Even though Michael Phelps has retired from sport, the swimming champ keeps himself busy with various sporting activities. For those unaware, the 28-time Olympics champ has been showing his interest in a new sport. And he is not the only sportsperson interested in the new sport. In fact, tennis champ Naomi Osaka, NBA star Kevin Durant, Heidi Klum, Eva Longoria, and Larry Fitzgerald are also very much interested in the new sporting venture.

A unique new sport is making heads turn in the United States. Major League Pickleball (MLP) has just announced the owners for the various teams in the upcoming season. And the above-mentioned sports stars, including Phelps, Osaka, and Durant, will be owners of different MLP teams.

Pickleball was named the fastest-growing sport. With a participation increase of 39% between 2019 and 2021, there are roughly 4.8 million pickleball players in the USA. MLP is set to host a series of 6 events with $5 million at stake. The 2023 tournament will be aired on the CBS Television Network, and for PVP on Paramount+.

Major League Pickleball is ready to host the most celebrity-studded sports event ever

With the inclusion of 12 new teams for 2023, MLP is gearing up to showcase the best performers from diverse fields. The new captains for the various clubs including Michael Phelps and Larry Fitzgerald’s AZ Drive, Jeremy Lin’s Bay Area Breakers, Mark Cuban’s Dallas Pickleball Club, Heidi Klum’s Chicago Slice, Naomi Osaka’s Miami Pickleball Club, and the celebrity-studded D.C. Pickleball Team with Al Tylis, Sam Porter, Eva Longoria, and Mesut Ozil; are all gearing up for the new edition of MLP.

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“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,” stated interim CEO of MLP, Brian Levine, to the press. “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.”

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The 12 new teams are set to begin at the Challenger Level, in contrast to the existing 12 teams, captained by the likes of LeBron James, Drew Brees, and Tom Brady, who will start at the premier level.

Pickleball is a combination of tennis, Ping-pong, and badminton

Pickleball originated in Bainbridge Island in 1965. It is a combination of tennis, Ping-pong, and badminton. It is played on a badminton-sized court with a net about two inches shorter than a tennis net. A durable ball and paddles bigger than ping-pong paddles are used to play either doubles or singles matches.

The sport is easy to pick up and play. It is growing for good reasons. In addition to being a great workout routine, pickleball is being recognized for its playability and pace. The game tests one’s reflexes and can also have a strategic aspect to it.

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Pickleballers are spreading like wildfire. It is suitable for all age types, and the sports industry has already recognized pickleball’s potential. After the merger of MLP and its rival Professional Pickleball Association, the sport expanded to host an event of such stature. 24 teams are set to battle it out for $5 million in prize money in MLP 2023. Currently, the US has over 10,000 pickleball arenas, which include the recent addition of 800, established in 2021.