- | 4:30 pm
Samantha Prabhu joins World Pickleball League
Actor makes debut as sports entrepreneur, signs on as owner of the Chennai franchise in WPBL
Indian actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu has signed on as owner of the Chennai franchise in the World Pickleball League, which is set to debut in January.
Known for her roles in Shaakuntalam and Eega, Prabhu announced her new venture on Instagram, sharing a photo with Gaurav Natekar, founder of the league and Natekar Sports and Gaming, the league’s organizers.
“Exciting News! I am thrilled to partner with the @worldpickleballofficial and come on board as the owner of the Chennai Franchise. Pickleball fever sweeps India. It’s time to get moving India,” she wrote.
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The league, organized in collaboration with the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA), plans to launch five more franchises for its inaugural season.
“Samantha’s involvement brings a new level of excitement and energy to the sport, and we are confident that her passion and influence will inspire many more to join the pickleball community,” said AIPA.
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The governing body said the partnership highlights the growing popularity of the sport across India.
The league will target seven cities in India for its inaugural season: Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, and Ahmedabad, Mint reported.
Six of these will be finalized as franchise locations.
Franchise fees will vary, with Mumbai and Delhi commanding a premium owing to their anticipated higher market value.
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