The high-octane World Pickleball League returns for its second season today at the iconic Jio World Gardens. Following a star-studded Celebrity Showdown over the weekend; featuring icons like Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Sunil Gavaskar, and Rishabh Pant, the league stage officially kicks off with a repeat of last year's final: Bengaluru Jawans vs. Pune United.
Tuesday’s schedule features two blockbuster ties that highlight the strategic evolution of the league:
Tie 1: Bengaluru Jawans vs. Pune United A clash of established titans. Defending champions Bengaluru, under head coach Oliver Strecker, are focusing on surgical precision, while Season 1 runners-up Pune United, led by Rosti Sobek, aim to unleash their trademark "fearless intensity."
Tie 2: Dilli Dillwale vs. Chennai Super Champs The evening encounter pits two teams hungry for a breakthrough. Both franchises have overhauled their squads after missing out on Season 1 silverware and are desperate to secure early momentum to climb the standings.
The league has seen a massive surge in scale, attracting elite global talent and heavy-hitting commercial backing.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | January 27 – February 8, 2026 (13 Days) |
| Venue | Jio World Gardens, Mumbai |
| Teams | 7 (Owned by Rishabh Pant, Sunil Gavaskar, Riteish Deshmukh, etc.) |
| Total Matches | 120 (Including 24 League Games) |
| Player Diversity | 56 Players from 18 Countries |
| Broadcaster | Sony LIV (Digital) & Eurosport India (TV) |
Season 2 is about raising our standards across every aspect of the game. We have focused on consistency and decision-making under pressureOliver Strecker, Bengaluru Jawans
Pune United plays with intensity and fearlessness. That’s our identity. The players are hungry to set the tone right from the first gameRosti Sobek, Pune United