World Padel League Season 4 Heads to Mumbai with Biggest-Ever Edition from August 12

The World Padel League (WPL) is set to make its biggest statement yet as Season 4 heads to Mumbai from August 12 to 16, bringing together 36 of the world's top padel players for five days of elite competition at the iconic Dome, SVP Stadium.

Licensed and managed by Iconik Sports and Events Ltd., the league returns with an expanded format featuring six franchise teams, a larger venue, and a stronger international field. As padel continues its rapid rise across India, the latest edition of the World Padel League aims to build on the sport's growing popularity while positioning India as one of the world's emerging destinations for professional padel.

With international stars, celebrity-backed franchises, and increasing corporate investment, the tournament represents another major milestone in the development of one of the world's fastest-growing sports.

Since making its India debut in 2025, the World Padel League has steadily grown in stature, introducing Indian audiences to a sport that has witnessed explosive global growth over the past decade. This year's edition will feature 36 international players representing five countries, including traditional padel powerhouses such as Spain, Argentina, and Brazil. The players will compete across six franchise teams in the league's fast-paced team format, which has become one of its defining attractions.

The participating franchises include:

• Vedanta Leopards, owned by Vedanta Group

• Khan Tigers, owned by Sohail Khan Entertainment

• Panorama Panthers, owned by Panorama Studios

• Aussie Mavericks Jaguars, owned by Amit Sahni, Kewal Kalra and Pankaj Singha

• Game Changers Lions, owned by Game Changers FZCO

• VB Realty Cheetahs, owned by Vashu Bhagnani

The combination of leading business houses, entertainment personalities, and international athletes reflects the league's ambition to build a sustainable professional ecosystem around padel in India.

The timing of Season 4 coincides with unprecedented growth for padel across the country. According to the India Padel Report 2026, published by Hudle and CAA Portas, India's padel market is expected to grow from an estimated US$25–30 million today to US$250–300 million by 2036. Equally significant has been the rise in participation. The report estimates that India's player base has expanded from just 500–1,000 players in 2022 to nearly 100,000 players by 2025, making padel one of the country's fastest-growing recreational sports.

https://www.indiasportshub.com/articles/padels-asian-breakthrough-why-its-inclusion-at-the-2026-asian-games-is-a-defining-moment

The increasing number of dedicated courts, clubs, coaching programmes, and amateur tournaments has contributed significantly to the sport's rapid adoption, particularly among urban audiences. Against this backdrop, the World Padel League has emerged as a key driver in introducing elite-level competition while inspiring greater interest among aspiring players.

Former tennis star and World Padel League co-founder Mahesh Bhupathi believes the league has played an important role in shaping the sport's journey in India. Speaking ahead of the new season, Bhupathi reflected on how the competition has evolved since its inception.

"Every season of the World Padel League has reinforced padel's growing momentum in India. What began as a bold vision has grown into a league that brings together the world's best players, leading brands, passionate fans and a rapidly expanding sporting community."

He added that India's rapid emergence as a padel destination is encouraging for everyone involved in the sport.

"India is fast becoming one of padel's most exciting growth stories globally, and it's gratifying to see WPL helping shape that journey."

Bhupathi's involvement has been instrumental in attracting international attention to the league while helping establish credibility within the global padel community.

Beyond the on-court action, the World Padel League has positioned itself as a platform for expanding the sport's footprint in India. Each edition has focused on combining world-class competition with immersive fan experiences, helping introduce new audiences to the sport through an entertainment-driven franchise model.

By bringing some of the world's best players to Indian shores, the league provides local fans with the opportunity to experience the highest standards of professional padel while inspiring greater grassroots participation. As more academies, clubs, and training centres emerge across India, events such as the WPL play a crucial role in sustaining momentum and creating long-term interest in the sport.

While the complete player roster, fixtures, and match schedule are yet to be announced, anticipation continues to build ahead of the tournament's return. The league has confirmed that additional details, including team line-ups and the full competition schedule, will be revealed in the coming weeks. Fans will once again have the opportunity to witness international padel stars in action live at the Dome, SVP Stadium, with tickets already available through BookMyShow.

As India's sporting landscape continues to diversify beyond traditional disciplines, the World Padel League is establishing itself as one of the country's most exciting emerging sporting properties. With six franchises, elite international talent, growing commercial backing, and a rapidly expanding fan base, Season 4 promises to be the biggest edition in the league's history.

For Indian padel, the tournament represents more than just another season—it is another significant step in the sport's journey towards becoming a mainstream fixture on the country's sporting calendar.