• Loading stock data...
Sunday, November 24, 2024

Pickleball Picks Up Two New TV Deals From CBS and ESPN

  • APP announces deals for 20 hours of combined coverage this year.
  • Pickleball is America’s fastest-growing sport.
Andy Abeyta/ USA TODAY NETWORK

America’s fastest-growing sport has upped its television presence. 

The Association of Pickleball Professionals announced TV deals with CBS and ESPN for the APP Tour on Monday.

Terms were not disclosed, but APP stated the twin deals guarantee a combined 20 hours of TV coverage for its tour events this year across CBS Sports Network and ESPN2. The deals include:

  • Twelve hours of live matches and highlight-driven programs on CBS Sports Network.
  • Eight hours of event recap telecasts on the ESPN2 cable network.
  • Over 200 hours of live streaming coverage on ESPN+ and APP TV.

A Growth Spurt

In 2022, Pickleball ranked as the country’s fastest-growing sport for the second year in a row. The sport saw more than 36.5 million people in the U.S. play between August 2021 and August 2022.

There are 16 APP Tour events on the schedule for this year. Founded in 2019, the tour kicked off its 2023 season in Punta Gorda, Florida. The APP Daytona Beach Open is next in Holly Hill, Florida, from Feb. 8-12.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Chaotic Upsets Turn CFB’s Rivalry Weekend Into Must-See TV

Many berths in the 12-team College Football Playoff remain up for grabs.

DirecTV-Dish Deal Is Dead, Spelling More Trouble for Pay TV

Bondholder objections undo an agreement to create the largest U.S. pay-TV distributor.

The Big Noon Debate: Will Ohio State’s Early Games Lead to Change?

The Buckeyes will end the season with seven noon ET kickoffs.
Hosts of Inside the NBA on TNT
exclusive

ESPN Discussing Alt-Cast Ideas for Charles Barkley, ‘Inside the NBA’

TNT retains complete creative control of the show when it airs on ESPN.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

How Conference Expansion Has Changed College Football

0:00

Featured Today

Can an Elite Women’s Soccer School Survive the New College Sports Moneyball?

Santa Clara faces an uphill battle in the new college sports landscape.
Nov 16, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman (2) celebrates after defeating NJ/NY Gotham FC in a 2024 NWSL Playoffs semifinal match at Audi Field. Mandatory Credit:
November 22, 2024

The Washington Spirit’s Business Makeover Carried Them to the Finals

The team’s return to the NWSL championship looks a lot different from 2021.
Nov 18, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Williams Racing driver Logan Sargeant of the United States (2) during the Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas Strip Circuit.
November 21, 2024

F1 Grand Prix Upended Vegas Last Year. Stakes Are High for Its..

Stakes are high as F1 gears up for a successful second act.
Classic Football Shirts New York Pop-Up
November 18, 2024

Vintage Soccer Jerseys Have Found a Sweet Spot in the Lucrative U.S...

The money-making shirts are at the prime intersection of memorabilia and fashion.

Reader Mailbag: Why Are NBA Ratings Down to Start the Season?

NBA viewership is down 28% on ESPN through the first four weeks.
November 21, 2024

NBA Legend Hubie Brown Stepping Away From ESPN at 91

Brown has been associated with the league for over 50 years.
A photo of Around the Horn's set
November 21, 2024

‘Around the Horn’ to End 23-Year ESPN Run in 2025

ESPN had reportedly been thinking of canceling the show since the summer.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Nov 19, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; The Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers play during the second half at TD Garden.
November 20, 2024

Cavs vs. Celtics Draws Big TV Numbers in NBA Cup Showdown

The game averaged 1.94 million viewers and peaked at 2.7 million.
November 20, 2024

NFL Ratings Hold Strong Through Election Season, Chiefs Lead TV Pack

In 2016, NFL ratings fell 8% from the prior year.
November 20, 2024

Comcast’s SpinCo: New Home for USA Network, Golf Channel, Sports Rights

The move by NBC Sports’ parent company reflects how dramatically the linear television business has changed.
Nov 18, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) looks on against the Miami Heat during the third quarter at Kaseya Center.
November 19, 2024

Will NBA Flex Last-Place Sixers From National TV Games?

Philadelphia is 2–11, tied for last in the NBA.