The Television Academy Foundation announced that it will hold the 2nd "Emmys Pickleball Slam" on May 17, 2026, at the Calabasas Pickleball Club in the Los Angeles suburbs. Jason George of "Grey's Anatomy" and Phil Keoghan of "The Amazing Race" will host, and nine celebrities including Wayne Brady, Sugar Ray Leonard, and Simone Kessell will take part. It's a charity doubles tournament format, and the proceeds go to a program developing the next generation of television industry talent.
Event overview—a full-day event over 8 hours from 11 a.m.
The Emmys Pickleball Slam is a doubles pickleball tournament where Hollywood industry figures, pro players, and general enthusiasts gather together. From a red-carpet arrival ceremony, to the main doubles tournament, an auction, and a cocktail reception & awards ceremony, the program is arranged over the whole day.
The venue, the Calabasas Pickleball Club, is a premium facility representative of southern Los Angeles, with multiple pro-spec courts. The hours are 8 hours from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The biggest feature of this event is that general players, too, can stand on the same court as the celebrities if they buy a participation ticket.
The nine participating celebrities—from a former world boxing champion to a chef
| Participant | Notable work / title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wayne Brady | Let’s Make a Deal | Emmy-winning comedian |
| Nancy Cartwright | The Simpsons (voice of Bart) | A legend of the voice-acting world |
| Da’Vinchi | BMF | A rising actor to watch |
| Sean Hatosy | The Pitt | Drama actor |
| Simone Kessell | Yellowjackets / The Last Frontier | Known as an advanced pickleball player |
| Jonathan Mangum | Let’s Make a Deal | A master of improv comedy |
| Jesse Perez | George & Mandy’s First Marriage | Comedy actor |
| Sugar Ray Leonard | Former world boxing champion | A legend who conquered five weight classes |
| Jet Tila | Celebrity chef | Familiar from the Food Network |
The one to watch is Simone Kessell of "Yellowjackets." She is not just a celebrity participant but is also known as a pro-level pickleball player. Also, the participation of five-division boxing champion Sugar Ray Leonard looks set to draw interest from combat-sports fans too.
Last year's results—100,000 dollars in donations achieved at the first event
The 1st tournament, first held in May 2025, saw the participation of Kunal Nayyar ("The Big Bang Theory"), Tig Notaro, and Mary Steenburgen, in addition to Phil Keoghan and Jason George. In a single day, it100,000 dollars (about 15 million yen)achieved in donations, which were donated to the Television Academy Foundation and the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen's Fund (WODFF).
"An event like this not only brings the excitement of Emmys season to the court but directly supports the Foundation's educational programs. It helps aspiring young storytellers gain the skills and experience to start careers in the television industry," said Foundation President Tina Perry.
Ticket prices and how to participate
| Ticket type | Price (USD) | Price (approx. in yen) | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single player | $200 | About 30,000 yen | Tournament participation (1 person) |
| Doubles team | $350 | About 52,500 yen | Tournament participation (a pair of 2) |
| VIP spectating | $100 | About 15,000 yen | Spectating + gift bag included |
Tickets can be purchased from the Television Academy's official site (televisionacademy.com/pickleball/tickets). Because it accepts entries from general players too, it becomes a precious chance for Japanese players living in Los Angeles to pair up in doubles with Hollywood stars.
Industry reactions—"Pickleball is Hollywood's new social venue"
"The LA pickleball community is becoming a substitute for the tech industry's golf course. The collaboration with the Emmys is a symbol of that."—an operator of a Los Angeles pickleball club
"Celebrities get hooked on pickleball because you can enjoy it regardless of age or skill level. Unlike golf, even a beginner can play a match in 30 minutes."—a U.S. pickleball media reporter
"The track record of raising 100,000 dollars last year proved pickleball's potential as a charity event. This year, further scale-up is anticipated."—someone in sports marketing
Impact on Japanese players—the wave of celebrity x pickleball reaches Japan too
In Japan too,Pickleball Slam 4attention on events with a strong entertainment flavor like it is rising. The spread of pickleball's popularity in Hollywood is beginning to influence Japan's entertainment and sports industries too.
In fact,the acquisition of naming rights to the Tokyo Tower pickleball courtsand TBS x Mitsui Fudosan's Pickleball Park—in Japan too, the movement of entertainment x pickleball is accelerating. There's every possibility that a charity pickleball tournament featuring Japanese entertainers will emerge going forward.
The spread of celebrity x pickleball—from the Pickleball Slam to the Emmys
The relationship between pickleball and celebrities deepens year by year. In April 2026, Pickleball Slam 4, featuring Andre Agassi, Anna Leigh Waters, and others, was held and broadcast nationwide on ESPN.CityPickle Central Park in New Yorkis frequently visited by notable figures, and pickleball is taking hold as the "new golf" in business and social settings.
The main sponsors include JOOLA, CRBN, NBCUniversal, and 101 Studios—investment from both the pickleball industry and the entertainment industry is lined up, showing that the fusion of the two industries is advancing.
Practical event information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | The 2nd Emmys Pickleball Slam |
| Date and time | Sunday, May 17, 2026, 11:00-19:00 |
| Venues | Calabasas Pickleball Club (Calabasas, California) |
| Host | Television Academy Foundation |
| Hosts | Jason George / Phil Keoghan |
| Format | Doubles tournament + auction + reception |
| Tickets | televisionacademy.com/pickleball/tickets |
| Main sponsors | JOOLA / CRBN / NBCUniversal / 101 Studios / Dooney & Bourke / FIJI Water |
Summary
The fact that the Television Academy, which runs the Emmys, holds a pickleball tournament for a second straight year tells the story of how this sport has become not a "passing boom" in Hollywood but an established culture. Against the backdrop of last year's 100,000-dollar donation, this year's lineup of celebrity participants is also robust. As the fusion of entertainment and pickleball advances in Japan too, this trend will likely accelerate further going forward. The results of the May 17 event are worth watching too.
FAQ
Can ordinary people take part in the Emmys Pickleball Slam too?
Yes, they can. If you buy a ticket—$200 for a single player, $350 for a doubles team—you can play in the same tournament as the celebrities. A VIP spectating ticket ($100) is also available.
How much was raised in donations at last year's Emmys Pickleball Slam?
The 1st tournament in 2025 raised 100,000 dollars (about 15 million yen), donated to the Television Academy Foundation and the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen's Fund. Kunal Nayyar, Mary Steenburgen, and others took part.
Why is pickleball popular in Hollywood?
The main reasons are that it can be enjoyed regardless of age or skill level, that a match comes together in a short time, and that it functions as a social venue. Its low barrier to entry compared with golf and its ease of adoption during filming breaks or as event entertainment heighten its affinity with the entertainment industry.
