Bollywood and South Indian cinema stars collide on the pickleball court as Samantha Ruth Prabhu, filmmaker Atlee, Riteish Deshmukh, and power couple Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani headline the Celebrity Pickleball Showdown at Jio World Garden in Mumbai on January 24. The star-studded curtain-raiser kicks off World Pickleball League Season 2, with team co-owners pairing with professional players for fan-first entertainment.
World Pickleball League Season 2 Overview
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Celebrity Showdown | January 24, 2026, Jio World Garden, Mumbai |
| Season 2 Start | January 27, 2026 (120 matches across 13 days) |
| Final | February 8, 2026 |
| Teams | 7 franchises owned by celebrities |
| Players | 56 elite players from 18 nations |
| Tickets | Live on Swiggy Scenes (exclusive partner) |
Star Team Owners Play Against Each Other
The Celebrity Pickleball Showdown puts team co-owners center stage in a unique format where Samantha, Atlee, Riteish, Rakul, and Jackky pair with professional players from their respective franchises. India’s No. 1 pickleball league features seven teams owned by youth icon Rishabh Pant, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar, Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh, alongside Samantha, Rakul-Jackky, and Atlee.
For sports entertainment fans, this fan-first format delivers action, flair, and fun while bringing audiences closer to the personalities shaping the league. “I have seen and played pickleball with Samantha, Atlee and Riteish, and I am excited to play against our team owners,” stated Gaurav Natekar, Founder and CEO of World Pickleball League.
120 Matches Across 13 Days Starting January 27
Following the January 24 celebrity opener, competitive Season 2 action begins January 27 with 120 matches featuring 56 elite players from 18 countries through the February 8 final. The Jio World Garden venue creates an intimate atmosphere with fans positioned close to the action, amplifying the energy for both celebrity and professional matches.
Tickets for the Celebrity Pickleball Showdown are available exclusively through Swiggy Scenes, WPBL’s official ticketing partner. The high-profile ownership roster including Rishabh Pant and Sunil Gavaskar positions pickleball as India’s fastest-growing celebrity-backed sport after cricket and badminton leagues.
The celebrity showdown strategy mirrors successful IPL opening ceremonies that blend entertainment with sport, creating mainstream appeal beyond hardcore pickleball enthusiasts. With Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s pan-India popularity, Atlee’s blockbuster credentials, and Riteish Deshmukh’s Bollywood star power, WPBL Season 2 targets crossover audiences who follow celebrities first and discover pickleball second.
The league’s timing capitalizes on India’s growing pickleball infrastructure and the sport’s accessibility compared to tennis—smaller courts, easier learning curve, and social appeal that attracts recreational players and competitive athletes alike.
