Lakers News: NBA Stars Join LeBron James as New Sports Team Owners

They believe in the fastest growing sports league in 2023!

Major League Pickleball (MLP) is one of the fastest-growing professional sports leagues in the US, with growing popularity and revenue. Despite being a relatively new association, with the first draft held in 2021 and the first tournament in 2022, it's taking over the sports world.

MLP is an immersive sport that combines the best elements from volleyball, tennis, and badminton. It has some of the biggest professional athletes putting their name down to be owners of their own teams. LeBron James, current forward for the Los Angeles Lakers, was one of the earliest investors along with Kevin Durant and Draymond Green.

LeBron James, Draymond Green and Kevin Love are leading a group of investors purchasing one of four expansion teams in the pickleball league next season.

Drew Brees and Milwaukee Bucks governor Marc Lasry are also investors in the league. pic.twitter.com/pj1JYbqOT9

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 28, 2022

However, some of the younger superstars in the NBA have decided to join the party.

Jayson Tatum, currently playing for the Boston Celtics and Zach Lavine, one of the premier talents on the Chicago Bulls, have now investing in the MLP as well. Tatum, a 2023 First-Team All-NBA members, and Lavine, a two-time Slam Dunk Contest champion, are already stars in their own right, but they're investing in a new sport that they believe has a future. 

And thanks to our friends at Dink It Over, we have received plenty of information regarding this newfound movement from these basketball icons.

What do Jayson Tatum, Josh Allen, Magnus Carlsen and Zach LaVine have in common?

They are now Major League Pickleball Investors & Fractional Team Owners 👀 pic.twitter.com/UjrABZvMYi

— The Dink Pickleball (@Pickleball) May 11, 2023

"Major League Pickleball (MLP by Margaritaville) today announced world-class additions to its fleet of 24 team ownership groups, highlighted by social media influencers Dude Perfect (Frisco, TX franchise), star pro athletes Jayson Tatum, Haley Jones, and Josh Allen (Los Angeles Mad Drops), Jewell Loyd and Zach LaVine (Miami Pickleball Club), and World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen (AZ Drive)."

(Via Margaritaville)

MLP is becoming an attractive investment for professional athletes, and with these exclusive names joining, keep an eye out for it to continue growing. The 38-year-old LeBron James is always looking to see where he can help make an impact with his celebrity stature and income sees this pickleball league as the future of the country's athletics, and he is not alone in his belief. Maybe we'll see some more Lakers find their way to own a team as well soon!

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