World Pickleball League 2026: Bengaluru Jawans take on Pune United; Dilli Dillwale face Chennai Super Champs on Day 1

Eight teams are competing in WPBL Season 2.

The World Pickleball League (WPBL) is set to return for its highly-anticipated Season 2 on January 27, with the defending champions Bengaluru Jawans and Season 1 runners-up Pune United playing the opening fixture at the Jio World Gardens in Mumbai.

That will be followed by the Dilli Dillwale and Chennai Super Champs locking horns to round off a captivating inaugural day of the competition.

Building on the strong competitive and commercial foundation laid in its maiden edition and an expanded global player pool, Season 2 is a sign of WPBL’s intent to firmly position itself as the prime spotainment property in the Indian landscape.

The two blockbuster fixtures on Tuesday throw the spotlight on four franchises that represent distinct playing philosophies and strengths within the league ecosystem.

Bengaluru Jawans’ head coach Oliver Strecker said, “Season 2 is about raising our standards across every aspect of the game. We have focused on consistency and decision-making under pressure, and the opening match is a good opportunity to put that preparation into action.”

Pune United head coach Rosti Sobek said, “Pune United plays with intensity and fearlessness. That’s our identity. The players are hungry and we are keen to set the tone for the season right from the first game.”

Dilli Dillwale head coach Wesley Gabrielsen said, “Our approach this season is centred on balance and adaptability. With the quality and experience in this group, the focus is on executing roles clearly and staying composed in crucial moments, so that we can move a few steps ahead to have a realistic shot at the title.”

Chennai Super Champs head coach Johnny Goldberg said, “Season 2 brings new challenges and higher expectations, and we are embracing both.

Our primary aim for now is to enter the playoffs this time around. The team has worked hard on flexibility, and we are excited to test ourselves against strong opposition.”

Also Read: World Pickleball League Season 2 kicks off with glamorous Celebrity Pickleball Showdown

Hyderabad Superstars head coach Chad Edwards said, “We have been very clear about the kind of team we want to be in Season 2. There is a strong mix of experience and athleticism in this group, and our focus is on converting that preparation into consistent performances right from the very beginning of this campaign.”

Mumbai Pickle Power head coach Sam Basford said, “Mumbai Pickle Power is all about energy and intent. The squad has responded well to the demands of pre-season, and our goal is to be smart and relentless as the competition progresses.”

Rajasthan United head coach Lee Whitwell said, “For a new franchise, the focus has been on building clarity and cohesion quickly. The players have bought into the vision, and we are approaching this season with patience and the belief that we can compete strongly against established teams.”

Season 2 has seen a marked evolution in the scale and ambition of the league, with the player representation also widening significantly, harbouring athletes from 18 countries who got picked in the draft.

While the season opener between Bengaluru and Pune promises a compelling clash of established forces in the WPBL, the evening encounter between Dilli Dillwale and Chennai Super Champs adds a layer of fascination, with both of these sides chasing unattained objectives from Season 1.

Given the WPBL’s fast-paced format, momentum from the opening night could prove instrumental in shaping early standings of these teams.

Beyond the court though, WPBL has strengthened its commercial partnerships and engagement at the localised levels through the WPBL On Tour initiative.

WPBL Season 2 will see 24 games be played across 13 match days from January 27 to February 8. The matches will be exclusively streamed live on Sony LIV and telecast on Eurosport India simultaneously.

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