Hawks' Trae Young is latest athlete to join in on the Pickleball craze

Atlanta Hawks' point guard Trae Young has recently become co-owner, along with Anheuser-Busch, of the Atlanta Bouncers, the Major League Pickleball team in Georgia. Pickleball, America's fastest-growing sport, has attracted big-time athletes and notable figures who have become key investors in the sport.

The co-ed paddle sport has taken the United States by storm, quickly becoming the go-to activity in 2021 and 2022. Thanks to investments from big names like LeBron James and Drew Brees, the sport's exposure has grown significantly.

The Atlanta Bouncers, Young's new team, will participate in the first event of the 2023 Major League Pickleball season in Atlanta.

What is Pickleball:

Pickleball USA states that Pickleball was invented in 1965, but it gained popularity in 2021 and 2022. This paddle sport, similar to tennis, can be played both indoors and outdoors using a hollow wiffle ball. It is a co-ed sport.

As of January 2023, there are 36.5 million pickleball players in the United States, according to the Association of Pickleball Professionals.

What is Major League Pickleball:

Major League Pickleball was founded by Steve Kuhn in 2021 and has 24 teams as of 2023. The league has six annual events and the prize money can surpass 5 million dollars.

Notable figures that back Major League Pickleball:

Drew Brees: Retired NFL star Drew Brees is now a part-owner of the Mad Drop Pickleball Club in Austin, Texas.

LeBron James: LeBron James, the superstar of the Los Angeles Lakers, invested in Major League Pickleball after trying the sport.

Tom Brady and Kim Clijsters: Seven-time Super Bowl Champion Tom Brady and Tennis legend Kim Clijsters are among the investors in the Major League Pickleball.

Kevin Durant: The NBA player invested in Major League Pickleball through Thirty-Five Ventures, the company he co-owns with Rich Kleiman.

Michael B. Jordan and Drake: The actor from Creed is an investor in Brooklyn Aces with rapper Drake.