Competing in the National Pickleball League's Champions Pro League are the Coachella Valley Scorpions, one of the 12 teams, with players aged 50 and above.
Actor Vince Vaughn has acquired a majority ownership stake in the Coachella Valley Scorpions, a team in the National Pickleball League (NPL). Vaughn, known for his role in the sports comedy “Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story,” is joining the league as a significant investor and supporter of the sport.
The NPL, which caters to players aged 50 and over, is currently in its second season and has rapidly expanded, doubling its number of teams from the previous year. Vaughn’s involvement is expected to boost the league's visibility, particularly in Southern California. Kim Jagd, who remains a minority owner and serves as the Scorpions’ general manager, will continue to lead the team. Jagd previously guided her former team, the Indy Drivers, to the NPL’s inaugural championship.
Pickleball’s popularity is soaring, with participation growing by 223.5% since 2020, making it the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. However, this rise has led to an increase in pickleball-related injuries, notably Achilles tendon ruptures among older players. Cedars-Sinai Medical Center has reported a surge in such injuries, highlighting the need for proper training as more people take up the sport.
Vaughn’s investment reflects the growing interest in pickleball and is poised to enhance the Scorpions’ brand and the league’s overall growth.
Comments