Swiggy Acquires Team Mumbai in the World Pickleball League

Swiggy Ltd. has taken ownership of Team Mumbai in the World Pickleball League (WPBL), India's first official global franchise-based pickleball league. Co-founded by former Indian tennis players Gaurav Natekar and Arati Ponnappa Natekar, the inaugural season of the WPBL is scheduled to run from January 24 to February 2, 2025.

Pickleball, one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide, is gaining popularity due to its accessibility for players of all ages. With its rapid rise as a recreational and lifestyle activity, pickleball is expected to see significant growth in India over the next decade. Swiggy's Team Mumbai is the second franchise announced by the WPBL, following the Chennai franchise owned by actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu. The first edition of the league will take place in Mumbai, giving Swiggy's team a chance to compete in front of their home crowd.

As a leading brand in India, Swiggy has built a strong connection with its customers through its diverse range of services, including food delivery, quick commerce, and dining experiences. By joining the World Pickleball League, Swiggy is aligning itself with a rapidly growing recreational trend, fostering community engagement, and offering a fresh way to connect with consumers.

Rohit Kapoor, CEO of Swiggy Food Marketplace said, "When we started discussing pickleball internally and our association with it, my joke was achar bina khaana kya! Look, it's a fun, easy game to play for most people. And I can see food stalls, a happy game, and the whole family there for a great weekend. We fit right into this scenario and deliver joy to folks, as per usual. This partnership with WPBL and Mumbai is Swiggy being part of what makes the city and indeed the world go round. Which is our way.”

Gaurav Natekar, Co-Founder and CEO of WPBL, shared, “We strongly believe that the World Pickleball League can become one of India’s best and most popular leagues in the next 3-5 years. Brands like Swiggy coming onboard as Team Owners for the World Pickleball League is a true testament to how the sport and the league is vibing with the masses. As one of India’s most-loved companies, Swiggy will add to the overall excitement and help us reach an even larger audience—not just for the league, but for the sport of Pickleball as well."

As the season approaches, fans can expect an exciting series of matches, with six teams competing for victory. The WPBL seeks to offer a unique lifestyle experience, aiming to unite people through their shared enthusiasm for pickleball.