The Sports Facilities Companies (SFC), the nation’s leading manager of sports and recreation facilities, has teamed up with sports industry leaders plus some retired professional male and female athletes to launch PBX Pickleball.
A Host Of Sporting Talent
Advisors for the new organization include 3x MLB All-Star Kevin Youkilis, 4x World Series Champ Tino Martinez, 2x MLB All-Star Brad Penny, 18-year MLB veteran Kent Mercker, NHL Player, Coach, GM and Team President Paul Holmgren, 4x Stanley Cup Champ Kris Draper, NFL Pro Bowler and Super Bowl Champ Golden Tate, and former CEO of USA Pickleball Stu Upson among others.
Youkilis commented, “So many baseball, hockey, football, and basketball sports heroes have become exceptional pickleball players.
“As one of those retired athletes who picked up the game myself, I’m excited to see PBX Pickleball allow us to scratch our competitive itch, interact with our fans, and continue our playing careers through a sport that is so much fun to play.
“We’ll also make pickleball a blast to watch on TV.”
Incorporating Retired Players’ Charities
PBX Pickleball has entered a partnership with the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association (MLBPAA) and the NHL Alumni Association. It is also looking to attract top retired professional athletes from all major sports, including baseball, hockey, football, and basketball, with additional partnerships to be announced.
Furthermore, in an incredibly generous move, PBX Pickleball will incorporate retired players’ charities and other nonprofit organizations nationwide.
PBX Pickleball will consist of four experiences:
The PBX Tour will bring together retired sports stars turned avid pickleball players, starting with athletes who previously competed at the highest levels of their sports. Each player will represent their respective sports in PBX Pickleball tournaments for audiences watching in person, via television broadcasts, and through digital media.
PBX Pro-Ams will allow amateur pickleball players to play with and against former male and female stars of major sports teams. PBX Pickleball Pro-Ams will align with professional pickleball tour stops and occur adjacent to these events, including the PBX Tour.
PBX Dream Weekends will offer the ultimate pickleball experience for amateur participants. Pickleball enthusiasts will learn from professional picklers and interact with dozens of retired athletes.
PBX Corporate Experiences will be fully customizable with turnkey services to support corporate meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions. Retired professional athletes will be part of the experience.
“Passionate Participants”
Jason Clement, CEO of The Sports Facilities Companies, said, “The pickleball explosion in America continues to attract players and spectators at a rapid pace. Passionate participants now include hundreds of professional athletes who found pickleball in retirement. PBX Pickleball will harness the talent and competitive spirit to offer excitement and experiences that fans will love.”
Read more about how pickleball continues to sweep across the U.S. in this article.
Justin Maloof, USA Pickleball Chief Operating Officer, added: Pickleball has not only served as the fastest-growing sport in the country for the past three years, it has been elevated to a social phenomenon. With that in mind, PBX Pickleball’s vision to interweave other great American sports while engaging with top pro athletes will create even more unique and amazing experiences for pickleball participants and spectators.”
Fantastic Events In The Pipeline
The Sports Facilities Companies, with their impressive network of over 45 managed venues across the country, are gearing up to make PBX Pickleball a massive hit. They’re leveraging their nationwide relationships to book and market some fantastic events, which will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
As if all the above wasn’t enough, PBX Pickleball is exploring a multi-year strategic partnership with USA Pickleball.
Fans can get their hands on all PBX Pickleball news at pbxpickleball.com. Social media is available at @pbxpickleball on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
