Palm Beach Welcomes First Pro Team: Royals Join Major League Pickleball
Palm Beach, USA
What's the Score?
Palm Beach is making history in 2026 with the introduction of the Palm Beach Royals, the city's first major professional sports franchise, set to join Major League Pickleball (MLP) as its 23rd team. Acquired for a record $16 million by Hyperspace Ventures, a group of UNC-Chapel Hill alumni and tech entrepreneurs, the Royals boast an impressive ownership group that includes sports icons like Aleksander Barkov and Bianca Andreescu. The team aims to embody prestige and energy, actively engaging with the community through matches, clinics, and festivals to embed pickleball firmly into the region's athletic culture.
Hit it deeper!
Palm Beach is on the cusp of a historic moment in 2026 with the establishment of the Palm Beach Royals, marking the city’s debut in major professional sports. This franchise will enter Major League Pickleball (MLP) as its 23rd team, following a record-breaking acquisition of $16 million by Hyperspace Ventures. This influential group is comprised of UNC-Chapel Hill alumni and prominent tech entrepreneurs, including former Tar Heel tennis players Zach Hunter, Taylor Meyer, and Alex Rafiee, alongside Peter Fox.
The ownership roster of the Palm Beach Royals is truly star-studded, reflecting a broad appeal and significant investment in the sport. It features an array of celebrated athletes and successful business leaders, such as Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov, US Open tennis champion Bianca Andreescu, and former UNC basketball stars Tyler Hansbrough and Marvin Williams. Indianapolis Colts Pro Bowler Kenny Moore II also joins the team, alongside successful founders Mitch Heath (Teamworks), Jeff Keswin (Lyrical Partners), Lance Pillersdorf (Advertising Week), and Scott Scherr (Ultimate Software). This diverse group brings a wealth of experience from professional sports, business, and technology, promising a robust foundation for the new franchise.
The Royals' entry into the MLP coincides with a period of remarkable growth for the league, which experienced unprecedented increases in attendance, broadcast reach, and sponsorships throughout its 2025 season. This upward trajectory provides an ideal environment for the new team to establish itself and thrive. Zach Hunter, speaking on behalf of the ownership group, expressed immense enthusiasm for the venture, emphasising Palm Beach’s readiness for a major professional team. He articulated the vision for the Royals: "We're building the Royals to compete at the highest level and to become a team that defines the next era of Major League Pickleball. Just like Palm Beach itself, the Royals will embody prestige, energy, and a world-class brand that makes this community special".
Hyperspace Ventures demonstrates a profound commitment to the burgeoning sport of pickleball, having already invested over $21 million in the sport, which includes a significant $5.3 million investment in Pickleball Inc.. This substantial financial backing underscores their dedication to not only the Royals but also the broader growth of pickleball. The team's plans extend beyond competitive play, with a strong focus on community engagement. The Royals intend to host matches, youth clinics, and pickleball festivals across Palm Beach County, fostering local business partnerships to integrate pickleball deeply into the region's athletic and social fabric. Taylor Meyer reiterated this community-focused approach, stating, "We want every Palm Beach area resident to feel like they're part of the Royals family, whether they're cheering courtside or picking up a paddle for the first time". This strategy aims to cultivate a loyal fanbase and encourage participation at all levels, solidifying the Royals' presence as a cherished local institution.
The World Pickleball Verdict
The arrival of the Palm Beach Royals as the city's first major professional sports franchise marks a significant moment, not only for Palm Beach but for Major League Pickleball as a whole. The record-breaking $16 million acquisition by a group blending tech entrepreneurship with sports celebrity underscores the burgeoning economic viability and cultural impact of pickleball. This venture represents a sophisticated approach to building a sports franchise, combining high-level competition with deep community integration through clinics and festivals. The Royals are poised to become a benchmark for future MLP expansion, demonstrating how prestige, strategic investment, and local engagement can converge to create a successful and beloved professional sports team, further solidifying pickleball's position in the mainstream sports landscape.