Trae Young Highlights the Unifying Power of Pickleball

In a recent event at MLP Austin, NBA star Trae Young discussed the unifying nature of pickleball, highlighting its appeal across various age groups and skill levels. He reflected on the sport's rapid growth and the importance of teamwork and competitiveness, drawing parallels with basketball. Young expressed pride in his team's achievements and shared his personal journey in pickleball, emphasizing the fun and community spirit that the sport fosters. His humorous take on his skill level and playful responses to questions added a light-hearted touch to the conversation, making it clear that pickleball is more than just a game for him.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 13, 2026, 21:32 IST

Trae Young's Insights on Pickleball's Growth

NBA player Trae Young emphasizes that the charm of pickleball lies in its capacity to unite individuals of all ages and skill levels. During his recent appearance at MLP Austin, the Atlanta Hawks guard shared his thoughts on the expansion of Major League Pickleball. Young, who is actively involved with an MLP franchise, noted the evolution of both his team and the league, attributing its swift growth to the dedicated individuals working behind the scenes.

"My team changes every year, but we have fantastic people managing it who ensure our players are well supported," Young stated while speaking with Pickleball TV. He expressed pride in the significant progress made by both his team and the league, highlighting the role athletes play in promoting the sport.

Young described the experience of watching professional pickleball players compete at a high level as surreal, especially since many began playing for leisure. "It's amazing to see these pros doing their thing, given that we all started just for fun," he remarked.

After witnessing Jaume Martinez Vich and Donald Young achieve a crucial win, he expressed his pride, saying, "I'm really proud. We faced a strong team, but I believe in our underdog spirit. I'm thrilled for our boys, but we have more matches ahead." While acknowledging that he still has room for improvement compared to the professionals, Young mentioned that pickleball has become a part of his off-season activities. "These pros are at a 10; I'm probably at a five right now," he joked. "I play a bit in the summer to stay active and enjoy time with friends, but I’m not nearly at their level."

Young also drew comparisons between basketball and pickleball, noting the competitiveness and teamwork inherent in both sports. "Both are highly competitive, and you need your teammates to succeed, which is a similarity. The main thing is that you have fun in both sports, from childhood to adulthood," he explained. He expressed his enthusiasm for being part of the MLP league, stating, "This is something I want to play for the rest of my life." When asked to choose between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs, Young humorously replied, "Neither," eliciting laughter from those nearby.