What’s the Score?
Absolute Sports, a subsidiary of Nazara Technologies and the parent company of media outlets like Sportskeeda and Pro Football Network, has officially acquired the Mumbai franchise for the inaugural Indian Pickleball League (IPBL). This major acquisition signals the company’s entry into pickleball, recognising its status as the world’s fastest-growing sport and an emerging competitive fixture in India.
Hit it deeper!
The franchise acquisition grants Absolute Sports full responsibility for crucial team development aspects. This includes building the Mumbai team’s roster, establishing its distinct branding and identity, and deeply engaging with the city’s rapidly growing fan base. The company plans to leverage its existing expertise in content creation, storytelling, and building fandom to create a compelling team that the city can passionately support.
Ajay Pratap Singh, Director and CEO of Absolute Sports, emphasised the strategic rationale behind the investment: “Our mission at Absolute Sports is simple: be where the fans are”. He stressed that pickleball is no longer just an “emerging trend” but a global movement rapidly becoming a competitive lifestyle sport in India. Singh stated that the investment perfectly aligns with the company’s strategy of targeting high-engagement sports assets.
The franchise rights agreement was finalised with PWR Indian League and Tour Private Limited, the organisers of the Indian Pickleball League. The league benefits from strategic backing by The Times Group, recognised as one of India’s largest media conglomerates.
Vineet Jain, Managing Director at The Times Group, welcomed Nazara (the parent company of Absolute Sports) as the Mumbai franchise owners. Jain highlighted Nazara’s reputation as a pioneer in “gaming and digital sports entertainment”. He expressed confidence that Nazara’s “innovation-driven mindset and deep understanding of young India” would play a transformative role in shaping the league, inspiring fans, and fostering a strong, passionate pickleball community in Mumbai. Both parties share the goal of taking the sport to new heights.
If pickleball continues its current trajectory as the fastest-growing sport globally, companies like Absolute Sports stand to benefit significantly from this early, strategic investment.
The World Pickleball Verdict
The acquisition of the Mumbai IPBL franchise by Absolute Sports and Nazara Technologies is a crucial indicator of the league’s long-term commercial viability. When major media and technology conglomerates invest in team ownership, it validates the sport’s entertainment value and suggests confidence in securing media rights and fan engagement. Nazara’s deep understanding of gaming and digital entertainment is poised to ensure that the IPBL is not only competitive but also a modern, digitally integrated viewing experience, essential for connecting with young Indian audiences. This move accelerates the financial professionalisation of Indian pickleball.
