Vince Vaughn Buys Majority Stake in Coachella Valley Scorpions

Vince Vaughn has acquired a majority ownership stake in the Coachella Valley Scorpions, one of 12 teams in the two-year-old National Pickleball League (NPL). Vaughn, a known pickleball enthusiast and actor, joins co-owner and team member Kim Jagd, who retains a minority share. The NPL, a professional league for players aged 50 and over, has seen significant growth, doubling its teams since its debut season.

The partnership between Vaughn and Jagd, a former professional beach volleyball player, was forged on a pickleball court near Manhattan Beach. Vaughn expressed his admiration for Jagd's passion and coaching style, while Jagd highlighted Vaughn's infectious energy and excitement for the sport. Vaughn's involvement is expected to boost the Scorpions' brand both in Coachella Valley and across Southern California.

The NPL's rapid expansion mirrors the surge in pickleball's popularity, with participation growing 223.5% since 2020 to an estimated 13.6 million players nationwide. This trend underscores the sport's rising profile in California and beyond, as noted by NPL Chief Executive Paul Bamundo. However, the sport's growth has also led to an increase in injuries, particularly Achilles tendon ruptures among older players, as reported by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.