Nashville’s getting a Major League Pickleball team

Music City’s pickleball scene is going pro.

Four people playing a game on a shaded pickleball court.

Get a game in at The Courts at West Meade. | Photo by NASHtoday

Nashvillians will soon have another professional sports team to root for — and it’s kind of a big dill.

Earlier this week, Major League Pickleball team the Frisco Pandas (based in Frisco, TX) announced plans to move the franchise to Music City. Fun fact: The league hasn’t been around for long; it was established in 2021, and the Pandas (then known as Team Clean) were one of the original eight franchises.

In an interview with Forbes, general manager Jared Paul said there are many reasons behind the team’s decision to relocate, namely Nashville’s status as a “solid pro sports environment” and its celebrity contacts here. The team is under the ownership of comedy group Dude Perfect and NFL player Dak Prescott.

However, don’t get used to the name Nashville Pandas. The name is officially changing to the Nashville Chefs.

Now, you might be wondering: “When and where can I cheer on the team?” That’s to be determined, but pickleball fans can keep up with upcoming league events and even attend open tryouts later this month in Austin, TX.

In the meantime, pick up a game at these 10 local courts.

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