WPBL Season 2 Set for Jio World Garden, Elevates Pickleball in India
What's the Score?
The World Pickleball League (WPBL) is set to elevate its profile significantly by hosting its Season 2 matches at Mumbai’s iconic Jio World Garden from January 24 to February 8, 2026. This move marks a major milestone as it will be the first time a franchise sports league takes place at this high-profile venue in the Bandra Kurla Complex. With plans to feature six teams, well-known players, and celebrity team owners, WPBL Season 2 aims to redefine the pickleball experience, integrating elite sport with entertainment to attract larger crowds and boost the sport's popularity across India.
Hit it deeper!
Jio World Garden is renowned as one of Mumbai's premier venues for large-scale events, having previously hosted major concerts with international music stars like the Backstreet Boys, Bryan Adams, Slash, and Armin van Buuren, alongside prominent Indian artists such as Arijit Singh, AR Rahman, and Diljit Dosanjh. The selection of such a high-profile location for WPBL Season 2 underscores the league's ambition to establish pickleball as a major sporting spectacle in India.
Season 1 of the World Pickleball League, which was held at the Cricket Club of India, successfully brought national attention to pickleball within India. Building on this initial success, WPBL has ambitious plans for Season 2. The league aims to attract significantly larger crowds and feature more international players, enhancing the competitive level and global appeal of the event.
A core focus for the upcoming season is to create superior fan experiences. WPBL intends to support the organic growth of pickleball at the local level across India, indicating a commitment beyond just the elite professional games. Furthermore, the league plans to incorporate "fun, new ways to tell stories about the sport," suggesting innovative media and engagement strategies to connect with the audience on a deeper level.
The WPBL is actively working to blend sports and entertainment in novel ways. Hosting the matches at Jio World Garden is a clear demonstration of the league's seriousness in establishing itself as a top-tier sporting event. The overarching goal is to provide fans with a more immersive and exciting way to enjoy pickleball. By strategically choosing this iconic venue, the league hopes to expand its fan base considerably and forge stronger, more meaningful connections between the sport and its burgeoning audience.
The move to a prime location like Jio World Garden, coupled with the involvement of celebrity team owners and top players, is expected to significantly elevate the visibility and appeal of pickleball in India, further accelerating its rapid growth. This signals a robust future for the sport within the country, potentially attracting new players, investors, and spectators.
The World Pickleball Verdict
The World Pickleball League's decision to host Season 2 at Mumbai's Jio World Garden is a strategic masterstroke poised to transform pickleball's standing in India. By leveraging such an iconic venue and integrating elements of celebrity and entertainment, WPBL is not just promoting a sport; it's crafting a comprehensive entertainment experience. This approach is critical for a rapidly growing sport aiming for mainstream appeal and wider adoption. It demonstrates a forward-thinking vision to elevate pickleball from a niche activity to a major spectator sport, promising bigger crowds, enhanced fan engagement, and a significant boost to pickleball's popularity across India.