SG Sports, Led by APL Apollo, Acquires Bengaluru Spartans for TPL 2023

In a notable foray into the world of sports, SG Sports, under the leadership of APL Apollo, has successfully acquired 'Bengaluru Spartans,' one of the eight esteemed teams slated to participate in the highly anticipated Tennis Premier League (TPL) 2023. Following this acquisition, the team has been rebranded as 'Bengaluru SG Mavericks,' and it proudly welcomes ace tennis player Sania Mirza as its brand ambassador. Moreover, a new team logo has been unveiled to mark this transformative occasion. 'Bengaluru SG Mavericks' boasts a comprehensive roster comprising both male and female tennis players who will enthusiastically compete in various formats, including Men's Singles, Women's Singles, Mixed Doubles, and Men's Doubles.

APL Apollo, a premier brand in structural steel tubes, commands a remarkable market share of over 55 percent in the domestic arena. Its strategic subsidiary, SG Sports, is unwavering in its commitment to make a significant impact on the sports industry. Sanjay Gupta, Chief Managing Director (CMD) of APL Apollo Tubes Ltd, is renowned for his profound passion for sports. This venture is dedicated to nurturing and supporting emerging sporting talent in India.

The fifth edition of the much-anticipated tournament is scheduled for December this year, with all matches slated to take place at the Balewadi Stadium in Pune. This adrenaline-charged event is being organized under the auspices of the All India Tennis Association (AITA) and the Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association (MSLTA). The popularity of TPL is underscored by its association with numerous celebrities, including Sonu Sood, Arjun Kapoor, Malaika Arora, Rakul Preet Singh, Leander Paes, and Sonali Bendre. Sania Mirza has been an integral part of the team for the past three years and continues to support Bengaluru in her fourth year. Leander Paes has been a constant presence since the league's inception, ensuring his presence at all matches.

Sanjay Gupta, CMD of APL Apollo Tubes Ltd said, "This presents a remarkable opportunity for our company to align with the values imparted by sports, which offer invaluable life lessons. We eagerly anticipate our association with Bengaluru Spartans, now rechristened Bengaluru SG Mavericks, and extend our best wishes to each player as they prepare for the upcoming groundbreaking contest in December this year. It is an auspicious beginning in a sporting league that is steadily gaining popularity in India. Witnessing emerging talent share the stage with some of the world's most versatile tennis players is truly remarkable. Overall, this marks a significant moment in associating our brand name with a globally popular sport."

Other participating teams in TPL 2023 include the Bengal Wizards, Mumbai Leon Army, Punjab Tigers, Pune Jaguars, Delhi Binny's Brigade, Hyderabad Strikers, and Gujarat Panthers. Notably, Indian tennis legend Leander Paes recently announced his acquisition of a stake in the Bengal franchise.

Regarding the TPL format, the league comprises eight franchises that will compete in a total of five matches to secure a place in the semi-finals. Each match between two franchises encompasses four games, namely Men's Singles, Women's Singles, Mixed Doubles, and Men's Doubles. Each match is valued at 20 points, resulting in a total of 80 points up for grabs in every contest. During the league stage, each team will compete for a total of 400 points (80 points x 5 matches). The top four teams in the points table will advance to the semi-finals.

The Tennis Premier League (TPL) packages traditional tennis into a highly entertaining tournament designed to captivate the imagination of fans. With its unconventional format, TPL is poised to become the tennis equivalent of the Indian Premier League and is returning for its fifth season this year. The league is set to script yet another chapter in the annals of Indian tennis history, as fans eagerly await the commencement of TPL 2023. Sports other than cricket are steadily gaining traction among Indian audiences, with tennis boasting a sizable following, attracting nearly 100 million viewers on television last year.