CBS Sports to Provide Match Coverage of the National Pickleball League (NPL) in 2024, Including Exclusive Coverage of the Gamma Sports NPL Championship
- Champions Series Pickleball
- Jan 24, 2024
- 2 min read
Two-hour Special Program to Air on January 31st
NEW CANAAN, CT – JANUARY 23, 2024: The National Pickleball League, LLC (NPL) has announced their first-ever television deal with CBS Sports leading into the 2024 Season. CBS Sports Network will provide the exclusive two-hour special airing of the Gamma Sports National Pickleball League Championship weekend in Glendale, AZ, that saw the Indy Drivers team – made up of stars Rick Witsken, Kim Jagd, Nathalie Bagby, Tao Thongvanh – winning the inaugural title in dramatic fashion over the Austin Ignite. CBS Sports Network will also be airing additional NPL programming in the 2024 season.
The two-hour Gamma Sports NPL Championship will air on CBS Sports Network on January 31st, 2024, at 10:30pm ET. Additional details and platforms around coverage of the NPL will be announced at a later date.
NPL is the premier nationwide team competition for Champions Division (age 50 and over) professional pickleball players, featuring the top pro players from around the world. Official NPL matches in Season Two will begin in May of 2024.
“We are delighted to bring the unique and entertaining experience of professional pickleball to CBS Sports and their platforms as we launch Year Two of the National Pickleball League,” said Paul Bamundo, Chief Executive Officer, NPL. “This partnership is a clear indication of the demand for pickleball programming in North America, providing NPL more national television exposure to tell stories about our players, teams and fans who have such a passion for this sport. We are entering an exciting new era for the NPL, both on and off the court, and we are thrilled to be working with CBS Sports to bring our league to new heights.”
About National Pickleball League
The National Pickleball League was founded in 2022 by Champions Pro players Rick Witsken, Beth Bellamy, and Michael "Hammer Mike" Chen. NPL Pickleball is a nationwide team competition for Champions Division (age 50+) professional pickleball players and made up of six teams in metropolitan cities Indianapolis, Austin, Boca Raton, Naples, Denver and Oklahoma City. National Pickleball League™ is owned by National Pickleball League, LLC. The NPL is dedicated to expanding the reach of pickleball, fostering community engagement, physical and mental health, and elevating the sport to new heights. Companies interested in sponsorship opportunities with NPL Pickleball can email info@nplpickleball.com for more information or visit the league’s website at www.nplpickleball.com.
It is incredibly inspiring to see the Champions Division get the national television exposure it deserves, showcasing that elite tactical skill and intense competitiveness do not fade after age 50. Much like coordinating strategy during a high-stakes multiplayer round of Among Us, team sports at this level require immense mental sharpness, lightning-fast communication, and deep trust among teammates under heavy pressure.
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Huge win for pickleball! So exciting to see the **NPL partnering with CBS Sports** for national TV coverage in 2024. This partnership brings elite 50+ Champions Division pickleball to a wider audience, highlights top talent, and takes the sport to new heights. Can’t wait for the championship special — well done to everyone involved! --times
It’s amazing to see pickleball getting national coverage like this, especially with CBS Sports highlighting the intensity of that championship match between Indy Drivers and Austin Ignite. Watching how precision and quick reactions play out on court reminds me how focus matters when tackling the final theory test before earning a full license, since timing and discipline make all the difference in both situations.
It’s awesome to see CBS Sports stepping in to showcase pickleball on a bigger stage, especially after that thrilling Indy Drivers win over Austin Ignite. I usually unwind after watching high-energy matches by playing brush jjaemu cat to chill out and refocus before diving back into work. The mix of real competition and simple relaxation is perfect balance these days.