Tom Brady buys a Pickleball group, one month after LeBron James jumped into the game

Simply over a month after LeBron James introduced plans to purchase a Main League Pickleball group, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady has determined to do the identical.

One or each are members of the GOAT membership, in fact: The “best of all time” of their respective sports activities, with Brady holding essentially the most Tremendous Bowl rings of any quarterback and James thought-about the most effective challenger to Michael Jordan’s once-consensus GOAT standing.

Brady, the seven-time Tremendous Bowl champ, has teamed with retired tennis star Kim Clijsters within the management of an possession group that has bought an growth group for the 2023 Main League Pickleball (MLP) season. They’re becoming a member of James, Kevin Love, Drew Brees and a number of other non-sport celebrities in embracing the game, which has seen an explosion in recognition lately.

Brady and Clijsters are teaming with Knighthead Capital for the acquisition. The group additionally contains RBC bond saleswoman Callie Simpkins and JPMorgan monetary advisor Kaitlyn Kerr, who will function its normal supervisor. The growth group will likely be 50% female-owned.

Monetary phrases weren’t disclosed.

MLP plans to increase its league from 12 groups to 16 subsequent yr, additionally doubling its occasions and growing the prize cash. The league says it has obtained “overwhelming” curiosity from greater than 60 buyers for the brand new groups.

Pickleball is a fusion of tennis and desk tennis. Practically 5 million individuals within the U.S. are lovers, together with Invoice Gates, and curiosity has elevated 15% prior to now yr. Past MLP, some health membership chains are banking on the game to grow to be the centerpiece of progress.

“In fact, I’m excited on the funding alternative,” mentioned Clijsters, who’s a six-time tennis Grand Slam Champion, in an announcement. “However what excites me essentially the most about changing into an MLP proprietor is that I get to assist form the way forward for pickleball. … I’m thrilled to assist showcase skilled pickleball and make an affect on the game.”