Photo by Ben Hershey on Unsplash
Pickleball Expands Internationally to India
April 29, 2024
Pickleball, America’s booming sport, aims to spread its games in India, the world’s most populous country.
The United Pickleball Association (UPA) has inked a landmark deal with Global Sports to introduce the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball (MLP) to India. This marks UPA’s first international venture since its inception following the merger of Major League Pickleball and the Professional Pickleball Association.
The PPA Tour and MLP, renowned for their distinct formats, will step onto Indian soil, introducing both individual and team-based competitions.
While specifics of the deal remain undisclosed, Connor Pardoe, CEO of the PPA Tour, anticipates a monumental shift in the sport’s landscape. The collaboration aims to bring pickleball to millions of new enthusiasts in India.
The partnership promises a grand debut with the Indian Open in February next year, set to attract players from across the globe. Moreover, the PPA Tour India and MLP India will pave the way for local talent to shine on the international stage, offering ranking points and ample opportunities for growth.
Major League Pickleball, not to be left behind, plans to host a tournament featuring a blend of Indian players alongside seasoned professionals.
The UPA plans to kickstart a franchise sale process for MLP, aiming for a comprehensive 12-team season by 2025-26. Franchises are expected to come with a hefty price tag.
This move follows Major League Pickleball’s recent expansion into Australia, underscoring the sport’s global ambition.
While the APP Tour has been active in countries like India, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Sweden, Global Sports’ role in nurturing pickleball in India remains pivotal.
Shashank Khaitan, partner at Global Sports, believes this collaboration will provide a platform for Indian players to showcase their skills at the highest level.
With India embracing pickleball fervently, this partnership promises to be a game-changer, fostering a new era of sporting enthusiasm in the country.
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