WPBL Season 2 launched in spectacular style on January 24, 2026, at Mumbai’s Jio World Garden as Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Atlee, Riteish Deshmukh, Rakul Preet Singh, and Jackky Bhagnani competed in the Celebrity Pickleball Showdown. The star-studded curtain-raiser featured franchise co-owners pairing with professional players from their teams, setting the stage for 120 competitive matches across 13 days starting January 27.
Table of Contents
WPBL Season 2 Tournament Details
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Celebrity Showdown | January 24, 2026 (Jio World Garden, Mumbai) |
| Competitive Season | January 27 – February 8, 2026 |
| Total Matches | 120 matches over 13 days |
| Teams | 7 franchises owned by celebrities |
| Players | 56 elite athletes from 18 nations |
| Opening Match | Bengaluru Jawans vs Pune United (Season 1 finalists) |
| Sanctioning Bodies | AIPA, Asia Federation of Pickleball, UWPF |
Seven Celebrity-Owned Teams Elevate League Profile
The World Pickleball League’s seven franchises are owned by youth icon Rishabh Pant, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar, Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, power couple Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani, and filmmaker Atlee. This celebrity ownership model mirrors IPL’s success formula, leveraging star power to build mainstream appeal for pickleball in India.
For pickleball enthusiasts, the Celebrity Showdown’s blend of sport and entertainment demonstrates WPBL’s strategy to position pickleball beyond niche recreational activity into mass entertainment. The franchise owners playing alongside professionals created accessible entry points for casual fans unfamiliar with competitive pickleball rules and strategies.
56 International Players from 18 Nations
Season 2 features 56 elite players from 18 countries competing across 120 matches through February 8, representing significant expansion from the inaugural season. The international player composition establishes WPBL as a globally relevant league rather than India-only competition, attracting talent from established pickleball markets like the United States and emerging Asian regions.
“WPBL’s Season 2 represents a major step forward for us,” stated Gaurav Natekar, Founder and CEO. “Our focus is giving players greater exposure and delivering a high-quality, competitive league experience for fans, partners and sponsors alike.”
The league holds sanctioning from All India Pickleball Association (AIPA), Asia Federation of Pickleball (AFP), and United World Pickleball Federation (UWPF), ensuring official recognition and ranking points that attract elite international talent seeking professional opportunities.
Bengaluru Jawans vs Pune United Opens Competitive Action
The league stage kicks off January 27 with a blockbuster rematch between Season 1 finalists Bengaluru Jawans and Pune United, capitalizing on established rivalry from last year’s championship clash. The February 8 final provides 13 days of continuous action at Jio World Garden’s intimate venue that positions fans close to the court.
The celebrity-driven launch strategy, international player roster, and sanctioned professional structure position WPBL as India’s premier pickleball league, capitalizing on the sport’s explosive growth as tennis players and recreational athletes discover its accessibility and social appeal.
FAQs
When does World Pickleball League Season 2 competitive play start?
Competitive matches begin January 27, 2026 with Season 1 finalists Bengaluru Jawans vs Pune United, running through the February 8 final.
Which celebrities own World Pickleball League teams?
Rishabh Pant, Sunil Gavaskar, Riteish & Genelia Deshmukh, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Rakul Preet & Jackky Bhagnani, and Atlee own the seven franchises.
