The countdown has begun for the inaugural edition of the World Pickleball League (WPBL), set to electrify India from January 24 to February 2, 2025.

This game-changing sports event is poised to introduce India to its first-ever franchise-based pickleball league, combining top-tier international players, celebrity involvement, and an unforgettable fan experience.

To mark the occasion, the WPBL has launched an exhilarating digital video campaign, directed by the acclaimed Bijoy Shetty, who brings his unique perspective to this high-energy sportainment extravaganza, the platform said in a press release.

Pickleball, a fast-growing sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, is rapidly gaining traction in India, with the league promising to elevate the game to new heights. The campaign captures the fervor and excitement that the sport is generating across the nation, while offering a sneak peek into the fast-paced action expected in the WPBL.

The digital video, conceptualized and executed by creative minds at Only Much Louder (OML), showcases thrilling moments from the game, blending them with playful elements that highlight the growing obsession with pickleball.

Director Bijoy Shetty, best known for his work on the viral Hanumankind video, expressed his enthusiasm about capturing the essence of pickleball for the campaign. “Creating something for a dynamic sport like Pickleball, which is taking the world by storm, was an exciting challenge. I wanted the ad to capture the same thrill that drives this incredible sport. It was a joy to bring my own perspective to it, and I hope everyone enjoys the ad and the upcoming league as much as I enjoyed working on it,” Shetty said.

The World Pickleball League promises to bring together an array of diverse and dynamic talent, with six teams, each owned by corporate leaders and popular celebrities. The league aims to showcase the sport’s potential for mass appeal, demonstrating that pickleball is not only for elite athletes but can be enjoyed by anyone, anywhere. This unique approach, highlighting the accessibility and widespread love for the game, reflects the core values of WPBL, as Co-Founder and CEO Gaurav Natekar explains, “We aim to bring people together through the sport, creating communities and building a professional league that is commercially viable for all our stakeholders and partners.”

The campaign also taps into nostalgia, with Executive Creative Director Manav Parekh drawing inspiration from childhood memories of playing cricket with makeshift equipment. “Pickleball is blowing up, and for good reason! We’ve all had that obsession with playing sports everywhere, and that’s what we wanted to show in this film,” Parekh remarked.

Set to take place at the iconic CCI Stadium in Mumbai, the league will feature some of the best international and Indian players, promising to be a thrilling spectacle for fans. With increasing numbers of pickleball clubs, courts, and players emerging in India, the WPBL is expected to further fuel the sport’s growth and create a strong foundation for its future in Asia.

In addition to the action-packed matches, WPBL will host engaging activities, fostering interaction between amateur players and professionals alike, and creating opportunities for the sport’s grassroots development. With its blend of competitive play, celebrity involvement, and community spirit, WPBL is set to make a lasting impact on India’s sporting landscape.

Fans can catch the action live from January 24, 2025, through broadcast partners Sony Ten 2 and FanCode. Tickets are available on Swiggy Scenes, making it easier for fans to secure their spot at this much-anticipated event.