Indian Firm Absolute Sports Gets into Pickleball, Acquires Mumbai Franchise in Indian Pickleball League

The acquisition marks the company’s entry into pickleball, the world’s fastest-growing sport and an emerging staple in the Indian sporting landscape. With the acquisition, Absolute Sports will take point in building the Mumbai team’s line-up, establishing its identity and branding, and engaging with fans.

“Our mission at Absolute Sports is simple: be where the fans are. Pickleball is no longer an emerging trend. It’s a global movement and is rapidly becoming a lifestyle and competitive sport in India,” said Ajay Pratap Singh, Director and CEO of Absolute Sports. “Securing the Mumbai franchise allows us to deeply engage with this growing community and leverage our expertise in content, storytelling, and fandom to build a team that the city can rally behind. This investment is perfectly aligned with our strategy of targeting high-engagement sports assets.”

According to reports, the franchise rights agreement has been executed with PWR Indian League and Tour Private Limited, as well as the organisers of the Indian Pickleball League. It is also strategically backed by The Times Group, one of India’s largest media conglomerates.

“We are delighted to welcome Nazara as the owners of the Mumbai franchise in the Indian Pickleball League. Nazara has been a pioneer in gaming and digital sports entertainment, and their entry into IPBL is yet another signal of the exciting future of this sport,” added Vineet Jain, Managing Director at The Times Group. “With their innovation-driven mindset and deep understanding of young India, we believe they will play a transformative role in shaping the league, inspiring fans, and building a strong and passionate pickleball community in Mumbai. Together, we look forward to taking the sport to new heights and creating a league that India will be proud of.”

Taking pickleball to new heights is, indeed, a big goal for the Indian Pickleball League and those involved in it. And if the sport continues its trajectory as the fastest-growing sport in the world, companies like Absolute Sports will stand to benefit greatly as well.