Today, the Texas Ranchers, one of the pioneering teams in the newly established Major League Pickleball (MLP) in the United States, unveiled an impressive new ownership consortium comprising influential figures from diverse fields such as professional sports, fashion, business, music, and entertainment. This formidable group of over 30 owners adds a luminous touch to the team's identity.

Notable individuals within this ownership group include Scottie Scheffler, the world's top-ranked golfer; Zach Bryan, a renowned and award-winning country music artist; Danny Kang and Stefan Max, accomplished music managers; Mike G, a partner at United Talent Agency; Kenny Meisalas, partner at Grubman Shire Meiselas & Sacks, P.C; Micah Parsons, a linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys; C.J. Stroud, quarterback for the Houston Texans; Myles Garrett, defensive end for the Cleveland Browns; Bijan Robinson, running back for the Atlanta Falcons; Taylor Fritz, the highest-ranked American tennis player; David Mulugheta, a prominent NFL agent; Bobby Bones, a widely recognized radio personality; Kendra Scott, founder and designer; Todd Graves, the founder of Raising Cane's; Get Engaged Media, a leading marketing group represented by co-founders and partners Cam Fordham, Alex Dermer, and Ben Hiott; as well as Hollywood brand amplifiers Ken Hertz and Liz Heller.

This assemblage of influential individuals underscores the Texas Ranchers' stature as a foundational MLP team, with each owner contributing a unique perspective and expertise to the venture.

Amidst the rapid growth of pickleball in Texas, the Texas Ranchers, along with their influential owners, are poised to harness local enthusiasm, riding the wave of the sport's surging popularity.

Evan Floersch, President and Part-Owner of the Texas Ranchers, emphasized that their owners' involvement goes beyond mere investment: "Our owners aren't just backers of the Texas Ranchers; they represent a diverse group of leaders deeply committed to shaping the future of Pickleball. Through the combined resources of this alliance, our aim is to extend the reach of this already beloved and unifying sport to novel communities and even countries. We're honored to have this influential collective on board as we aspire to redefine sports ownership and drive meaningful societal impact through our professional sports team and league."

Scottie Scheffler, the world's #1 ranked golfer, expressed his eagerness to witness the sport's development and to support the Ranchers in establishing an exceptional franchise in his home state of Texas.

C.J. Stroud, quarterback for the Houston Texans, shared his excitement for the pickleball phenomenon: "I'm fully on board with the pickleball craze. As a Texas sports enthusiast, I'm thrilled to back the Texas Ranchers in their journey to lead Major League Pickleball. Texas has a history of hosting some of the finest sports teams and passionate fans in America, and the Ranchers are poised to be the next major sensation. What truly excites me is the Ranchers' leadership and their vision to cultivate communities and enhance diversity within the sport."

Micah Parsons, linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys, elaborated on his involvement: "In search of new sports to stay active during the off-season, I found myself engrossed in pickleball. The sport's community-oriented nature caught my attention, and after participating in a fundraiser with the Ranchers and other NFL players in June, I was drawn to the team. It was a natural decision to become an owner, and I'm excited to support the team's journey to make a mark in Major League Pickleball."

Myles Garrett, defensive end for the Cleveland Browns, who hails from Texas, revealed his affinity for both the state and the sport: "Being a Texan, I was pleased to connect with the Texas Ranchers. Moreover, I genuinely love pickleball and have been playing during my off-season. Every member of this ownership group brings a unique perspective, and we've united due to our shared passion for the sport and our mutual aim to foster community both on and off the court."

Bijan Robinson, running back for the Atlanta Falcons and a proud Texan, cited his affinity for both Texas sports and Austin as key drivers for his support of the Ranchers: "As a Longhorn, both Texas sports and Austin hold a special place in my heart. When I learned that there was a professional pickleball team in Austin striving to lead in Major League Pickleball, I knew I wanted to contribute to the team. I've personally witnessed the positive impact that sports can have on communities, and I'm eager to back the Ranchers in their community-driven initiatives, setting an example for the rest of the league."

Among the additional new owners are influential figures from various sectors, all united by their shared passion for pickleball and community development.

Bobby Bones, a radio personality and owner, highlighted his engagement: "I'm a passionate pickleball enthusiast and I spend countless hours watching Major League Pickleball on social media. Knowing I'll never reach the level of professional play, I thought, why not contribute to a professional team in a different way? I'm incredibly excited to be an owner of the Ranchers and to be part of this rapidly growing league."

Kendra Scott, Founder and Executive Chairwoman of Kendra Scott, expressed her enthusiasm for the Ranchers' commitment to social good: "I'm thrilled to be involved with the Texas Ranchers, especially given the incredible growth of pickleball across the nation. The Ranchers' focus on social good aligns with my personal and professional values. Together, we can make a positive impact within the Austin community and beyond."

In addition to the ownership group, Texas Ranchers founder Bryan Sheffield and Tim Klitch, an early investor of Major League Pickleball, are part of the team. The Texas Ranchers not only possess the right to own and operate the franchise but also hold equity stakes in Major League Pickleball and DUPR, the sport's premier global rating system. The team and ownership group are committed to leveraging pickleball's rising popularity for positive community impact through various initiatives, including eco-conscious merchandise, repurposing urban spaces for court creation, and hosting matches at cultural events to generate excitement among new audiences.

 

Source: prnewswire.com

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