Drake and Michael B. Jordan made a surprising move by investing in the Brooklyn Aces, one of the 24 teams in the new Major League Pickleball League. The announcement has sparked excitement among sports enthusiasts and investors while also drawing criticism from some civilians who have expressed their displeasure with the sport’s growing popularity. The unexpected partnership between the two entertainers adds a new dimension to the rapidly expanding world of Pickleball.
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The team’s majority owner, Rich Kleiman, expressed excitement about the new investors joining the Aces. He tweeted, “excited to have this ace up our sleeve.”
He further stated, “We’re thrilled to have this incredible group of investors join the Brooklyn Aces as we continue to grow the team and raise the profile of Major League Pickleball as a whole.”
Kleiman also added, “In addition to the marketing and creative insight that Michael B. Jordan, Drake, and Steve Stoute bring to the table, our investor group includes some of the savviest entrepreneurs in the business. We’re looking forward to what our second season brings.”
The league has been dubbed the “standard-bearer for the fastest-growing sport in the United States,” and it consists of 12 teams in its “Premier Level” and 12 in its “Challenger Level.” The Brooklyn Aces were formed during the COVID-19 pandemic, which coincided with the rise of the Pickleball craze in the United States.
While the sport’s popularity is soaring, it has also attracted criticism from some local residents who live near Pickleball courts in different parts of the United States. In an interview with sports reporter Andrew Keh of The New York Times, several civilians expressed their opinions.
John Mancini, 82, from Wellesley, Mass. stated, “It’s like having a pistol range in your backyard.” Clint Ellis, 37, stated, “It’s a torture technique.” Debbie Nagle, 67, stated, “Living here is hell.”
Despite the contrasting opinions on Pickleball, Drake and Michael B. Jordan’s investment signifies a significant milestone for the sport and adds star power to its growing fan base.
In addition to their success in their respective fields, the involvement of the iconic rapper and star actor in the Brooklyn Aces investment group highlights the growing trend of celebrities investing in sports franchises. This trend has been seen across various sports, with entertainers and athletes increasingly involved in team ownership and management.
Michael B. Jordan’s success as an actor and now director, combined with Drake’s prominence as a global music icon, make their investment in Pickleball an exciting development in the entertainment-sports crossover.
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The involvement of celebrities in sports franchises is not limited to Pickleball. Across various sports, entertainers and athletes have become increasingly interested in team ownership and management. Celebrities like Jamie Foxx and others have been seen participating in sports like Pickleball, showcasing the crossover between the entertainment and sports worlds.
