Parity, a platform dedicated to reducing the gender income and opportunity gap in professional sports, and PBX Pickleball, an organization that brings together the pickleball community with retired professional athletes, have announced a partnership to boost women athlete participation in PBX events. Parity will serve as an official partner, working alongside PBX Pickleball to identify, recruit, and engage retired professional women athletes from various sports.

Parity has confirmed the participation of several notable athletes as PBX Pros, including Michelle Bartsch-Hackley (Olympic Gold Medalist in volleyball), Brooke Bennett (Olympian and Olympic Gold Medalist in swimming), Ify Ibekwe (former WNBA athlete and Nigerian Women's National Team member in basketball), Danielle Scott (5x Olympian in volleyball), Mistie Bass-Boyd (WNBA Champion in basketball), and Kara Winger (4x Olympian and American Record Holder in javelin). These athletes will take part in PBX Tour, PBX Pro-Ams, PBX Dream Weekends, and PBX Corporate Events, starting later this year.

As part of the partnership, Parity will collaborate with PBX to recruit athletes for numerous PBX events scheduled for the remainder of 2023 and throughout 2024. Parity joins PBX Pickleball's growing list of partners, which includes organizations like the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association (MLBPAA) and NHL Alumni Association. PBX Pickleball's events will feature retired athletes from various Olympic and professional sports, participating in both Pro-Am and Tour events. Pro-Am events will pair former athletes with non-professionals in mixed teams, while Tour events will involve retired professional athletes competing against each other.

Leela Srinivasan, CEO of Parity, stated, "Through this partnership, we will help PBX Pickleball continue its explosive trajectory and elevate the organization's events to new heights by unlocking a wealth of talent and showcasing the game's inherent fun and accessibility. Striving for equality and fostering an environment where all athletes can benefit isn't just a goal; it's a responsibility one that we proudly champion."

Jason Clement, CEO of The Sports Facilities Companies, the parent company of PBX Pickleball, mentioned, "Parity's robust network of pro athletes along with their comprehensive understanding of the women's sports landscape made them the natural partner to ensure that PBX Pickleball continues to grow with diversity and equity top of mind."

The first PBX event is set to commence this fall and has already garnered participation from numerous athletes, including former MLB All-Stars, NHL Stanley Cup champions, and retired NFL Pro Bowlers.

 

Source: prnewswire.com

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