Gaurav Natekar’s Vision for World Pickleball League: The World Pickleball League (WPBL) is set to make its debut in January 2025, with the ambitious goal of elevating the sport of pickleball to unprecedented heights. Gaurav Natekar, Founder and CEO of WPBL, outlined his vision for the league in a recent conversation with SportsMint Media. “Pickleball speaks for itself, and we need to consider how we can ensure that the competition benefits not only the league, but also the players, sponsors, and the game itself,”, Natekar emphasized.
League Structure and Participation
The inaugural season will feature six teams, each comprising five to eight players, including international stars. To ensure a balanced competition and promote local talent, teams will be required to include Indian and younger players, giving them the opportunity to learn from the best in the sport. Natekar’s company, Natekar Sports and Gaming (NSG), in collaboration with Sony Entertainment Talent Ventures India (SETVI), is spearheading this initiative. Pickleball, a blend of tennis, table tennis, and badminton, has been gaining global traction, and the WPBL aims to further this momentum.
“SETVI was looking for specific IPs, and I informed them about the enormous potential with pickleball. We are not positioning it as a sport, but rather as a lifestyle and entertainment, which is why I believe SETVI would be a good investor.”-(Natekar)
Strategic Insights and Future Prospects
In discussing the league’s long-term prospects, Natekar noted the challenge of comparing WPBL to established leagues like the PKL, ISL, or even cricket, which remains a dominant force in India.
“I don’t think you can compare anything to cricket. In our country, it is considered a religion. Also, the IPL has been around for 17 years, while we are just getting started. I am excited about pickleball because it is simple to play. For me, it’s also about creating a community. There are many stories about the sport. It’s more about creating communities through the sport, which I haven’t seen in many other sports in my 30-year playing career.”-(natekar)
He expressed enthusiasm for pickleball’s potential to build a community, a sentiment rooted in his extensive experience in sports. He highlighted the league’s strategy to foster community engagement through national ranking contests and collaborations with the All India Pickleball Association.
Attracting Sponsors and Brand Partnerships
When it comes to attracting sponsors, Natekar is confident that pickleball’s appeal will draw interest. While specific negotiations have yet to begin, the league’s marketing strategy is set to launch soon, positioning pickleball as a unique investment opportunity.
“We’ll hold multiple national ranking contests for each franchisee in every city. We are working closely with the All India Pickleball Association to develop the sport from the ground up and raise awareness.”-(natekar)
Community Engagement and Player Development
Natekar also emphasized the league’s role in promoting pickleball as an accessible sport that can integrate into daily life. He acknowledged that while India is predominantly a sport-watching nation, pickleball’s simplicity could encourage more people to participate. “If you try and play pickleball, you just need to pick up a paddle and a ball and you realize how easy it is to play” he stated.
Celebrity Influence and Future Talent
The inclusion of celebrity owners like Samantha Ruth Prabhu is expected to boost the league’s profile. Natekar praised Prabhu’s passion for women’s communities and her commitment to Chennai, asserting that such high-profile endorsements are crucial for the sport’s growth. The league plans to use these celebrity associations to develop future Indian stars and create a compelling narrative around the sport.
News in Brief: Gaurav Natekar’s Vision for World Pickleball League
The World Pickleball League (WPBL), debuting in January 2025, aims to elevate pickleball by featuring six teams with international stars and local talent. Founded by Gaurav Natekar and partnered with Sony Entertainment Talent Ventures India, WPBL seeks to build a pickleball community and attract sponsorships.
Natekar highlights the sport’s accessibility and community-building potential, while celebrity involvement, including Samantha Ruth Prabhu, is expected to boost the league’s visibility and appeal. The league will focus on player development and national ranking contests to grow the sport from grassroots to professional levels.
ALSO READ: Arizona’s Breaking Pickleball Becomes Amazon Prime Hit with Dramatic Season
