Nazara’s Absolute Sports Secures Mumbai Franchise in Indian Pickleball League for ₹5 Crore
- Sarika Sharma
- Nov 12
- 3 min read
Mumbai, November 12, 2025:Nazara Technologies’ wholly-owned subsidiary, Absolute Sports Private Limited, has officially entered India’s rapidly growing pickleball scene. The company announced that it has signed a franchise agreement with PWR Indian League and Tour Pvt. Ltd. to acquire the Mumbai franchise rights in the upcoming Indian Pickleball League (IPL) — a landmark move signaling Nazara’s strategic expansion into emerging sports formats.
Deal Highlights
Under the agreement executed on November 12, 2025, Absolute Sports will pay an annual non-refundable franchise fee of up to ₹5 crore, with an 8% escalation every subsequent season. This multi-year commitment gives Absolute Sports exclusive rights to own, operate, and manage the Mumbai team, as well as develop and maintain its digital presence — including the team’s website, mobile platforms, and social media channels.
The partnership reflects Nazara’s long-term confidence in the commercialization potential of pickleball, a sport that blends elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, and is quickly becoming a global favorite among both amateurs and professionals.
Nazara’s Strategic Expansion Beyond Esports
Nazara Technologies, known for its diversified gaming and sports media portfolio, has been steadily broadening its ecosystem. Through subsidiaries like Absolute Sports (Sportskeeda), the company has become a leading name in sports media, creating data-driven fan engagement and digital sports communities.
By entering the pickleball league format, Nazara is not only diversifying into franchise-based sports ownership but also positioning itself at the intersection of sports content, fan engagement, and community-driven leagues.
This move aligns with the company’s vision to expand beyond traditional esports and mobile gaming and tap into physical-digital hybrid sports entertainment.
Pickleball: The Fastest-Growing Sport in the World
Originating in the U.S., pickleball has exploded in popularity globally — especially across North America and Asia. India, in particular, is witnessing a surge in participation, with dedicated courts, academies, and regional tournaments emerging rapidly.
The Indian Pickleball League (IPL), backed by PWR Indian League and Tour Pvt. Ltd., aims to professionalize and commercialize the sport by introducing a structured, city-based franchise model similar to cricket and kabaddi leagues. The league plans to feature franchise teams from major metros, professional players, and a competitive, media-friendly format to attract sponsors and viewers alike.
Absolute Sports’ Role in Building the Mumbai Franchise
With this acquisition, Absolute Sports will take the lead in team management, talent scouting, sponsorship acquisition, and fan engagement strategies. Leveraging its digital-first expertise, the company aims to create a vibrant fan community around the Mumbai team — integrating real-time content, player stories, and match analytics into an engaging digital experience.
Nazara’s media and gaming ecosystem is expected to play a major role in driving awareness and fan participation, including interactive experiences, live match coverage, and gamified fan zones.
What This Means for Investors and the Sports Industry
For investors, this deal showcases Nazara’s growing focus on sports IP ownership — an asset class that can generate recurring revenues through sponsorships, media rights, and merchandising. It also represents an early entry into a sport that is poised to become a mainstream category within India’s sports entertainment market.
For the broader sports industry, Nazara’s move signals a validation of pickleball’s commercial potential. As corporate-backed entities like Nazara and Absolute Sports enter the field, the Indian Pickleball League could accelerate its journey toward becoming a household name.
Outlook
With the Indian Pickleball League set to debut soon, Nazara’s Absolute Sports is well-positioned to leverage its sports-tech infrastructure and content reach to build a high-value sports franchise from the ground up. The company’s digital-first approach could set new standards for how emerging sports are marketed and monetized in India.
As pickleball gains momentum, Nazara’s investment reflects both strategic foresight and brand diversification, underscoring its belief that the future of sports lies in community-driven, tech-enabled engagement.
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