Currently, pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country and already has investments from some of the nation’s biggest sports stars with LeBron James, Tom Brady, Kevin Durant, and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban investing in the sport. And now, it looks like a major and exciting change is coming to the pickleball world.
According to Darren Rovell of The Action Network, professional pickleball leagues VIBE Pickleball and Major League Pickleball have announced a major merger of the two leagues.
Now is the time to strike for a sport like Pickleball, with streamers wanting to use unique live programming that costs less than other pro sports deals to bring in subscription revenue.
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) November 9, 2022
“JUST IN: In a shocking turn, Major League Pickleball, with owners @KingJames, @KDTrey5 & @TomBrady, and competitor Vibe Pickleball have agreed in principle to a merger, allows for building of a premium league with media rights, sponsorship, top players & live events,” Rovell said in a Tweet. “Now is the time to strike for a sport like Pickleball, with streamers wanting to use unique live programming that costs less than other pro sports deals to bring in subscription revenue.”
It’s big news in the world of pickleball, and the sports world was quick to react to it on Twitter.
*clicks on profile to ensure this is the real Darren Rovell*
*confirms it’s him*
Me: pic.twitter.com/JknPhQIl79
— losdeemix (@losdeemix) November 9, 2022
Gargantuan news – the tour wars appear to be over https://t.co/aK2h3lzA7b
— Matty Pickles (@matty_pickles) November 9, 2022
Saying this is big doesn’t even encompass how massive this is for the sport! 🤯🤯🤯🤯 https://t.co/k2d6DE07A8
— Brandon Nsekpong (@brandonnsekpong) November 9, 2022
Hallelujah 🙌 https://t.co/5XwWliJtob
— Portland Pickleball (@pickleballinn) November 9, 2022
INSANE NEWS!!! https://t.co/AsYNMu1BoM
— Matt “Pickleball Mcnasty” Manasse (@Matt_Manasse) November 9, 2022
Putting this up there with the NFL AFL https://t.co/hatU3Q5C2h
— Andrew Ramirez (@drewskiram) November 9, 2022
Previously, the two pickleball leagues were competing but now they will work together. This will undoubtedly help the sport as it continues to grow.
