Pickleball Goes Prime Time: A New Network for a Rising Sport

The burgeoning sport of pickleball is receiving a significant boost with the launch of Pickleballtv (PBTV), a dedicated television network created by Tennis Channel and the Carvana Professional Pickleball Association (PPA Tour). This groundbreaking venture, marking a significant development in the sport's media coverage, will feature more than 30 top-tier live PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball (MLP) events, player features, instructional content, celebrity matches, and a weekly news show. Available on platforms like Amazon Freevee and Fubo, PBTV aims to cater to both professional players and a rapidly growing base of recreational enthusiasts, promising to be a comprehensive source for all things pickleball.

The network, which debuted during the PPA Tour National Championships in Dallas, isn't just about broadcasting matches. It's set to provide a deeper dive into the sport with various features on top players such as Ben Johns, Anna Leigh Waters, and Catherine Parenteau. The instructional segments are tailored to help amateur players enhance their skills, covering aspects like serve strategy and midcourt play. Beyond the technicalities of the game, PBTV is working on a celebrity pickleball show and a regular studio news program, underlining the sport's cultural impact and its appeal to a broader audience.

Pickleballtv's significance is underscored by the impressive growth of pickleball in the U.S., noted as the fastest-growing sport with a 159% increase in participation over three years. The PPA Tour and Tennis Channel's collaboration extends beyond just broadcasting, encompassing event production and advertising-sales activities, aiming to elevate pickleball to a global stage. This initiative reflects a strategic effort to not only showcase top athletes but also to cultivate new fans and create a dedicated hub for pickleball, thereby expanding its reach and solidifying its position in the sports landscape.