funds.
Reports suggest that PWR founder and CEO Pranav Kohli has used significant portions of the money for personal expenses, including travel, parties, and luxurious accommodations like penthouses.
Impact on Players
The delay has had a significant impact on the players involved in the league. Over 30 players, including Jack Munro, Will Howells, Erik Lange, Megan Fudge, Jill Braverman, and Emilia Schmidt, had signed on with the PWR DUPR Indian League after being attracted by the promise of a hefty $15 million prize pool for the 2025 season.
However, there are increasing reports that many of these players have not been paid, and concerns about the league’s financial solvency are growing.
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The League’s Ambitious Beginnings
The PWR DUPR Indian League was announced in September 2024, promising to bring 60 professional players to India, divided into four teams. The format was designed to mirror that of Major League Pickleball.
A prize pool of $540,000 was initially announced, with a guaranteed minimum appearance fee of $15,000 for every player. However, as the financial uncertainty continues, many are left wondering whether these promises will ever be fulfilled.
Even with some international pickleball organizations overextending, the global game is still set to explode!
Success comes down to partnering with the right people who understand the culture and making smart business moves. We’re locked in on growing @PPAtour & @MajorLeaguePB…
— Connor Pardoe (@connorpardoe_pb) March 7, 2025
Smaller PWR Events Continue Amid Delays
Despite the ongoing issues with the Indian league, smaller PWR events are still taking place. For example, the Skechers PWR Masters 700 Tournament occurred in Japan just last week.
However, the PWR World Series event in Dubai, scheduled for February with a $1.5 million payout, was also delayed and never took place.
The Bigger Picture for International Pickleball
The situation with the PWR DUPR Indian League raises larger concerns about the future of international pickleball. If the PWR league fails to meet its promises of significant prize money and fails to launch, it could create a sense of mistrust within the sport.
This could be especially damaging for the growth of international pickleball, particularly as other leagues like the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball continue to gain traction worldwide.
News in Brief: PWR DUPR Indian League
The launch of the PWR DUPR Indian League has been postponed for a second time due to financial concerns. The league, backed by a $10 million investment, is facing issues related to unfulfilled player payments and mismanagement. The delay raises doubts about the league’s future and its impact on international pickleball.
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