India, Jan. 29 -- When the World Pickleball League (WPBL) debuted in 2025, it did more than introduce a new professional competition-it positioned pickleball as a serious, spectator-ready sport in India. Hosted at Mumbai's iconic Cricket Club of India (CCI), the inaugural season combined competitive credibility, celebrity-owned franchises and strong fan turnout to establish WPBL as India's No.1 pickleball league.

Season 1 featured six city-based teams and a mix of Indian and international players competing in a fast-paced format designed for live audiences and broadcast consumption alike. The league drew attention for its on-court quality, accessible match structure and visible celebrity involvement, culminating in Bengaluru Jawans being...