Pickleball, America’s fastest-growing sport, has received a significant boost with a $225 million investment to create Pickleball, Inc., a new entity formed by merging Major League Pickleball and the Carvana PPA Tour. This move, backed by Apollo Sports Capital, signifies pickleball’s transition from an emerging sport to a major player in the American sports scene. In 2025, over 24 million people played pickleball, marking a 22% increase from the previous year. The sport’s popularity has attracted celebrities like Tom Brady and LeBron James, who have invested in teams. Pickleball, Inc. will manage over 150 professional players, with top athletes earning over $1 million annually through various income streams. However, most players earn less and often play part-time. The new company will also integrate technology, retail, and infrastructure to support the sport’s growth.
QUESTION: How might the rapid growth and commercialization of pickleball impact local communities and recreational players?
Pickleball Inc. $225 million deal creates new home for sport
