India’s sports industry is also growing rapidly. As per WPP Media’s Sporting Nation 2025 report, the sports industry was valued at ₹18,864 crore in 2025, almost double its size from ₹9,530 crore in 2021. While cricket still accounts for the largest share, more brands, corporate groups and celebrities are investing in sports beyond cricket. Here are five investors helping shape India’s multi-sport future: 

1. Vedanta Group

The Vedanta Group has built one of the strongest multi-sport portfolios in India. It owns the Vedanta Leopards in the World Padel League and the Vedanta Kalinga Lancers in the Hockey India League. Through the Vedanta Sports Programme, the group also supports athletes in boxing, athletics, wrestling, shooting and archery, with a strong focus on grassroots development and Olympic sports. 

2. JSW Sports

JSW Sports has become one of India’s biggest investors in sport. Its portfolio includes Bengaluru FC in football, Haryana Steelers in kabaddi and Soorma Hockey Club in hockey. It also runs the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS), one of India’s leading high-performance centres for Olympic athletes.  

3. Vashu Bhagnani

Producer and entrepreneur Vashu Bhagnani has expanded his sporting portfolio through racket sports. He owns VB Realty Cheetahs in the World Padel League and VB Realty Hawks in the World Tennis League, making him one of the few investors with teams across both padel and tennis. 

4. John Abraham

John Abraham has been one of the earliest celebrity investors in Indian football through NorthEast United FC in the Indian Super League. He has also entered motorsport as the owner of Goa Aces JA Racing in the Indian Racing League, continuing to support sports beyond cricket. 

5. Abhishek Bachchan

Abhishek Bachchan has played an important role in the growth of kabaddi through the Jaipur Pink Panthers, one of the Pro Kabaddi League’s most successful teams. He is also co-owner of Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League, giving him successful investments across two of India’s biggest professional leagues outside cricket.

As more corporates, entrepreneurs and celebrities invest beyond cricket, leagues like the World Padel League are helping broaden India’s sporting landscape. Season 4, to be held in Mumbai from August 12–16, will bring together 36 international stars across six franchises, reflecting the sport’s growing popularity in the country. Tickets for the tournament are available on BookMyShow. 

Mumbai, July 09, 2026: Fueling the wave of padel’s remarkable growth in India, the World Padel League (WPL) is set to return with its biggest edition yet to the iconic Dome, SVP Stadium, Mumbai, from August 12-16, 2026. Licensed and managed by Iconik Sports and Events Ltd., the league enters a new phase of growth with a larger venue, six franchise teams and an elite international player line-up, reaffirming its position as India’s leading franchise-based professional padel league.

Season 4 will feature 36 of the world’s leading padel players representing five countries, including Spain, Argentina, and Brazil, competing across six franchises in the league’s fast-paced team format. The 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; and VB Realty Cheetahs, owned by Vashu Bhagnani.

Building on the success of its previous three editions, the World Padel League has played a significant role in bringing world-class padel to Indian audiences through its unique franchise-based format. As the sport gathers pace across the country, the league continues to provide a platform for elite international competition while helping build greater awareness, accessibility, and excitement around padel in India.

Speaking ahead of Season 4, Mahesh Bhupathi, Co-Founder, World Padel League, said: “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. India is fast becoming one of padel’s most exciting growth stories globally, and it’s gratifying to see WPL helping shape that journey.”

The current edition of the league comes at a time when padel is witnessing unprecedented momentum across the country. According to the India Padel Report 2026 by Hudle and CAA Portas, India’s padel market is projected to grow from US$25-30 million to US$250–300 million by 2036, while the player base surged from just 500-1,000 players in 2022 to nearly 100,000 in 2025.

As India’s padel ecosystem continues to expand, the World Padel League remains committed to accelerating the sport’s growth by bringing global stars to Indian shores, inspiring greater participation and strengthening the country’s position on the international padel map. With a bigger venue, an elite international field and the continued backing of leading corporate and entertainment brands, Season 4 is poised to be the league’s biggest and most impactful edition yet.

The complete player roster, fixtures and tournament schedule will be announced in the coming weeks, adding to the excitement ahead of the league’s return to Mumbai.