Professional pickleball makes its debut in Tampa Bay

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The sound is undeniable.

The back-and-forth pitter patter of pickleball has a unique sound. It’s the sound of the fastest growing sport in America.

And now, professional pickleball has come to Tampa Bay for the first time. St. Pete Athletic is playing host to the Major League Pickleball tournament.

Teams from all over the country are competing for pride and prize money. Reuben Pressman, the managing partner for St. Pete Athletic and one of the owners of the Florida Smash team, is riding the wave of the sport’s popularity.

“It’s a very accessible sport,” Pressman said. “Anyone can hop on the court and have fun the first time that they play, no matter who you are.”

Teams from all over the country are competing for pride and prize money. Reuben Pressman, the managing partner for St. Pete Athletic and one of the owners of the Florida Smash team, is riding the wave of the sport’s popularity. (Spectrum News/Katherine Smith)

Once a sport aimed at the elderly to keep them active, pickleball has grown into a sport for all ages. More younger players are joining the movement. The social aspect of the sport is one of the main draws.

“It’s building a community around sports fitness, wellness, movement and all of that,” Pressman said.

Florida Smash team member Paula Rives, a St. Petersburg native, grew up playing tennis. She made the switch to pickleball after college.

“It’s so available,” Rives said. “People can learn really fast. It has a really big community and there’s always a spot for everybody.”

Some of the top talent in pickleball will be on display this weekend. And their sport will be on display.

“This is a real sport, real competition,” MLP MC Joshua Flores said. “And these players are out here putting it all on the line. And it’s grown so much that you really can’t see anything like this anywhere else.”