Hyderabad is set to witness a milestone in the world of pickleball with the introduction of the Hyderabad Pickleball League (HPL). This new league, starting on October 10, 2025, combines grassroots development with top-tier entertainment, aiming to popularize the sport across the region.
The league is the brainchild of Centre Court Sports and Entertainment. Every Friday night, the event will transform into a community sports festival. The HPL’s structure is unique, involving 8 franchise teams. Each team, led by an Icon Player, will include 10 players. Importantly, teams must feature at least two women and one player over 35 years old, promoting inclusivity and diversity.
Matches will be held in a round-robin format across eight different locations, leading up to playoffs similar to the IPL. The finals are scheduled for November 28, 2025. Players will receive payment for participation, a first in Hyderabad. An exciting live auction is planned for August 20, where franchises will compete to sign the best local talent.
Fans can expect a thrilling experience with live streaming, professional referees, and real-time scoring at vibrant venues. The league aims to establish “Friday Night Pickleball” as a must-see event for sports enthusiasts. With a prize pool of Rs 12,00,000, competition will be intense, offering both prestige and financial rewards.
Aditya Dumpala of Centre Court Sports and Entertainment expressed the vision behind the league: “We aim to elevate pickleball from a sport to a cultural phenomenon in Hyderabad. By merging grassroots participation with a professional league setup, we’re creating a platform for everyday players to become local heroes, while fans enjoy top-notch entertainment.”
The HPL seeks to create local champions and narrow the gap between amateur and professional play. Emphasizing a player-first philosophy and community engagement, the Hyderabad Pickleball League is poised to revolutionize Indian pickleball.
