Former Chargers Star QB Joined by NBA Stars in Big Sports League Ownership

There are few professional sports leagues within the United States that are growing faster in both popularity and revenue than Major League Pickleball (MLP).

Despite being a relatively new association with the first draft being held in 2021 and the first tournament being held in 2022, it is starting to take over the sports world.

The MLP has been able to take an immersive sport that combines all of the best elements from volleyball, tennis, badminton and create it into a game that now has some of the biggest professional athletes in the world putting their name down to be owners of their own teams.

Pickleball’s growth is insane 👀

2016:
• 12,000 courts
• 2 million players
• No true pro leagues

2023:
• 44,000 courts
• 36.5 million players
• 3 professional leagues pic.twitter.com/b7ethJ2kpL
— Andrew Petcash (@AndrewPetcash) May 7, 2023

Former quarterback for the San Diego Chargers, Drew Brees, was one of the earliest investors and he is currently the owner of the Mad Drops Pickleball club. Brees is widely recognized as one of the greatest players to ever suit up on the gridiron thanks to a career that saw him win a Super Bowl, an MVP, and made the playoffs nine straight years.

However, the 44-year-old obviously couldn't take hits forever and looked to bring his competitive spirit elsewhere. He views this pickleball league as the future of the country's athletics and has partaken in games himself.

Drew Brees getting his pickleball on pic.twitter.com/gYgqwHa7dW
— D.J. Davis (@dmac21bucs) October 26, 2022

And thanks to our friends at Dink It Over, we have now received word about some brand new owners who will be claiming their own teams in the MLP. They include two of the biggest NBA superstars right now along with another prominent NFL QB.

"Major League Pickleball (MLP by Margaritaville) today announced world-class additions to its fleet of 24 team ownership groups, highlighted by social media influencers Dude Perfect (Frisco, TX franchise), star pro athletes Jayson Tatum, Haley Jones, and Josh Allen (Los Angeles Mad Drops), Jewell Loyd and Zach LaVine (Miami Pickleball Club), and World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen (AZ Drive)."

(Via Margaritaville)

Jayson Tatum is currently playing for the Boston Celtics and is in the midst of yet another postseason run. He already has a Finals appearance to his name and was recently named to the 2023 First-Team All-NBA.

Zach Lavine is one of the premier talents on the Chicago Bulls and has named to the All-Star team on two different occasions while also boasting two Slam Dunk Contest trophy's.

news: more athletes are buying into @MajorLeaguePB, including the WNBA’s @haleyjoness13 and @jewellloyd. they join naomi osaka as the 24-team league’s only active female athlete owners.

jayson tatum, zach lavine and josh allen are also investing. https://t.co/KrY3RXRKkL
— Emily Caron (@_emcaron) May 11, 2023

Finally, Allen was barely drafted by the Buffalo Bills back in 2018 but already has made the playoffs in four seasons and has taken home three straight division titles while also making the Pro-Bowl.

Brees is joined by some exclusive names here and keep an eye out for this pickleball league to continue blowing. Maybe we'll see some current Chargers players find their way to own a team as well soon!