Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks and famous investor on the Shark Tank couldn’t pass up the opportunity to invest in the fastest growing sport in America. This shouldn’t surprise anyone that Cuban is jumping into the pickleball game, but it may surprise you that he will own a team with the VIBE Pickleball League. Cuban said, “VIBE presents an unparalleled opportunity to launch a new pro league that will feature the best-of-the-best in a highly competitive setting. I can’t wait to be a part of it.”
Other famous athletes, like Lebron James, Draymond Green and Tom Brady have invested in the Major League Pickleball league. Mark Cuban is the first owner that has been announced for the now rival pickleball league, VIBE. The pro pickleball landscape is going to be fascinating to follow in 2023 with all of the competition and star power backing the two leagues.
Or should I say 3? On Wednesday, Los Angeles Sparks star and ESPN analyst Chiney Ogwumike revealed she was a co-founder of another new league — the Women’s International Pickleball Association. The other 2 leagues will be coed, so it will be interesting to see which league gains the biggest following in their inaugural seasons.