Lil Wayne Joins Major League Pickleball: A New Wave of Celebrity Investment

Pickleball, a sport on the rise in the United States, has garnered the attention of A-list celebrities who are investing in Major League Pickleball franchises. Renowned rapper Lil Wayne is the most recent addition to this movement. This article delves into Lil Wayne's involvement as part-owner of the Texas Ranchers, highlighting his role as a strategic advisor and how he plans to contribute to the growth of the sport.

The Growing Popularity of Pickleball

Pickleball is experiencing remarkable growth in the United States, and this surge is evident in the high-profile investors entering the Major League Pickleball arena. The involvement of celebrities like Lil Wayne reflects the sport's increasing prominence and appeal.

Lil Wayne Joins the Texas Ranchers

On a recent Tuesday, Lil Wayne joined the ownership group of the Texas Ranchers, making a significant impact on the franchise. The five-time Grammy winner was introduced as the Ranchers' strategic advisor in a social media post. His responsibilities include:

·    Attracting fans to the team

·    Collaborating on apparel

·    Overseeing the development of pickleball courts in underserved areas

CEO of the Ranchers Evan Floersch said he was thrilled to have Lil Wayne involved, saying, "We're so excited to have Lil Wayne on board." To help us achieve our goal of becoming one of the most recognizable brands in American sports, we set out early on to assemble a team that was fundamentally grounded in pop culture."

Celebrities in Major League Pickleball

The first season of Major League Pickleball ended in 2021,with CBS Sports showing the championship match. Since then, a number of well-known investors have shown interest in the league, including LeBron James, Michael Phelps, Drew Brees, Tom Brady, and Naomi Osaka. Notably, Front Office Sports reported that MLP team values increased to approximately $10 million in July.

Lil Wayne's Role in Building the Ranchers Franchise

Lil Wayne is collaborating with other well-known players to support the Texas Ranchers, including Micah Parsons, Zach Bryan, Myles Garrett, and CJ Stroud. His guidance and the collective efforts of this ownership group emphasize a commitment to redefining sports ownership and making a positive impact on the local pickleball community and beyond.

Evan Floersch stated, "Having Wayne's guidance, along with the rest of this incredible ownership group, emphasizes our stance on redefining sports ownership and being a positive force for good in our local pickleball community and beyond."

Lil Wayne's Perspective

Lil Wayne, a 41-year-old rap legend, expressed his enthusiasm for this new venture, saying, "Pickleball is the moment. I've liked observing, so I jumped at the chance to become a member of this group of owners." While this marks his first venture into sports franchise ownership, Lil Wayne is no stranger to the world of business. He is the founder and CEO of Young Money Entertainment, as well as a business partner in Beats by Dre, Bogey Cigars, TRUKFIT, and Supra.

Conclusion

With Lil Wayne's entry into the world of Major League Pickleball, the sport continues to gain traction and recognition from a wider audience. The involvement of A-list celebrities not only highlights the sport's growth but also underscores the potential for further expansion and innovation in the world of professional Pickleball.