Global Stars, New Rivalries: World Pickleball League Season 2 Draft Unveils Record-Breaking Line-Up

Global Stars, New Rivalries: World Pickleball League Season 2 Draft Unveils Record-Breaking Line-Up


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WPBL Season 2 Player Draft in Mumbai united 56 athletes from 18 countries. Seven franchises revealed squads for the 2026 league at Jio World Garden.

(Credit: X)

The World Pickleball League (WPBL) took another giant leap on Monday as the Season 2 Player Draft brought together global pickleball talent like never before.

Seven franchises finalized their eight-member squads in a thrilling selection event in Mumbai, locking in 56 athletes from 18 countries across five continents.

The 2026 season promises to be WPBL’s most competitive and diverse yet, with a powerful blend of elite veterans and rising stars. From 114 registered players representing 25 nations, franchises deployed sharper scouting strategies and tactical planning to build well-rounded, high-performance squads ahead of the league’s return in January.

Gaurav Natekar, Founder and CEO of WPBL, called the event a milestone moment.

“This draft is reflective of the future we’re building,” said Natekar. “Over a year ago, WPBL was an idea—now it’s a global destination. The energy this year was different: more strategic, more ambitious. The influx of young players and stronger participation from Indian athletes shows how fast the sport is growing. Season 2 will raise the bar on and off the court.”

The league, which blends sport with entertainment, will once again turn Jio World Garden, Mumbai, into a festival-style pickleball arena from January 24 to February 8, 2026.

Positioned as a premium sportainment property, WPBL promises fans an immersive mix of fast-paced pickleball, live music, curated fan zones, and hospitality experiences — all designed to make the game a lifestyle spectacle.

Full Team Lists

BENGALURU JAWANS

Kat Stewart • Dusty Boyer • Brooke Revuelta • Vrushali Thakare • Mauro Garcia • Eungwon Kim • Molly O’Donoghue • Eduardo Irizarry

PUNE UNITED

Vanshik Kapadia • William Sobek • Katie Morris • Madalina Grigoriu • Balint Bako • Thaddea Lock • Sarah Jane Lim • Bartosz Karbownik

MUMBAI PICKLE POWER

Brandon Lane • Glauka Carvajal Lane • Jada Bui • Tejas Mahajan • Max Green • Helen To • Santhosh Narayanan • Sabrina Mendez

HYDERABAD SUPERSTARS

Hong Kit Wong • Mending Seon • Patil’s Mayur • Hart Catlyn • Louis Laville • Mercode Lauren • Every Canyads • Saunders

CHENNAI SUPER CHAMPS

Simone Jardim • Hoang Nam Ly • Carlota Trevino • Sonu Vishwakarma • Tanner Tomassi • Rika Fujiwara • Quan Do • Tea Pejic

DILLI DILLWALE

Maxlaxms of Mahalai and Treshs of Mahasha’s Eachhura Eser Jamatia means “Phikma” on the “Titha news compans.

TEAM JAIPUR

Amanda Hendry • Giang Trinh • Naveen Beasley • Ritam Chawla • Lorena Duknic • Jack Foster • Isabella Nelson • Connie Lee

Sports Desk

Sports Desk

A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you live updates, breaking news, opinions and photos from the wide world of sport. Follow @News18Sports

A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you live updates, breaking news, opinions and photos from the wide world of sport. Follow @News18Sports

News sports Global Stars, New Rivalries: World Pickleball League Season 2 Draft Unveils Record-Breaking Line-Up
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