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Get to Know the Major League Pickleball Owners

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Who are the Major League Pickleball owners and why are they helping to grow the sport?

Pickleball has been on a meteoric rise since around 2020, and is showing no signs of slowing down. The popularity of pickleball is undeniable, as more courts are being built all across America and the fanbase grows daily.

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A key reason for the explosive growth in such a short amount of time can be directly attributed to the ownership groups that make up Major League Pickleball. Sports and media moguls alike have tied their name to the league, buying in and helping to usher pickleball into an exciting new era.

Here are the owners that make up Major League Pickleball:

1.) Gary Vaynerchuk

2.) James Blake and Marc Lasry

3.) Molly Joseph, Travis Rettenmaier and Graham D’amico

4.) Charles Attal, Charlie Walker, and Mellie Price

5.) David Kass and Doug Ulman

6.) Drew Brees and Zubin Mehta

7.) Mimi and David Mercado

8.) Rick Chan and Kevin Huang

9.) Ritchie Tuazon

10.) Brené Brown and Charles Kiley

11.) Bryan Sheffield and Tim Klitch

12.) Wes Hurt, Tim Berry, Brad Beckworth, and Nav Sooch

13.) Tom Brady and Kim Clijsters

14.) LeBron James, Mav Carter, Draymond Green, Kevin Love

15.) Kevin Durant, Rich Kleinman, Drake, Michael B. Jordan

16.) Patrick Mahomes, Naomi Osaka, Nick Kyrgios, Rich Paul

17.) Anheuser-Busch

18.) Richard Chaifetz

Richard Chaifetz
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Richard Chaifetz is the billionaire founder of the private investment firm The Chaifetz Group. He's also one of the world's top investors, licensed neuropsychologist and philanthropist. With a resume like that, one can only imagine how successful his St. Louis Shock franchise will be!

His son Ross Chaifetz will be involved in the day-to-day management of the team as they look to bring a professional sports championship back to their hometown. The Shock will start their season in the Premier Level.

19.) Ryan DeVos

Ryan DeVos
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Ryan DeVos (son of Betsy and Dick DeVos - founders of Amway) is the Vice President of Shareholder Engagement for the NBA's Orlando Magic as well as a member of the Board of Directors of Misfits Gaming, an Esports organization based in South Florida.

DeVos will own the Orlando Squeeze, who will start their season in the Challenger Level.

20.) Odell Beckham Jr.

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Odell Beckham Jr. is a three time NFL Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion, and is bringing his business acumen to professional pickleball as one of the owners of the Washington D.C. expansion team.

The ownership group–which also features Eva Longoria, Justin Verlander and Kate Upton–also purchased 50% of the Mexican soccer team Club Necaxa of Liga MX.

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