Pickleball, a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and pingpong, is quickly becoming a hot topic in the world of sports. The popularity of this game has been on the rise in recent years as it continues to fascinate Americans across the country. The sport is experiencing unprecedented growth and now has attracted celebrity investors like LeBron James, Heidi Klum, and Patrick Mahomes.
The Inaugural Pickleball Slam with Tennis Champions
The latest development in the professionalization of pickleball is the upcoming Pickleball Slam, which will feature four tennis legends – Andre Agassi, Michael Chang, John McEnroe, and Andy Roddick – competing for a grand prize of $1 million. The event is scheduled to take place at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Florida on April 2nd.
Hard Rock’s Big Move
The partnership with Hard Rock Live is expected to be a game changer for the sport. With an onsite audience of up to 4,000 seats, this will be the largest gathering for a Pickleball match so far. Fans will have the opportunity to watch their favorite tennis stars showcase their skills in this fast-paced sport.
David Levy’s Brainchild
David Levy is leading this new venture through his company Horizon Sports & Experiences together with Chris Weil. He was the former president of Turner Sports when it started airing ‘The Match’, which was a popular head-to-head golf competition that had big money at stake. His experience and success show he can make big things happen in sports entertainment.
Professionalizing Pickleball as a Spectator Sport
The professionalization of pickleball as a viable spectator sport has always been a topic of debate and discussion. Some critics argue that while pickleball is easy to learn, it may not be as attractive to consume since people can play it themselves. However, others believe that the growth of pickleball is inevitable and it has the potential to become a top five sport in terms of viewership.
Growing Popularity
Pickleball is considered the fastest-growing sport in America, with participation growing by 158.6% over three years. The Wollman Rink, a skating facility located in Central Park, will be converted into 14 pickleball courts this spring. Pickleball has also attracted investment from major sports stars like LeBron James, Patrick Mahomes, Kevin Durant and Tom Brady.
Potential to Challenge Top Sports
The founder of Major League Pickleball, Steve Kuhn, says that pickleball “will be easily a top five sport in the next five years in terms of viewership. We will challenge MLS, Major League Baseball, and the NHL. I think we’ll be in that category soon.” The success of events like Pickleball Slam will not only be measured by ratings but also by the growth of the sport as a whole.
Andy Roddick’s Skepticism
While tennis legend Andy Roddick may have been skeptical about pickleball’s recent efforts to professionalize the game and turn it into a spectator sport, he has agreed to participate in the upcoming Pickleball Slam for $1 million prize money on ESPN. Roddick acknowledges the draw and curiosity surrounding the sport but thinks it’s absurd to treat it as equal to grand events like Wimbledon or the US Open.
Funds Raised for Charity
Apart from creating a thrill among sports enthusiasts and providing entertainment opportunities for viewers at home, the Pickleball Slam event also raises money for charities. It is refreshing to see a sport connecting with society’s needs beyond entertainment purposes.
In conclusion, the Pickleball Slam with tennis legends competing for $1 million in prize money is a testament to the growing popularity of pickleball as a serious sport. With its fast-paced gameplay, easy to learn rules, and appeal to a wide audience, pickleball has great potential to become one of the top sports viewed through media today. The success of events like Pickleball Slam will only help to continue its growth and professionalization as a viable spectator sport.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
