India is rapidly expanding its sporting landscape beyond cricket, with padel beginning to emerge as one of the country's sports with growing international potential. The rise of leagues such as the World Padel League is attracting business groups, entrepreneurs and entertainment figures who are adding padel to their wider sports investment portfolios.
According to WPP Media's Sporting Nation 2025 report, India's sports industry was valued at ₹18,864 crore in 2025, almost twice its 2021 value of ₹9,530 crore. While cricket continues to account for the largest share of the market, the growth of other sports is contributing to a broader and increasingly diversified sports investment landscape.
Five profiles reflecting the growing interest in padel
Among the groups investing in India's evolving sports ecosystem is Vedanta Group, which owns the Vedanta Leopards in the World Padel League. The group is also involved in other sports, including hockey through the Vedanta Kalinga Lancers, while supporting athletes across a range of Olympic disciplines.
Another major player in Indian sports investment is JSW Sports, whose portfolio includes football, kabaddi and hockey teams, as well as the Inspire Institute of Sport, a high-performance centre supporting Olympic athletes.
Padel has also attracted investors from outside the traditional sports industry. Producer and entrepreneur Vashu Bhagnani owns the VB Realty Cheetahs in the World Padel League and the VB Realty Hawks in the World Tennis League, giving him investments across two major racket sports.
Entertainment figures John Abraham and Abhishek Bachchan have also built sports investment portfolios in India. Abraham is involved in football and motorsport, while Bachchan owns the Jaipur Pink Panthers in the Pro Kabaddi League and is co-owner of Chennaiyin FC.
World Padel League becomes a key showcase for padel in India
The development of the World Padel League (WPL) reflects this growing interest. The franchise-based competition brings together international players and team owners from different areas of business and entertainment.
After launching in the United Arab Emirates and entering the Indian market in February 2025, the WPL has continued to build its presence in the country. Its fourth season is scheduled to take place in Mumbai from August 12 to 16, 2026, featuring 36 international players across six franchises.
The competition aims to introduce padel to new audiences in India while building a broader community of fans and players around the sport.
India: a market to watch for padel
The involvement of major business groups and well-known personalities in padel competitions is a clear indication of the growing interest in the sport in India.
Although the market remains at an earlier stage of development compared with more established padel territories, the combination of private investment, franchise-based competitions, international players and new audiences could help accelerate the sport's expansion.
For the international padel industry, India is therefore a market worth watching, particularly given its scale, growing investment in sport and potential for the development of new facilities, clubs and competitions.
ENGLISH 
ESPAÑOL