Australasian Leisure Management
My Account
Jan 31, 2024

Former cricket captain Steve Smith and Voyager Tennis invest in Major League Pickleball Australia team

Events / Sport / Finance

Sydney Smash, a professional pickleball team in Major League Pickleball Australia has become the first of the professional MLP Australia teams to have formal ownership.

Former Australian cricket captain, Steve Smith joins Australia's leading racquet sports venue operator and coaching provider Voyager Tennis in the ownership consortium.

Adam Thompson, Chief Executive of MLP Australia, commented on Smith's involvement, "Steve's engagement with the Sydney Smash is a game-changer for pickleball in Australia and beyond. His vision and expertise are invaluable assets that will significantly boost the sport's national and international presence."

Smith said his investment in the Sydney Smash is a testament to his belief in the potential of pickleball as an emerging global sport and shared "I was drawn to pickleball for its incredible power to connect people. With the Sydney Smash, I hope to bring my experience in professional sports to help support the team and elevate the sport."

Anthony Liveris, President of MLP Australia enthused "we are thrilled to partner with Voyager and their world class team of coaches and racquet sports venues. This ownership group represents the very best of Sydney pickleball."

Coming into its second year, Major League Pickleball Australia, the official professional pickleball league of Australia, boasts a prize pool of over $700,000 across six events in Australia, New Zealand and Asia. The league features twelve professional teams, showcasing the top players in the region, complemented by international talents.

The Sydney Smash, under the leadership of seasoned Captain Mitch Hargreaves, is a formidable team, having triumphed at their home event in 2023. Their recent success positions them as strong contenders in the upcoming season.

The opening event of the season is scheduled for 23rd to 25th February in Sydney at Blacktown Tennis Centre.

For more information, visit pacificpickleball.com.au 

Related Articles

Pickleball brand OK PICKLE sees potential of game for building sense of community
Nov 26, 2023
Pickleball added to sports available at Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope
Nov 14, 2023
Blacktown Leisure Centre to host National Pickleball Championships
Sep 24, 2023
Major League Pickleball expands into Australia with first international partnership
Sep 8, 2023
Brisbane City Council to deliver new pickleball courts in four locations
Jul 12, 2023
Australasian Academy of Tennis Coaches and Voyager Tennis partner to deliver industry leading coaching courses in NSW
Jun 3, 2022
California Sports Surfaces continues its commitment to Pickleball
May 2, 2022
SSMG and Voyager Tennis partner in the management of City of Ryde Olympic Park and Meadowbank Tennis Facilities
Oct 10, 2021
Voyager Tennis and Sydney Sports Management Group partner to manage City of Willoughby’s tennis facilities
Sep 19, 2021
Australasian Leisure Management Magazine
Subscribe to the Magazine Today

Published since 1997 - Australasian Leisure Management Magazine is your go-to resource for sports, recreation, and tourism. Enjoy exclusive insights, expert analysis, and the latest trends.

Mailed to you six times a year, for an annual subscription from just $99.

New Issue
Australasian Leisure Management
Online Newsletter

Get business and operations news for $12 a month - plus headlines emailed twice a week. Covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism, and venues.