Creating Unique Sports Properties

2023 Inaugural Pickleball Slam

For the first time ever, four American tennis legends competed live on ESPN for a $1 million purse. The Pickleball Slam on April 2, 2023, featured John McEnroe, Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick, and Michael Chang battling head-to-head for a $1 million purse at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, Florida.

Pickleball Slam
Opportunity

Amplifying the Fastest Growing Sport in America

HS&E wanted to create a dynamic weekend of events to support the massive growth of Pickleball in America while increasing awareness and affinity toward the sport. The Inaugural Pickleball Slam weekend featured an amateur tournament with 200+ participants competing for $10,000 cash prize and the opportunity to face-off against the tennis legends. The VIP Welcome Gala Saturday night featured a fireside chat with each of the players moderated by Brett Haber. Our main event, on Sunday, April 2, was a massive success drawing strong viewership / attendance with the team of Andy Roddick and Andre Agassi ultimately defeating John McEnroe and Michael Chang, live on ESPN.

Pickleball Slam, Michael Chang

Convergence of Culture & Sport

The inaugural Pickleball Slam was an absolute smash! The players were competitive throughout, and created an environment for their personalities to shine bright with their reactions and arguments audible for the in-person and at-home audiences. Adding to the excitement of the event, tennis legend Stefanie “Steffi” Graf also subbed in at one point to the delight of the crowd, winning a point against her husband, Andre Agassi. In a tightly contested final match, Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick defeated John McEnroe and Michael Chang to win the $1 million purse.

Pickleball Slam
Results

Sponsorship Outcomes That Deliver Performance

4 k

Sold out Hard Rock Live!

~ 670 k

viewers peaking at 800k
Highest rated programming in timeslot OVER last 6 years

35 %

of the audience fell within the 18-49 age group

7.9 B

PR media impressions

10.5 M+

owned social total reach (and growing!)