As pickleball continues its meteoric rise in popularity within Australia, more and more celebrities are jumping on the bandwagon.
From A-list stars to Hall of Fame athletes, pickleball has cast a wide net over the country, and even the glitz and glamour of Hollywood can't resist its allure. While we can't mention every celebrity who has picked up a paddle, let's take a look at some famous faces you might run into on the pickleball courts.
Who’s on the list
One recent addition to the pickleball craze is the entrepreneur and best-selling author, Gary V.
Known for his enthusiastic pursuit of any business opportunity, Gary made headlines when he acquired a Major League Pickleball team called "The 5's." With their debut in the upcoming MLP season, Gary aims to make a significant impact on the sport and further popularise it.
Outside of this, 28-time Olympic Medalist Michael Phelps and future Hall of Fame NFL Wide Receiver Larry Fitzgerald were seen battling it out in a Pickleball tournament. While it seemed that Michael was relatively new to the game, Larry appeared more at ease in his pickleball shoes.
Regardless of their skill levels, the stands were packed, and the atmosphere buzzed with excitement as fans had the chance to witness these legendary athletes in action.
It's no surprise to see current and former tennis players gravitating towards pickleball, considering their skills transfer seamlessly between the two sports.
Tennis pros like Andy Roddick and Jack Sock are also giving pickleball a try, adding to the growing list of players who have made the transition. It's always a treat to witness these tennis legends stepping onto the pickleball court and showcasing their talents.
Pickleball on the Big Screen
Pickleball received significant exposure after appearing on an episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians.
In a short clip, Kim and her partner faced off against sister Khloe and her partner in a light-hearted grudge match filled with fun. While it's unclear if they are regulars on the challenge court, featuring pickleball on the show is a testament to the sport's trendiness and growing popularity.
The episode left fans eagerly awaiting future appearances from the Kardashian sisters on the pickleball court, as they compete for the coveted pickleball crown.
The list of celebrities involved in pickleball goes on and on, and it's only going to keep growing.
Rumour has it that Leonardo DiCaprio, George Clooney, and other notable figures have caught the pickleball bug and are fully embracing the sport. Who will be the next celebrity to pick up a pickleball paddle and join the craze? Only time will tell!
So what’s next?
As the pickleball community continues to expand within Australia and attract celebrities from various backgrounds, it's an exciting time for the sport.
At Laneway Paddle Co, we understand the passion and dedication pickleball enthusiasts bring to the court. Born and bred in Australia, we offer luxury paddles designed to enhance your game and elevate your experience. Join us as we celebrate the pickleball revolution and discover the thrill of this fast-paced and addictive sport.