IPBL Franchise Announces India World Cup team Sponsorship, Unveils Official Jersey and Launches ₹10 Lakh Prize Event at Bennett University
The Lucknow Leopards Championship — a PWR 700 event and part of the Road to IPBL series — set for 21–22 August at Bennett University, Greater Noida
The Lucknow Leopards, one of the flagship franchises of the Indian Pickleball League, India’s official pickleball league sanctioned by IPA, today announced a landmark sponsorship of the Indian national pickleball team for the Pickleball World Cup 2026, to be held in Da Nang, Vietnam from 30 August to 6 September 2026. The announcement was made in Gurgaon, where India’s top pickleball talent is currently competing.
Underlining the franchise’s commitment to the growth of Indian pickleball at every level, the Lucknow Leopards also unveiled the official jersey that the Indian team will wear at the World Cup — a moment that drew a strong response from players and fans alike at the Gurgaon venue. Bennett University extended its support as co-sponsor of the initiative.
Jersey Unveiled
The Lucknow Leopards jersey for the Indian World Cup squad was unveiled in Gurgaon, where players competing witnessed the reveal firsthand. The jersey will represent India when the country takes the court in Vietnam, continuing India’s impressive trajectory in international pickleball following its debut Pickleball World Cup appearance at Miami, USA with a performance of 25 medals — 8 Gold, 8 Silver, and 9 Bronze — finishing 7th overall.
Lucknow Leopards Championship: 21–22 August | Bennett University | ₹10 Lakh Total Prize Pool
To add to the excitement the Lucknow Leopards revealed the inaugural Lucknow Leopards Championship, scheduled for 21–22 August 2025 at Bennett University, Greater Noida. The event will feature a total prize pool of ₹10,00,000 (Ten Lakh Rupees) — ₹2,00,000 per category — across five competitive categories: Pro Men’s Singles, Pro Men’s Doubles, Pro Women’s Singles, Pro Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles. This makes it one of the richest level pickleball events on the Indian calendar.
The Lucknow Leopards Championship has been designated a PWR 700 event, awarding points towards national ranking — among the highest on offer at any domestic pickleball event in India. The designation ensures the tournament will draw the country’s top-ranked players, all competing not just for prize money but for critical points that determine their standing in the national rankings.
Crucially, the event is also part of the Road to IPBL series — a pathway programme where standout performers earn the opportunity to enter the IPBL Player Auction, putting them in contention to represent a franchise in the Indian Pickleball League. For players on the rise, the Lucknow Leopards Championship is not just a tournament — it is a career-defining opportunity.
Mrs Shreya Agarwal, Owner, Lucknow Leopards, said: “Pickleball is growing at an extraordinary pace in India and it is time for franchise owners to step up and invest in the sport — not just in the league, but in the Indian team. Sponsoring our national side for the World Cup is a proud moment for the Lucknow Leopards and a statement of our belief in Indian pickleball on the global stage. The Lucknow Leopards Championship is the other side of that coin — we want to build a world-class event that gives the best Indian players a platform to shine and a genuine pathway to the IPBL. Bennett University is the perfect host and we look forward to seeing incredible pickleball in August.”
Mr Suryaveer Singh Bhullar, President, Indian Pickleball Association (IPA), said: “The Lucknow Leopards’ decision to sponsor the Indian team for the World Cup is exactly the kind of investment that will accelerate Indian pickleball. When franchise owners align with the national programme, everyone wins — the players get better resources, the sport gets more visibility, and India gets stronger results on the world stage. We are equally excited about the Lucknow Leopards Championship. A PWR 700 event with this prize money sends a strong signal about the ambitions of this franchise and the seriousness with which they are approaching the development of the sport. IPA is proud to partner in this journey.”