Pickleball Inc. has secured a $225 million investment that brings together two of the sport’s major organizations, Major League Pickleball (MLP) and the Carvana PPA Tour, under one corporate umbrella. The new funding aims to support the continued rapid growth of pickleball, which has become America’s fastest-growing sport.
The merger, announced on May 1, 2026, was facilitated by Apollo Sports Capital, whose CEO Al Tylis described pickleball as “one of the fastest growing sports in the world,” attracting players and fans across all ages. This structured investment signals the sport’s rising prominence beyond its previous emerging status.
Growing Popularity and Economic Impact
According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association’s April 2026 report, more than 24 million people played pickleball in 2025, marking a 22% increase from the year prior and a 171% increase over the past three years. Pickleball was invented in Washington state in 1965 and has since evolved from a recreational pastime into a professional sport with expanding infrastructure.
Several high-profile athletes and celebrities have invested in pickleball teams, including Super Bowl winner Tom Brady, Tennis Hall of Famer Kim Clijsters, and NBA stars LeBron James, Kevin Love, and Draymond Green. The sport currently supports over 150 signed professional players, who collectively earn more than $33 million annually in prize money and payouts, with average salaries around $260,000. Top players can make over $1 million annually through prize money, sponsorships, and appearance fees, although many players remain part-time competitors with outside employment.
Consolidating Platforms to Support the Sport
Pickleball Inc. combines league operations, technology, retail, and infrastructure platforms under one entity. The unification of MLP and the PPA Tour under Pickleball Inc. is expected to streamline management and accelerate commercial opportunities for the sport’s ecosystem.
Why it matters
This investment reflects pickleball’s transition from a niche activity to a mainstream sport with significant economic and cultural momentum. By consolidating key organizations and attracting prominent investors, Pickleball Inc. is positioned to shape the future of the sport’s growth, professionalization, and fan engagement across the United States and beyond.
Sources
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