Trulieve Backing PPA and MLP: Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF), a prominent name in the U.S. cannabis industry, has forged a new partnership with the Carvana PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball (MLP). This collaboration marks a significant expansion of Trulieve’s engagement in the sports world, focusing on premier pickleball events across Arizona, Florida, and Georgia.
Statements from the Stakeholders
Jacob Cohen, Vice President of Sales for the United Pickleball Association, which oversees the PPA Tour and MLP, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership.
We are excited to welcome Trulieve as a partner for the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball. This is an innovative collaboration, and we are looking forward to working with Trulieve as both of us continue to grow rapidly.” – (Cohen)
Trulieve will sponsor 12 events, commencing with the CIBC Atlanta Slam in September and continuing through the remainder of the 2024 schedule and into 2025. The sponsorship includes some of the sport’s most high-profile tournaments, featuring top-ranked players in men’s and women’s categories.
Kim Rivers, Trulieve’s CEO, commented on the partnership.
Pickleball is experiencing explosive growth across the country, and we are thrilled to partner with both the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball to support the pickleball revolution. As the exclusive cannabis sponsor of these select events, we look forward to connecting with athletes, educating spectators on the benefits of cannabis, and supporting the top players of the fastest-growing sport in America.” – (Rivers)
Professional Pickleball Association: A Leading Force
The Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour stands out as the largest professional and amateur pickleball tour globally. With 25 tour stops nationwide, it has rapidly grown to include over 39,000 amateur players, reflecting a 50% increase in registered participants from 2022 to 2023.
In 2023 alone, the PPA Tour attracted more than 275,000 spectators and reached an impressive 20 million fans through broadcasts.
Major League Pickleball: Expanding Reach
Major League Pickleball is distinguished by its team-based, coed format, featuring nearly 100 players across 22 celebrity-owned teams. The 2024 league schedule will feature 11 events in 10 states, promising to bring MLP’s thrilling competition to a broader audience. The league’s regular-season games will end in the 2024 MLP Playoffs, where 12 teams will vie for the championship.
Trulieve’s Commitment and Vision
Trulieve will sponsor 12 major events, starting with the CIBC Alanta Slam in September, continuing through the 2024 and 2025 schedules. This partnership aims to enhance the pickleball experience while integrating cannabis education.
“Pickleball is experiencing explosive growth across the country, and we are thrilled to partner with both the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball to support the pickleball revolution.” – (Rivers)
Industry Impact and Future Outlook
The 2024 Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) Topline Participation Report highlights pickleball as the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., with approximately 13.6 million players. Trulieve’s involvement aligns with this growth, offering a platform to reach new audiences and promote cannabis education through the popular sport of pickleball.
For more details on the Carvana PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball events, including tickets and live streams, visit ppatour.com and majorleaguepickleball.net. For information on Trulieve’s products and brands, visit Trulieve.com.
News in Brief: Trulieve Backing PPA and MLP
Trulieve Cannabis Corp. has announced a significant partnership with the Carvana PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball to sponsor major pickleball events across Arizona, Florida, and Georgia. This collaboration includes 12 events starting with the CIBC Alanta Slam in September.
The PPA Tour, the largest pickleball tour globally, and MLP, known for its coed team format, will benefit from Trulieve’s sponsorship, which aims to enhance the sport’s visibility and integrate cannabis education. Pickleball’s rapid growth, noted in the 2024 SFIA report, shows the strategic timing of this partnership.
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