Byron Nelson
The fastest growing American sport continues to attract top entertainment and sport investors with the announcement on Tuesday of the 12 new Major League Pickleball teams for 2023. Kevin Durant, Heidi Klum, Eva Longoria, Michael Phelps, and Tom Ricketts are among the dozens of investors in the clubs. Sportico initially reported the news.
“The diversity in the backgrounds and expertise of our fantastic new owners is an incredible asset as we aggressively expand Major League Pickleball to reach more fans than ever,” Brian Levine, the interim MLP CEO, said in a statement on the news. “We always say pickleball brings people together, and this roster of leaders from across a wide variety of industries is a strong testament to that philosophy.”
The new ownership groups announced reflect pre-existing linkages. The D.C. The pickleball team consists mainly of existing investors in Liga MX Club Necaxa, including Al Tylis, Sam Porter, Eva Longoria, Justin Verlander, Kate Upton and Mesut Ozil. D.C. had the first pick in the draft and select 10 times ATP Tour Titleist Sam Querrey, who recently retired from tennis.
“Thrilled to be part of the DC Pickleball team,” said Eva Longoria.
Speaking of Longoria she could be seen smiling and happy as she arrived with a Christmas gift at the Beverly Hills Hotel, according to the Dail Mail recently.
