There is no wasting away in this Margaritaville, in the latest announcement from MLP last week.
Quite the contrary. This is a momentous moment for both organizations. This commitment to pickleball is as significant as it comes, as the league will be known as “MLP by Margaritaville.”
Why is this a relationship made in pickleball heaven?
Passionate Followers
Jimmy Buffett is an icon with a passionate following for all things Buffett, including his restaurants, resorts, and even dedicated communities, all branded with one of his most famous songs, “Margaritaville.”
Those that have found the game of pickleball are an equally passionate bunch. Bring up Jimmy Buffett or pickleball at a cocktail party, and you are in for an easy icebreaker that leads to a fun conversation. Bring them up together; it might be the only thing discussed all night.
Passion is the name of the game when it comes to both brands. On their own, they have a cult following, but together there is just a natural synergy that exists. The demographics, opportunity to improve each other’s standing and overall vibe seem, at first glance, to be an excellent fit.
Generational Appeal
It would be hard to find someone that hasn’t heard of or sung along to “Margaritaville.” You can feel the sand on your feet and the sun-kissed breeze through your hair when it comes on. Instantly relaxed.
As pickleball continues to broaden its appeal to those of at least three generations, the game and the music of Buffet go together like a paddle and ball.
They share the same ability to bring people of all generations together. No matter the background or opinions of the world, these two things share the ability to bring people together. It is an extension of why the New Yorker broached the article “Can Pickleball Save America?”.
If Pickleball alone can’t save America, there is a good possibility that Pickleball and Margaritaville can.
Fun is the Name of the Game
Let’s face it. You’d have to work to find someone that doesn’t like Jimmy Buffett and “Margaritaville.” In that same way, as more and more people get introduced to pickleball, it’s getting harder to find people who don’t love the game.
They are both so fun!
Pickleball players are also known for playing a little music while competing. Now imagine Buffett and pickleball being played together, and it feels very right. Playing pickleball, staying and eating at resorts that continue the fun on the courts before and after seems ideal.
But what if we aren’t playing and staying but rather watching on TV?
We can dream because we can relate! We can plan our next trip to a resort where we can stay, play, and relax. We can think and talk about pickleball when we eat at one of their establishments.
Perfect Partners
Jimmy Buffet is quoted as saying, on the relationship with MLP, “I am happy to be in the same boat.” The announcement of this newly formed partnership came on the same day that MLP held its televised draft in Las Vegas.
This is not Margaritaville’s first foray into pickleball sponsorship, as they have sponsored other tournaments in previous years. That the case, this marks an obvious doubling down by the self-proclaimed global lifestyle brand.
The announcement was thought out, and the timing was planned carefully. It showed the clear maturing of the sport of pickleball right before our very eyes. This is a clear winner for both organizations.
As Jimmy Buffet himself said about this partnership, “…fins up, paddles up!”.
