Pickleball in India is progressing beyond its roots as a recreational activity, showing rapid growth in participation, competitive events, and infrastructure across the country. As the sport evolves, there is an opportunity to develop platforms that provide structure, identity and a broader sporting narrative.In this context, Courtly has announced the inaugural season of the Courtly City League (CCL), scheduled to be held in Mumbai from December 8 to 10, 2026.The CCL introduces a novel format to Indian pickleball, featuring six city-based teams competing within a single city. This approach fosters regional representation, allowing players to compete as teams rather than individual participants. The league will offer prize money exceeding Rs 60,00,000, marking it as a significant competitive platform within India’s expanding pickleball ecosystem.For players, the CCL offers an opportunity to represent a city, compete alongside and against top national talent, develop team rivalries, and engage in the first season of a league designed for growth alongside the sport.The league is organised by Courtly, a sports and technology company committed to creating contemporary sporting experiences through ideation, community building, execution and technology. Drawing on its experience in the pickleball ecosystem, Courtly views CCL as a property capable of evolving with the sport and its rapidly growing participant base.A CCL statement commented: “Pickleball in India has reached an interesting point. There is tremendous participation and talent, but there is also an opportunity to create sporting properties that give the community something to follow, support and identify with. CCL is our attempt to build that — starting with six teams in Mumbai and creating a format that can grow into something much larger.”Additional information regarding team identities, player drafts, participation and the competition format will be released in the coming weeks.
Courtly City League to launch first season in Mumbai with six teams
