Major League Pickleball Hits Washington DC: The rhythmic sound of pickleball paddles echoing through the air is transforming into an attractive melody for players and team owners alike in the rapidly expanding realm of professional sports.
Launching in the district this Thursday, Major League Pickleball (MLP) sets the stage for a four-day showcase of top-tier players and teams, highlighting the sport’s rising popularity and the league’s growing economic impact.
Fifteen of MLP’s 22 teams will converge at the Washington Tennis and Education Foundation in Southeast, marking a significant milestone for the nascent league. Backed by high-profile owners including NBA icon LeBron James and NFL star Patrick Mahomes, MLP has seen team valuations soar exponentially since its inception in 2021, with some teams now commanding up to $10 million each, according to former CEO Julio DePietro in a recent interview.
“This is a rocket ship right now,” declared Bruce Popko, the league’s current CEO, to The Washington Times.
Pickleball, a fusion of pingpong and tennis played on a scaled-down court with paddles and a plastic ball, has claimed the title of America’s fastest-growing sport for three consecutive years, showing no signs of slowing down. In 2023 alone, the Association of Pickleball Professionals reported a staggering 35% increase in participants, totaling 48.3 million players.
It’s easy to jump in and play,” affirmed Allyce Jones, a professional with the D.C. Pickleball Team, in an interview with The Times.
Jones highlighted the sport’s inclusive community, where players of all skill levels share courts, forge connections, and enjoy matches with varying partners. Adam Behnke, COO of the D.C. Pickleball Team, emphasized the social cohesion builded by the sport, stating, “Pickleball brings everyone together.”
Unlike many traditional sports, pickleball transcends age and skill barriers, offering a platform where grandparents and grandchildren can compete on equal footing, noted Bob Bryan, a tennis champion and pickleball enthusiast.
“It’s an equalizer. A grandma can play it with her young grandson, and it can be competitive,” said Bob Bryan.
Amidst the COVID-19 lockdowns, pickleball emerged as a favored outdoor activity that facilitated social interaction while maintaining safe distances, appealing to millions seeking new pastimes.
News in Brief : Major League Pickleball Hits Washington DC
Major League Pickleball (MLP) launches in Washington, featuring top players and teams amid surging popularity. Backed by notable owners like LeBron James and Patrick Mahomes, teams now value up to $10 million each. Pickleball, America’s fastest-growing sport, saw a 35% rise in players in 2023, totaling 48.3 million. Known for its accessibility and inclusive community, it attracts players of all ages and skill levels. Amid COVID-19, it became a favored outdoor activity, fostering social interaction safely.
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