Swiggy Acquires Mumbai Pickleball Team: Online food delivery platform Swiggy has acquired the Mumbai team for the World Pickleball League (WPBL), India’s first global franchise-based pickleball league. The inaugural season of the WPBL will take place from January 24 to February 2, 2025, in Mumbai. The league is set to bring together top players from around the world.
Pickleball, known for its fast-growing popularity worldwide, has gained attention in India for its accessibility to players of all ages. Swiggy’s acquisition of the Mumbai team marks a significant step in the sport’s development, with the company becoming the second major brand to invest in the league, following actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s Chennai franchise.
Pickleball’s Growing Popularity
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports globally. It blends elements of table tennis, badminton, and tennis, making it a fun and easy game for people of all ages.
As the sport gains popularity, more people are getting involved, turning it into both a recreational and lifestyle activity. Swiggy CEO Rohit Kapoor shared his excitement about the acquisition, saying,
“When we started discussing pickleball internally and our association with it, my joke was achar bina khaana kya! Look, it’s a fun, easy game to play for most people. And I can see food stalls, a happy game and the whole family there for a great weekend. We fit right into this scenario and deliver joy to folks, as per usual.”(Swiggy CEO Rohit Kapoor)
Kapoor emphasized that Swiggy’s involvement in the league is part of their mission to bring joy to people.
WPBL’s Ambitious Future
Gaurav Natekar, cofounder and CEO of WPBL, believes that the league has great potential.
“We strongly believe that the World Pickleball League can become one of India’s best and most popular leagues in the next 3-5 years. Brands like Swiggy coming on board as team owners for the World Pickleball League is a true testament to how the sport and the league is vibing with the masses.”(Gaurav Natekar)
With Swiggy’s support and the growing interest in pickleball, the league aims to expand rapidly, attracting more teams, players, and fans. This partnership highlights the increasing appeal of pickleball, both as a sport and as an entertainment experience.
Looking Ahead
The acquisition of the Mumbai team by Swiggy marks an important milestone for pickleball in India. With the league’s inaugural season just around the corner, fans can look forward to an exciting event in Mumbai.
As the sport grows, more companies and celebrities are expected to join in, further boosting its popularity and visibility. The WPBL’s success could play a key role in shaping pickleball’s future in India and beyond.
News in Brief: Swiggy Acquires Mumbai Pickleball Team
Swiggy has acquired the Mumbai team for the inaugural World Pickleball League (WPBL), set for January 24 to February 2, 2025, in Mumbai. This marks a significant step in pickleball’s growth in India, with Swiggy joining the league alongside celebrity-backed teams. The league aims for rapid expansion and global recognition.
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