Veteran film producer Vashu Bhagnani is spearheading a major promotional drive to popularise tennis in India by bringing a host of Bollywood and cricket icons to the World Tennis League (WTL).
This high-profile initiative was announced as part of a concerted effort to merge international professional sports with mainstream Indian entertainment. Bhagnani, who owns the Hawks franchise within the league, intends to use this star-studded association to expand the tournament's reach beyond traditional sporting circles and engage a younger, more diverse audience across the subcontinent.
The tournament features an elite roster of athletes, including world-renowned stars such as Daniil Medvedev, Nick Kyrgios, Paula Badosa, and Gaël Monfils, alongside Indian professionals Rohan Bopanna and Sumit Nagal.
By integrating these top-tier athletes with famous public figures from other sectors, the WTL aims to create a high-energy “sportainment” format. Celebrities confirmed to attend the matches include legendary cricketer Kapil Dev and current stars KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, alongside popular Bollywood actors Kartik Aaryan, Sara Ali Khan, Ananya Panday, and Disha Patani.
The World Tennis League has established itself as a unique property on the global circuit by blending competitive matches with live music performances and interactive fan experiences. Bhagnani’s involvement as a team owner highlights the growing trend of Indian private investment in global sports leagues, following the successful model of the Indian Premier League. Speaking on his commitment to the project, the producer noted that tennis in India possesses immense untapped potential and that platforms like the WTL provide the necessary environment for the sport to become more accessible and aspirational for millions of viewers.
The ongoing season in December 2025 serves as a critical period for the league as it seeks to cement its position as one of the most star-studded tennis competitions in the world. With the inclusion of other popular figures like Jacqueline Fernandez and Jackky Bhagnani, the league hopes to ensure that the "greatest show on court" translates into higher television ratings and digital engagement. This strategy follows a successful precedent set by other global sporting franchises that have used celebrity ambassadors to transform niche sports into major national sensations.