Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports

Buccaneers' Tom Brady invests in Major League Pickleball expansion team

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 10/12/22

Earlier this month, ESPN's Amanda Loudin called the recreational game known as pickleball "the hottest up-and-coming sport right now."

It appears Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady does not want to be left behind.

The Athletic and D'Arcy Maine of ESPN noted on Wednesday that Brady and retired four-time Grand Slam singles champion Kim Clijsters are part of an investment group that has purchased a Major League Pickleball expansion team for that league's 2023 season. The group led by Knighthead Capital Management includes financial adviser Kaitlyn Kerr, who will serve as the team's general manager.

Brady confirmed the news and also vowed to win big as an MLP owner via an Instagram video:

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A post shared by Tom Brady (@tombrady)

"Of course, I'm excited at the investment opportunity," Clijsters said in an official statement. "But what excites me the most about becoming an MLP owner is that I get to help shape the future of pickleball, a sport I have come to love, with great people -- who also happen to be some of my best friends. I'm thrilled to help showcase professional pickleball and make an impact on the sport through my experience gained in the top levels of professional tennis."

Back in September, The Athletic explained that NBA stars LeBron James, Draymond Green, and Kevin Love were part of a different group that bought an MLP team. Future Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees and retired tennis player James Blake have also invested in the league which is due to expand from 12 teams to 16 next year.

The ongoing MLP season concludes in Columbus, Ohio, this weekend.