US private equity giant Apollo Global Management has led a $225 million investment into the rapidly growing pickleball sector, further expanding its presence in the global sports industry. The deal brings together Major League Pickleball (MLP) and PPA Tour under a newly formed parent company, Pickleball Inc.
The new entity will operate as a fully integrated ecosystem, combining professional and amateur competitions with media platforms, e-commerce, software solutions, and court infrastructure. According to the company, it represents the largest unified pickleball platform to date.
Pickleball Inc.’s combined business verticals generated more than $140 million in revenue in 2025. Following the latest funding round, total investment in the company has reached $315 million, with a reported valuation of approximately $750 million.
The investment round also includes Dundon Capital Partners, owned by Tom Dundon, who remains a majority shareholder alongside the Pardoe family. Additional assets across facilities, retail, tournament software, and technology platforms have been consolidated into the new structure.
Pickleball continues to be the fastest-growing sport in the US, with an estimated 24 million players in 2025. The combined revenues of MLP and the PPA Tour are projected to reach $74 million in 2026.
The deal forms part of Apollo’s broader push into sports through its dedicated platform, Apollo Sports Capital. In 2026, the firm made a landmark move into European football by acquiring a majority stake in Atlético Madrid.
Beyond club ownership, Apollo has also been active in providing financing to football clubs, investing in minority stakes, and supporting stadium and infrastructure projects. The firm reports having deployed around $17 billion across sports, media, and entertainment sectors.
With its latest pickleball investment, Apollo is positioning itself not just as a team owner, but as a builder of integrated sports ecosystems spanning media, technology, and commercial operations.