India’s gaming giant is betting on paddles. On November 12, 2025, Nazara Technologies’ subsidiary Absolute Sports—parent company of Sportskeeda and Pro Football Network—acquired the Mumbai franchise in the inaugural Indian Pickleball League, marking a strategic pivot into high-growth sports beyond digital entertainment.
Table of Contents
Mumbai Pickleball Franchise: Key Details
| Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Announcement Date | November 12, 2025 |
| Acquiring Company | Absolute Sports (Nazara subsidiary) |
| League Partner | PWR Indian League (backed by Times Group) |
| Global Market Size | $1.5B (2023) → $4.4B (2033 projected) |
| India Growth Rate | 159% participation surge (2019-2022) |
| Franchise Rights | Brand, digital, athlete marketing, fan engagement |
| Parent Brands | Sportskeeda, Pro Football Network |
Why Pickleball Matters for Nazara
Pickleball represents one of the world’s fastest-growing sports, with global markets projected to explode from $1.5 billion in 2023 to $4.4 billion by 2033. In India specifically, participation surged 159% between 2019 and 2022, driven by adoption across fitness centers, residential communities, and sporting academies.
The franchise agreement with PWR Indian League and Tour Private Limited—strategically backed by The Times Group—positions Absolute Sports at the forefront of India’s emerging pickleball ecosystem. With exclusive Mumbai territory rights, the company will build the team’s complete identity: digital presence, social channels, athlete marketing, and grassroots fan programs.
Ajay Pratap Singh, Director & CEO of Absolute Sports, emphasized their mission: “Be where the fans are. Pickleball is no longer an emerging trend—it’s a global movement rapidly becoming a lifestyle and competitive sport in India.”
Strategic Fit for Digital-First Sports Brand
This acquisition aligns perfectly with Absolute Sports’ expansion strategy of targeting high-engagement sports assets. The company operates Sportskeeda (global sports content platform) and Pro Football Network, connecting millions of sports enthusiasts worldwide through fan-centric storytelling and data-driven content.
Vineet Jain, Managing Director of The Times Group, welcomed Nazara’s entry: “With their innovation-driven mindset and deep understanding of young India, they’ll play a transformative role in shaping the league and building a passionate pickleball community in Mumbai.”
With Asia-Pacific projected as the fastest-growing pickleball market through 2029, this move positions Nazara Technologies at the intersection of digital entertainment and physical sports experiences—a market segment where traditional sports fandom meets gaming culture.
For more about Nazara’s portfolio, visit Nazara Technologies official site. For esports and gaming industry news, stay connected.
India already hosts multiple pickleball leagues and 500+ courts nationwide, with corporate adoption accelerating as companies embrace it over traditional golf for team-building. The Indian Pickleball League launches when mainstream visibility and commercial opportunities in media, merchandising, and sponsorships are exploding.
FAQs
When does the Indian Pickleball League start?
The inaugural season launches in January 2025 with Times Group backing and multiple franchises across India.
Does Nazara own any other sports properties?
Yes, through Absolute Sports they operate Sportskeeda and Pro Football Network, plus offline ventures like Smaash Entertainment.
