LeBron James Is Buying a Stake in a New Pro Pickleball Team

The frenzy of investment in pickleball shows no sign of slowing down.

Major League Pickleball, one of several professional leagues vying for prominence in the fast-growing sport, said Wednesday that it sold a new expansion team to a group of investors that includes NBA stars LeBron James, Draymond Green and Kevin Love.

The league is expanding from 12 to 16 teams and plans to host six tournaments across the US in 2023.

The USA Pickleball Newport Beach West Diamond Regional tournament at Newport Beach, California, on Sept. 4.

Photographer: Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Pickleball — a paddle sport sometimes described as a hybrid of tennis, Ping Pong and badminton — has been soaring in popularity in recent years. ...