New reality television pickleball show is in the works
Los Angeles-based television production company, Batal Boys, is set to produce a new competitive reality television series that will showcase some of the best amateur pickleball players across the United States. The show, set to feature professional pickleball coaches and celebrities who are enthusiastic about the sport, will offer viewers an inside look into the fiercely competitive world of pickleball and the growing community of professional and amateur players.
The show, which is set to be executive produced by Tarik Batal and produced by Anthony Lipe-Ladenheim and Greg Donis, will pit 12 players (six men and six women) against each other, all vying for a chance to win $100,000 and a minor league pickleball contract. Auditions will take place in Florida, Texas, and California in late March to select the initial 12 participants, who will compete in the final pickleball match.
Batal said:
“Pickleball has an incredible number of colorful personalities that would make ‘Pickleballers’ not only exciting to watch, but a compelling and fun show as well. This sport is gaining an incredible amount of momentum and the pickleball community is ripe for a reality show to introduce the sport to existing and new audiences.”
Professional coaches and amateur players
The show’s two coaches will be Sam Querrey, a former tennis champion and rising pickleball star, and Wes Burrows, a professional pickleball player in Major League Pickleball. Querrey noted that “this show is about finding the next superstars in pickleball.”
Professional tennis players John Isner and Jack Sock are both enthusiastic about the concept of the show, with Isner saying he is “thrilled to participate” and Sock stating that he “can’t wait to be there and see these contestants compete firsthand.”
The final pickleball battle is set to take place in La Mesa, California, on June 15, where Major League Pickleball will hold its premiere league tournament, providing contestants with the opportunity to experience a pro tour. Batal Boys is currently finalizing agreements with sponsors and distribution deals with media outlets.
What is pickleball?
Pickleball is an indoor or outdoor racket/paddle sport where two players (singles), or four players (doubles), hit a perforated hollow plastic ball over a 36-inch-high (0.91 m) net using solid-faced paddles. Opponents on either side of the net hit the ball back and forth until one side commits a rule infraction. Pickleball was invented in 1965 as a children’s backyard game on Bainbridge Island, Washington, US.
Unfamiliar with the sport of pickleball? Check out the video below which shows four professional pickleball players in action.
Image Credits
In-Article Image Credits
Pickleballers playing pickle ball via Wikimedia Commons with usage type - Creative Commons License. July 5, 2021Featured Image Credit
Pickleballers playing pickle ball via Wikimedia Commons with usage type - Creative Commons License. July 5, 2021
