The Sport Craze That's Sweeping The Country Is Pickleball And It Seems Like Everybody Wants In On The Sensation, Including Rappers.

If you're unfamiliar, Pickleball is a rapidly growing paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Played on a small court with a net, it's known for its fast-paced, engaging nature, making it popular among people of all ages.

Participants use solid paddles to hit a perforated ball over the net, aiming to score points

The game's appeal lies in its accessibility, requiring minimal equipment and space. Pickleball is easy for beginners to learn but offers room for skill development, strategy, and competitive play. Its inclusive and social nature has fostered a welcoming community, ensuring its continued rise in popularity.

Its Popularity Has Lead To Emergence Of Several Pro Leagues.

Major League Pickleball (MLP by Margaritaville) is a professional pickleball league founded by Steve Kuhn in 2021, MLP has since expanded from eight to 24 teams. One of the leagues founding teams is The Texas Ranchers based out of Austin.

Helmed by 26-year-old serial entrepreneur, Evan Floersch, alongside Ted Moskovitz and Nancy Fechnay, the Texas Ranchers are supported by an influential list of more than 30 owners including professional athletes, artists, pop culture figures, business moguls, entrepreneurs and investors.

Grammy Award-winning artist Lil Wayne will join the team's ownership group and will serve as a strategic advisor.

According to a press release from the Ranchers, in his role as strategic advisor, Lil Wayne will provide direction for the brand to help drive national and local fandom to the sport, further strengthening the Texas Ranchers position as America's Pickleball Team.

He will also support creative ideation and the development of future apparel collaborations, and work with the team to build pickleball courts in underserved areas.

The rapper joins other star owners like singer-songwriter and rapper The Kid LAROI; sports commentator and former NFL athlete Emmanuel Acho, #1 ranked golfer in the world Scottie Scheffler; award-winning country music star Zach Bryan Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett; Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson and #1 ranked American tennis player Taylor Fritz.