The World Tennis League (WTL) 2025, widely branded as “The Greatest Show on Court,” marks a decisive moment in the evolution of global sports entertainment.
For the first time in its five-year history, the WTL is stepping out of its UAE stronghold and entering the Indian market landing in Bengaluru from December 17 to 20. This edition is more than just a venue change; it is a strategic leap into one of the world’s most vibrant and rapidly growing sports economies.
The WTL has built its identity on a powerful blend of elite tennis, fast-paced mixed-format competition, and a festival-like fan experience. But its move to India elevates the stakes. For co-founder Mahesh Bhupathi, the shift is deeply intentional bringing world-class tennis to a nation with massive fan base potential, a hungry youth audience, and an active tennis-playing community. Bengaluru, home to the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA), stands as the perfect launchpad for this next chapter.
A League Built for Global Expansion
Launched in 2022, the World Tennis League has rapidly become one of the premier exhibition platforms in world tennis. Its first three seasons in Dubai and Abu Dhabi featured star-studded lineups Alexander Zverev, Andrey Rublev, Iga Świątek, Elena Rybakina, Daniil Medvedev and delivered highly competitive events despite being outside the ATP/WTA frameworks. With champions rotating across teams (Hawks 2022, Eagles 2023, Falcons 2024), the league established sporting credibility early.
The shift to India is a bold strategic pivot driven by two ambitions:
- Enter the Asian high-volume sports market, and
- Broaden WTL’s global footprint through a long-term multi-country expansion model.
Bengaluru’s SM Krishna Tennis Stadium with over 7,000 seats and a history of hosting ATP Challenger events offers the infrastructure, fan appetite, and visibility the WTL needs for this transition.
A Format Built for Drama and Doubles Dominance
WTL’s mixed-team competitive format is central to its popularity. Each tie consists of four sets men’s singles, women’s singles, and two doubles sets where 50% of the match value comes from doubles. This is a significant design innovation that reduces dependence on a single superstar and elevates doubles specialists to match-winning roles.
The team that wins the coin toss can choose any combination of men’s, women’s, or mixed doubles for the two doubles sets, injecting tactical decision-making into every tie.
Scoring is game-based, not set-based every game counts, and overtime plus a dramatic first-to-10 super shoot-out tiebreak ensures no tie ends without tension. This architecture guarantees high-intensity tennis across all four matchdays.
The Bengaluru Factor: Why India Matters Now
India is not new to global tennis events, but what makes WTL’s arrival unique is its deliberate sportainment positioning. The event combines top-tier tennis with live music, fan engagement zones, and entertainment programming making it accessible to far more than just tennis purists.
With more than six Indian players spread across the four teams, the league has built local relevance directly into its roster design. Names like Sumit Nagal, Rohan Bopanna, Yuki Bhambri, Ankita Raina, Dhakshineshwar Suresh, Shrivalli Bhamidipaty, and Sahaja Yamalapalli ensure that the local audience has national heroes to root for while watching global stars.
This strategic mix significantly amplifies India’s interest and positions Bengaluru as a long-term WTL home.
Team-by-Team Breakdown: Style, Strength, and Star Power
Game Changers Falcons: The defending champions arrive with a title-ready squad built around Daniil Medvedev World No. 13 and the league’s most consistent elite performer. His presence gives the Falcons a high floor in men’s singles.
Alongside him, Indian legend Rohan Bopanna (ATP Doubles No. 45) forms the backbone of the doubles strategy. Magda Linette and Sahaja Yamalapalli offer balance across singles and mixed doubles.
VB Realty Hawks: The Hawks are projected as the strongest team on paper, featuring Denis Shapovalov, Elina Svitolina, and India’s top doubles specialist Yuki Bhambri (ATP Doubles No. 33). With high-ranking singles players in both genders, the Hawks possess the most complete lineup.
Maaya Revathi strengthens the team’s depth. The presence of Svitolina sets up an emotional storyline she faces her husband Gael Monfils, star of the Eagles.
Aussie Mavericks Kites: The Kites are the wildcard team built around the unpredictable genius of Nick Kyrgios. Returning from injury and entering exhibitions to regain rhythm, Kyrgios brings immense commercial value. Marta Kostyuk leads the women’s singles charge.
Indian aces Ankita Raina and Dhakshineshwar Suresh complete a roster designed for high-risk, high-reward tennis.
AOS Eagles: Led by the electrifying Gael Monfils and former World No. 2 Paula Badosa, the Eagles blend charisma and competitive strength. India’s No. 1 male player Sumit Nagal fortifies the men’s side, while Shrivalli Bhamidipaty adds local appeal. Their success depends on whether Monfils can sustain physical intensity across four days.
Read Articles Without Ads On Your IndiaSportsHub App. Download Now And Stay Updated
The WTL’s India debut will ultimately be judged not just by competition quality but also by commercial impact. The priority is securing a strong broadcast partner either Sony Sports Network or the Star Sports–FanCode consortium to guarantee national reach. This is critical for validating franchise value and justifying the appearance fees of international stars.
With a 7,000-seat stadium, premium pricing is expected, similar to the IPTL’s ₹4,000–₹48,000 range. Bengaluru’s tennis culture and the timing during the holiday season offer strong gate revenue potential. If successful, this edition could establish India as a permanent or rotating venue in the WTL circuit.
WTL 2025 – Full Squad List
Game Changers Falcons
- Daniil Medvedev
- Rohan Bopanna
- Magda Linette
- Sahaja Yamalapalli
VB Realty Hawks
- Denis Shapovalov
- Yuki Bhambri
- Elina Svitolina
- Maaya Revathi
Aussie Mavericks Kites
- Nick Kyrgios
- Dhakshineshwar Suresh
- Marta Kostyuk
- Ankita Raina
AOS Eagles
- Gael Monfils
- Sumit Nagal
- Paula Badosa
- Shrivalli Bhamidipaty
