Pickleball Fever Spreads to India: United Pickleball Association Makes Historic Deal
Prepare to witness a major frontier conquered in the world of sports, as pickleball, the fastest-growing phenomenon in America, embarks on a captivating journey to India. Marking a significant milestone in its international expansion, the United Pickleball Association (UPA) has joined forces with Global Sports to bring the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball (MLP) to the land of billions.
United Pickleball Association: A Powerhouse in the Making
This breakthrough collaboration is the first international deal and announcement from the UPA, formed after the merger of Major League Pickleball and the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA). The merger has allowed both entities to maintain their distinct brands, with the PPA Tour featuring individual bracket-style tournaments and MLP adopting a team-based format.
PPA Tour’s India Conquest: A Global Stage Beckons
A fascinating chapter in the story of pickleball unfolds next February, when the PPA Tour makes its official debut in India. The Indian Open event will serve as the tour’s maiden foray into Asia, attracting top players from around the globe. Furthermore, the establishment of PPA Tour India will award ranking points to players at events held throughout the country.
Major League Pickleball: India’s Team-Based Showcase
The team-based league, MLP, will also make its presence felt in India, featuring a unique blend of local talent and established MLP and PPA Tour professionals. The UPA aims to hold an open process to sell MLP franchises in India, aiming for a full-fledged 12-team season by 2025-26. Industry sources indicate that franchises could command a seven-figure sum.
Global Sports: The Driving Force Behind India’s Pickleball Revolution
Global Sports played a pivotal role in introducing pickleball to India, and their continued involvement promises to elevate the sport’s popularity even further. The organization’s operations include managing courts and organizing tournaments across India. Shashank Khaitan, a partner at Global Sports, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Pickleball in India has grown immensely in the past few years, and this will give existing players a platform to compete at the highest level.”
Pickleball’s Global Surge: Breaking Barriers and Conquering Hearts
The expansion of pickleball into India is not an isolated occurrence. The APP Tour, catering to amateurs and seniors, has actively promoted the sport internationally in countries like the United Kingdom, Spain, and Sweden. These efforts underscore the growing global appeal of pickleball, capturing the hearts of players and fans alike.
In summation, the United Pickleball Association’s partnership with Global Sports marks a transformative moment for pickleball’s global footprint. The PPA Tour and MLP’s ventures into India promise to nurture local talent, captivate audiences, and propel the sport to unprecedented heights. The future of pickleball looks incredibly promising, with the emergence of a new frontier in India set to ignite even greater passion for this exhilarating game.
Data sourced from: cnbc.com
