Bengaluru, Karnataka July 02: The Karnataka Pickleball Premier League (KPPL) has officially announced the launch of its inaugural season, marking a significant milestone in the growth of pickleball in Karnataka. As the state’s first franchise-based pickleball league, KPPL aims to bring together elite athletes, passionate fans, corporate partners, and emerging talent under one competitive platform.
Organised by the Karnataka State Pickleball Association (KSPA) and managed by Entropy Sports & Events LLP (ESE), under the guidance and recognition of the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA), the league has been designed to create a structured ecosystem that promotes professional competition while strengthening grassroots participation across the state.
Season 1 will feature six city-based franchise teams representing key regions of Karnataka. The league also has an ambitious expansion roadmap, with plans to increase to eight teams in Season 2 and ten teams by Season 3, establishing KPPL as one of India’s premier regional pickleball leagues.
Beyond competitive matches, KPPL will focus on youth development programmes, fan engagement initiatives, commercial partnerships, and community-driven activities to encourage wider participation in one of the country’s fastest-growing sports.
Speaking on the launch, AG Shivakumar, President, Karnataka State Pickleball Association (KSPA), said: “The Karnataka Pickleball Premier League represents a defining moment in the evolution of pickleball in Karnataka. Our vision extends beyond organising a tournament—we are building a sustainable sporting ecosystem that nurtures talent, creates professional opportunities for athletes, and inspires greater participation across all age groups. KPPL will position Karnataka as a national leader in the development of pickleball.”
Rajath Kankar, Founder & General Secretary, Karnataka State Pickleball Association (KSPA), added: “The launch of KPPL marks the beginning of a long-term vision to transform pickleball into one of Karnataka’s most accessible and professionally organised sports. Through a city-based franchise model, we aim to strengthen grassroots development, encourage youth participation, and create a pathway for athletes to compete at national and international levels.”
Commenting on the league, Ashish Swarnkar, Partner, Entropy Sports & Events LLP, said: “KPPL has been envisioned as a long-term sporting ecosystem that connects athletes, franchises, partners, and fans while strengthening Karnataka’s leadership in Indian pickleball.”
Anil Shah, Partner, Entropy Sports & Events LLP, added: “Our objective is to build a professionally managed league with strong commercial value, exceptional sporting standards, and lasting community impact.”
With pickleball witnessing rapid growth across India, KPPL aims to become a benchmark for professionally managed regional leagues by combining world-class competition with grassroots development and community engagement.