Naomi Osaka and Patrick Mahomes become latest pickleball investors

America’s fastest growing sport has a new set of superstar investors. Naomi Osaka and Patrick Mahomes are expected to announce this week that they will be investing in a new Major League Pickleball team according to Forbes. In their article, they state that the investment size cannot yet be determined, however, it is expected to fall somewhere in the leagues recent expansion of fees between $1 and $3 million.

The new team is set to be based in Miami and includes a roster of big names like Australian tennis pro Nick Kyrgios, tech founder Soichiro Miami, and NBA agent Rich Paul to name a few. This team is part of the 12 team expansion that Major League Pickleball is out to achieve by 2023 to keep up with growing demand for the sport.

Osaka and Mahomes are no strangers to using their earning for investments in sports and beyond.

Osaka put money into the National Women’s Soccer League’s 2021 expansion with the North Carolina Courage, as well as investing in a number of startups, including a plant-based meat company and a digital health platform. Previously stating that she seeks investments that align that have the potential to make a positive impact on the world, it’s easy to see how the inclusive and welcoming nature of Pickleball fits that ethos.

Mahomes has also made significant investments, with stakes in the Kansas City Royals and the MLS club Sporting Kansas City.

Other athletes riding the wave of professional pickleball include basketball player Chris Paul, baseball player Alex Rodriguez, and soccer player Megan Rapinoe. Other notable names like Tom Brady, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Drew Brees. These athletes have recognized the potential of pickleball to become a major player in the world of professional sports, and have decided to invest in the sport as a way to support its growth and development.

Pickleball is a racquet sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis, and can be played by people of all ages. Though it’s been around since 1965, it has exploded in recent years becoming wildly popular in the US and beyond.