Drake, Michael B. Jordan, And Steve Stoute Become Co-Owners Of Thirty Five Ventures' Pickleball Team

In addition, the new investor group includes the likes of CityPickle co-founders Mary Cannon and Erica Desai, LionTree Chairman and CEO Aryeh Bourkoff and Managing Director Alex Michael, Baby2Baby Co-CEO Kelly Sawyer Patricof, and more, the outlet details.

“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 said, according to the outlet. “It’s the idea of bringing people in that we could share in this with and utilize resources as the Aces evolve. Our investor group includes some of the savviest entrepreneurs in the business, and having this network on our cap table positions us to be successful.”

“Just having their ear and their support is really incredible,” he added.

As the new investors settle into being involved in the team, the Brooklyn Aces aim to continue connecting with the pickleball community in New York City and beyond, growing its brand presence and elevating the athlete roster, the outlet notes.

The announcement comes as pickleball’s growth has been skyrocketing.

As previously shared by AfroTech, Naomi Osaka and Patrick Mahomes reportedly invested in a new Major League Pickleball team based in Miami, FL, in 2022.

Additionally, LeBron James and Draymond Green became a part of an ownership group within the popular sport. The two NBA stars were joined by Maverick Carter, James’ business partner, Miami Heat’s Kevin Love, and investment firm SC Holdings.

“When I started playing pickleball, I immediately connected with the sport’s community and its capacity to be both fun and competitive,” Carter told CNBC at the time. “To see the sport growing in communities all over is really exciting, and we’re looking forward to bringing our expertise together to try and build a championship team.”