Clijsters Swaps Tennis Glory for Pickleball’s Rising Fame

Kim Clijsters, a name synonymous with tennis greatness, has embarked on a new journey in the world of sports—this time, in the rapidly growing arena of pickleball. At Court 16's Downtown Brooklyn location, the former tennis champion and current co-owner of the Major League Pickleball team, the Las Vegas Night Owls, is not just sharing her love for the game but also her vision for its future. This transition from casual player to serious investor in pickleball highlights her adaptability and passion for sports, alongside her commitment to fostering this emerging sport.

Clijsters' pickleball story began during COVID, when she moved from Europe to New Jersey. Seeking to build her own social circle outside her family connections, pickleball became her gateway to new friendships and experiences. It was this very personal journey that led her to become deeply involved in the sport. Her transition from a casual player to a co-owner of an MLP team, alongside figures like Tom Brady, is a testament to her belief in the sport's potential. As someone who has been through various roles in tennis – player, academy owner, tournament director, and WTA board member – Clijsters brings a wealth of experience to pickleball.

The former World No. 1's vision for pickleball is expansive. She sees the foundational stage of the sport as an opportunity for immense growth and innovation. Acknowledging the challenges in transitioning pickleball to a spectator sport on par with tennis, especially in terms of television viewership and stadium dynamics, Clijsters remains optimistic. She believes in the sport's potential to not only grow within the U.S. but also globally. Her involvement goes beyond just business; it's about shaping a sport's future, bridging cultural divides, and introducing pickleball to new audiences worldwide. As pickleball continues its meteoric rise, Clijsters' role in it will be pivotal in determining its trajectory in the years to come.