Pickleball’s Rise in Dreambreaker Documentary: Turner Sports’ truTV and Max have acquired Dreambreaker: A Pickleball Story, a documentary that explores the rapid rise of pickleball. The film, directed by Ashley Underwood and written by Craig Coyne, will premiere on truTV on April 11 before becoming available for streaming on Max.
The documentary provides an in-depth look at pickleball’s transformation from a backyard game to a major professional sport. It features key figures such as tennis legend John McEnroe, NFL Hall of Famer Larry Fitzgerald, and top pickleball players Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns. The film showcases how the sport has attracted high-profile investors, including Tom Brady and LeBron James, and dives into the competition between rival leagues.
Inside the Pickleball Boom
Underwood, known for producing Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, became interested in pickleball during the COVID-19 pandemic. She described truTV as a perfect home for the film, stating,
“truTV’s primetime focus on both live sports and comedy makes it a perfect fit for Dreambreaker. Pro pickleball exploded from a casual pastime into a high-stakes battleground, drawing athletes, agents and celebrities into a gold rush. What began as a lighthearted game turned into a fierce, fast-growing spectacle – amusing, intense and incredible to witness.” – (Ashley Underwood)
Coyne, who first explored pickleball’s rise while working on a Vanity Fair article, highlighted the financial aspects of the sport.
“The surge of investment into pro pickleball offers a unique look at how sports and the economy intersect,” he observed. “Instead of making a simple ‘capitalism is bad’ doc, we aimed for a balanced view of what happens—both good and bad—when money pours into the pockets of pro leagues and players alike.” – (Craig Coyne)
The Story Behind the Film
The documentary captures the sport’s competitive nature, featuring rival Texas entrepreneurs clashing over top players. It also highlights the challenges faced by professional pickleball, including failed mergers, heated boardroom disputes, and shifting allegiances among players.
Co-directed by Mary Pilon and Seth Porges, the film is produced by Film 45. Executive producers include Giselle Rodriguez, Isabelle Lawrence Thomas, Robert Benun, and Price James. Marcella Serrano edited the film, with music composed by Dave Palmer.
Impact of the Documentary
With its blend of humor and sports drama, Dreambreaker offers a fresh perspective on pickleball’s rise. The film aims to change public perception of the sport, as Underwood noted,
“Pickleball is commonly viewed as this folksy community sport that your grandparents play and this film takes kind of takes that perception and flips it on its head. I hope audiences feel the heart and see the humor in it.” – (Ashley Underwood)
As the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., pickleball’s professional scene is evolving quickly. The documentary is expected to draw interest from longtime fans and newcomers eager to understand the sport’s rapid expansion.
News in Brief: Pickleball’s Rise in Dreambreaker Documentary
Turner Sports’ truTV and Max have acquired Dreambreaker: A Pickleball Story, a documentary exploring pickleball’s rise. Directed by Ashley Underwood, the film debuts April 11 on truTV before streaming on Max. Featuring top athletes and investors, it highlights the sport’s growth, financial stakes, and intense competition.
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