Rishabh Pant and Swiggy Join Forces: Swiggy has partnered with Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant to co-own the Mumbai Pickle Power team in the inaugural season of the World Pickleball League (WPBL). The league will begin on January 24, 2025, with Mumbai Pickle Power facing Pune United in the opening match at the Cricket Club of India (Brabourne Stadium) in Mumbai.
View this post on Instagram
A Game-Changer for Pickleball in India
The partnership between Swiggy and Rishabh Pant marks a new era for pickleball in India. Known for his energetic cricket style, Pant brings his enthusiasm and vast fanbase to the sport, which is gaining momentum in India.
The goal is to raise awareness and boost the popularity of pickleball, which has rapidly become a favorite sport for many.
“Pickleball already had our attention: fun, fast-paced, and perfect for families to enjoy together. But adding Rishabh Pant to the mix? Ab game aur bhi interesting ho gaya! As co-owners of Mumbai Pickle Power, we’re not just here to win matches; we’re here to create moments of joy, inspire a new generation of players, and make pickleball a household name in India. With Rishabh’s unmatched energy and our commitment to fostering trends, I can’t wait to see what this season brings. Let’s bring the power to pickleball!” – (Rohit Kapoor, CEO, Swiggy Food Marketplace)
Rishabh Pant, sharing his excitement, said,
“I am pleased to partner with Swiggy for the Mumbai Pickle Power franchise in the World Pickleball League. The excitement around pickleball is contagious and I personally love the sport. I wanted to invest into the World Pickleball League to take the sport to the next level. I couldn’t have found a better partner than Swiggy, where we share the same vision to amplify the popularity and excitement around pickleball.” – (Rishabh Pant)
The World Pickleball League
The WPBL is India’s first global franchise-based pickleball tournament, co-founded by former Indian tennis stars Gaurav Natekar and Arati Ponnappa Natekar.
The league features six teams, with Mumbai Pickle Power as one of the prominent contenders. The matches will be held on indoor pickleball courts at Brabourne Stadium, streamed live on FanCode.
The inaugural season will run from January 24 to February 2, 2025, and will feature top players, including stars from India and abroad.
Impact on Pickleball in India
The partnership between Swiggy and Rishabh Pant is set to bring significant attention to pickleball. With millions of viewers expected to tune in for the WPBL, the sport’s visibility will grow substantially.
As pickleball courts continue to be built across India, including in cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Delhi, this event is sure to inspire more people to take up the sport.
The increasing popularity of pickleball facilities, both indoor and outdoor, will likely lead to more tournaments and events in the future, providing opportunities for new players and coaches to emerge.
News in Brief: Rishabh Pant and Swiggy Join Forces
Swiggy and Rishabh Pant will co-own the Mumbai Pickle Power team in the inaugural World Pickleball League, starting January 24, 2025. The league, featuring six teams, will be held at Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai and streamed live on FanCode, showcasing top pickleball technique and strategy.