How Pickleball Became One of the World’s Hottest Sports

Pickleball was invented as a backyard game for children in 1965, but most had never heard of it until a few years ago. Now, pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in the world, attracting the attention of millions—and serious monetization. A-list celebrities and pro athletes such as LeBron James, Patrick Mahomes and Naomi Osaka have invested in ownership of Major League Pickleball teams. A certified coach and player, Antonio Pullen’s pickleball business Dinkin’ & Bangin’ was awarded a $50,000 prize from Pharrell Williams’ Black Ambition. Pullen joins Beyond The Hype to share what’s driving the pickleball revolution—and what the sport offers in the way of business and investment opportunities.

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