NBA All-Star Trae Young is now a notable investor in the Atlanta Bouncers, a professional pickleball team owned by Anheuser-Busch. Young’s partnership with the Bouncers marks his first investment in a professional sports team.
Trae Young expressed his excitement about the investment, highlighting his passion for both Atlanta and pickleball. The Bouncers are recognized as the first professional sports team Young has chosen to invest in, joining a growing list of celebrity investors in the Major League Pickleball (MLP). This list includes renowned athletes such as LeBron James, Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady, Drew Brees, and Draymond Green, as well as celebrities like Michael B. Jordan and Drake.
Matt Davis, VP of Partnerships at Anheuser-Busch, shared his enthusiasm for the partnership with Trae Young, emphasizing Young’s status as an icon within Atlanta and his vision for the team’s future.
The Atlanta Bouncers, an expansion team in the MLP, were established by Anheuser-Busch in 2023. The team is based in Atlanta, a city known for its vibrant sports culture, extensive tennis community, and burgeoning pickleball scene. The team’s name draws inspiration from Atlanta’s lively bar scene.
The Bouncers’ roster includes accomplished pickleball players, with Parris Todd as the 2022 MLP MVP and Simone Jardim, a former #1 women’s pickleball player. The team is known for its exceptional chemistry, with players having previous experience together and the advantage of close proximity for regular practice sessions.
With Trae Young’s investment and the backing of Anheuser-Busch, the Atlanta Bouncers are poised to continue their growth and success in the world of professional pickleball.
