Serving Up Stars: Inside the Exciting Launch of *Celebrity Pickleball*

Stars on the Court: A Glamorous Dive into Pickleball with Your Favorite Celebrities

This week marks an exciting shift for PickleballTV (PBTV) as it prepares to launch its inaugural scripted series, *Celebrity Pickleball*. Straying from its typical focus on live sports, PBTV aims to blend entertainment and sport in a unique way, with renowned coach and host Matt Manasse leading the charge. In this fresh format, viewers will see Manasse guide a variety of celebrities through training sessions in the first half of each episode, followed by engaging Q&A segments in the latter half. Among the star-studded guests slated for the first season are NFL legend Drew Brees, former player and media personality Marcellus Wiley, NBA star Trae Young, Maroon 5 guitarist James Valentine, and esteemed journalist Katie Couric. The show is set to premiere on November 5th at 10 PM EST, right after live coverage of the UPA Worlds happening in Dallas.

Matt Manasse, often dubbed the "Celebrity Coach to the Stars," has been instrumental in elevating the profile of pickleball, especially in its crossover with Hollywood. Originating from Erie, Pennsylvania, he transitioned from a promising junior tennis career to coaching at prestigious colleges such as Duke University. However, his aspirations extended beyond coaching; he was eager to carve a niche in sports commentary. As he reminisced about watching legendary commentators on ESPN during his youth, he expressed his desire: “I really want to do something in commentary with the Tennis Channel.” After some initial setbacks, fortune would lead him towards pickleball—a sport that burgeoned in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The inception of Manasse's pickleball journey occurred in August 2020, when he participated in his first professional event in Newport Beach. Among his notable encounters was a fateful meeting with Doug Ellin, the creator of *Entourage*. Through this connection, Manasse discovered the networking possibilities pickleball offered, significantly different from his tennis experiences. Recognizing he could marry his love for the sport with his ambitions in media, he moved to Los Angeles two months later, where he began coaching at the prestigious Riviera Country Club. This role not only fortified his reputation as a “Celebrity Coach to the Stars,” but it also helped him forge relationships with numerous high-profile clients, engaging with insiders from Hollywood and sports alike.

As Manasse immersed himself in the thrill of pickleball, he continued to seek out opportunities in commentary. He crossed paths with Adam Friedman from the Tennis Channel, who shared plans of bringing pickleball into their programming. This led to a unique clinic for Tennis Channel executives at the Riviera, effectively showcasing the sport to key players in media. Following this successful event, PBTV was born, marking its debut in November 2023. From the start, Manasse's charismatic presence and infectious energy quickly made him a staple on the channel, co-hosting the recap show *Pickleball TV Weekly* alongside Steve Weissman and Kamryn Blackwood.

Recognizing the potential for innovative programming, PBTV sought out original content with Manasse at the helm. He proposed *Celebrity Pickleball*, a show designed not only to showcase celebrities on the court but also to delve into their personal lives and interests in the sport. Combining elements of on-court action with scripted dialogue and challenges, the show offers a dynamic blend of entertainment. Each weekly episode captures the insights and camaraderie shared among guests while granting audiences a glimpse of their competitive sides, all wrapped in a casual setting designed to highlight their personalities.

The filming of the first season has produced memorable moments, especially with guests like Drew Brees and Katie Couric. Manasse recalled how Brees was the first big name to confirm their participation, leading to a fun and competitive filming experience. His encounter with Couric was particularly nerve-wracking, given her stature in the media; however, the rapport they built during the episode became one of his favorites. Manasse is enthusiastic about how *Celebrity Pickleball* will present famous figures in a relatable light: “It shows them sweat, fail, and ultimately, be themselves,” revealing that celebrities indeed share similar experiences and emotions as everyday fans.

With its premiere just around the corner, *Celebrity Pickleball* promises to be a delightful blend of sports, celebrity culture, and entertainment. As more viewers tune in, the show seeks to forge deeper connections between celebrity figures and the pickleball community, fostering a shared love for the sport. The upcoming season not only highlights the excitement of celebrity competition but also offers viewers backstage access to the fascinating worlds their favorite stars inhabit. Tune in on November 5th to catch the debut and follow along weekly for what is sure to be an entertaining journey through the fusion of pickleball and celebrity.