Pickleball Goes Global: New Deal to Expand the Sport in India

Pickleball is reaching beyond its domestic success to target a new frontier: India. In a landmark deal, the United Pickleball Association (UPA) and Global Sports announced plans to introduce the PPA (Professional Pickleball Association) Tour and Major League Pickleball (MLP) to the world's most populous country. The agreement marks a significant step in pickleball's international growth, expanding the sport's reach into Asia.

Introducing the PPA Tour and MLP to India

The PPA Tour India and MLP India will offer unique opportunities for players and fans alike. The PPA Tour's individual bracket-style competition will hold its first event in February at the Indian Open, attracting players from around the globe and awarding ranking points. MLP's team-based league will host competitions featuring Indian players alongside professionals from the PPA and MLP tours. This partnership will also open an avenue for selling MLP franchises, with a full 12-team season set to launch in 2025-2026.

Global Sports' Role and the Future of Pickleball in India

Global Sports has played a pivotal role in promoting pickleball in India, organizing tournaments and managing courts. The current expansion represents a major leap forward for the sport's growth in the country. According to Shashank Khaitan, a partner at Global Sports, the partnership will give existing players a platform to compete at the highest level, further fueling pickleball's rise in India and establishing it as a global sport.