For the first time ever, the 2025 Celebrity Pickleball Bash took place at PickleCon in Kansas City, blending the excitement of pickleball with the energy of pop culture in a way that stood out. The three-day event featured celebrity–pro pairings, competitive team challenges, and unique opportunities for fans to connect with their favorite stars.

Running August 7–10, PickleCon transformed more than 400,000 square feet of convention space into a large-scale pickleball festival. The event offered tournaments, open play, clinics, vendor exhibits, panels, and entertainment. By fusing sport and culture, it became more than just a tournament, it was a celebration of what makes pickleball so engaging.

For JOOLA, the Bash served as a platform to highlight pickleball’s rapid growth and ability to reach new audiences. By combining competition, entertainment, and community, the event showcased how the sport connects people both on and off the court.

As the official sponsor of the clinics, JOOLA hosted both pro-led instruction and celebrity/pro-am experiences. The Pro Clinic welcomed players of all skill levels, while the Celebrity/Pro-Am Clinic allowed fans to play alongside celebrities and pros in small-group settings.

JOOLA pros Zack Taylor, Simone Jardim, and Vivian Glozman joined the action, each teaming with celebrity partners in a four-team tournament. The festivities began with an exhibition match featuring Jardim and MLB star Brad Penny against Harlem Globetrotter Cherelle George and Taylor. From there, the tournament took center stage. Taylor later partnered with NFL Hall of Famer Terrell Owens to face actor Da’Vinchi and Jardim, while NBA star Tyler Hansbrough paired with Glozman to take on content creator Jenna Bandy and pro Ryan Sherry. In the end, Glozman and Hansbrough claimed gold in a closely contested final.

The tournament, hosted by Franco Finn, featured live music and viral-style mashups by DJ Eric Rhodes, along with dance performances from local artist Zen Nguyen and his company. Staying true to its “Pickletainment” theme, the Bash successfully merged competitive sport with entertainment, fan engagement, and dynamic media production.