In a landmark move for the burgeoning sport of pickleball, Elon Musk has acquired Major League Pickleball (MLP) for $300 million. This acquisition underscores Musk’s growing interest in the sport, which he has previously praised for its convenience and potential to surpass tennis in popularity.
Musk’s involvement in pickleball isn’t entirely new. In December 2023, The Boring Company, founded by Musk, unveiled the Hyperloop Plaza in Bastrop County, Texas. This facility features amenities such as a bodega, coffee shop, barber shop, playground, and notably, pickleball courts available for reservation at just one dollar per hour. citeturn0search0
The acquisition aligns Musk with other high-profile investors who have recently ventured into the pickleball arena. In October 2022, NFL legend Tom Brady, along with former tennis champion Kim Clijsters, invested in an MLP expansion team. Similarly, basketball superstar LeBron James and brewing giant Anheuser-Busch InBev have also acquired stakes in MLP teams, reflecting the sport’s surging appeal among both athletes and corporations. citeturn0search2turn0search3
Musk’s acquisition is anticipated to infuse significant capital and innovation into MLP, potentially accelerating the sport’s growth and expanding its reach to new audiences. His vision for integrating advanced technologies and infrastructure could revolutionize how pickleball is played and consumed, further solidifying its status in the sports industry.
As the fastest-growing sport in the United States, pickleball has seen a meteoric rise in participation and viewership. Musk’s investment is expected to elevate the sport’s profile even further, attracting new fans and participants worldwide. The MLP community and pickleball enthusiasts alike are eager to witness the transformative impact Musk’s involvement will have on the sport’s future.
