Shutterstock Studios has released the trailer for its upcoming six-part documentary series “Partners,†offering an inside look at the fast-growing world of professional pickleball.
The series follows players on the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour, capturing both on-court action and behind-the-scenes moments with athletes, executives, and media figures connected to the sport.
Filmed over the past 18 months, the production aims to highlight the lifestyle and competitive structure of the tour, often described in the trailer as a “traveling circus†due to its constant movement between events.
Sports documentary trend continues to grow
“Partners†joins a growing wave of sports documentary productions that have gained global popularity in recent years, following formats such as Formula 1’s Drive to Survive, tennis-focused Break Point, and basketball’s Starting 5.
These series have been credited with expanding the global audience for niche or emerging sports by offering behind-the-scenes storytelling alongside competitive coverage.
Hybrid format between documentary and reality TV
Executive producer Mark Infante described the series as blurring the line between traditional sports documentary and reality television, combining personal storytelling with professional competition narratives.
The trailer features high-production visuals from tour events, along with personal interviews and travel footage that aim to showcase the lifestyle of professional pickleball players.
Global release on streaming platforms
The six-part series is scheduled to premiere on May 5, 2026, and will be available on Prime Video, the PPA Tour YouTube channel, and PickleballTV.
The release reflects continued investment in sports storytelling content designed to engage broader audiences beyond traditional broadcast coverage.