With the launch of the World Pickleball League (WPBL), India is embracing a new sport, pickleball, which is gaining immense popularity and attracting top celebrities from various fields to own franchises. Entertainment powerhouses Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani have joined the WPBL as co-owners of the Hyderabad Superstars.
Both Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani aim to inspire players not just from Hyderabad but across the nation to pursue excellence in the sport, marking a significant milestone in India's sports landscape.
Earlier, Rakul and Jackky have launched various brands and owned sports teams, but with their new initiative they are trying to showcase their true commitment to promoting fitness and supporting the growth of sports in India.
Rakul is already a co-owner of the Hyderabad Strikers, a tennis team in the Tennis Premier League (TPL), and also a co-founder of Enn Sports LLP, which is the company behind the team.
With her new venture as a co-owner of the Hyderabad Superstars in the World Pickleball League, Rakul, alongside Jackky Bhagnani, aims to continue with her contribution to the growth of sports in India.
Sharing her excitement about her new venture and backing a new sport, saying, “We have always been passionate about sports, and joining the Pickleball League as owners feels like a natural extension of that love. Having been a part of a tennis league, I understand the power of sports in bringing people together and inspiring communities. Pickleball is a fast-growing sport with immense potential, and I'm excited to support and be a part of its journey in India."
Not only Rakul, several other celebrities are enthusiastically embracing pickleball and investing in the game. Among the celebrities joining as franchise partners is Samantha Prabhu, who owns Chennai Super Champs.
Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh also own Pune United, while food delivery platform Swiggy and cricketer Rishabh Pant have backed Mumbai Pickle Power. Filmmaker Atlee and his wife Priya Atlee own Bengaluru Jawans.
The WPBL, India's first global franchise-based pickleball league, will kick off its inaugural season from 24 January to 2 February 2025.
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