How Celebrities Are Using the Pickleball Court to Give Back

Photo Credit: Kevork Djansezian/Getty

“You haven’t lived today until you’ve done something for someone who can never repay you.” — John Bunyan

Pickleball might be known for its fun, fast-paced play, but it’s proving to be just as powerful off the court, especially when it comes to giving back. From late-night hosts to pop stars, celebrities are embracing the sport not just for entertainment, but for impact. With paddle in hand, they're raising millions for causes they care about.

Welcome to the new wave of charity events—Celebrity Pickleball—where the biggest names are raising awareness and funds for meaningful causes, one dink at a time. Michael B. Jordan hosted a wellness event that included pickleball for mental health awareness. Emma Watson and David Dobrik participated in influencer-led tournaments while Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi played at fundraising mixers in Los Angeles before moving to the UK.

Hence, the appeal of pickleball as a charity event lies in its ability to create a relaxed yet competitive environment that fosters camaraderie and connection, an ideal formula for successful fundraising.

Alec & Stephen Baldwin Rallying for Cancer Research

Mark your calendars for August 22–23, 2025, when Alec Baldwin and Stephen Baldwin face off in a friendly sibling showdown at the first-ever Byrne and Baldwin Brothers “Celebrity Pickleball Bash” in Skaneateles, New York. The event, set on scenic Lake Skaneateles, will raise funds for cancer research and draw spectators eager to see both competition and compassion collide on the court.

What sets this event apart? Beyond the Baldwin rivalry, the tournament aims to bring the community together in support of life-saving research and public awareness—all through the paddle sport that’s sweeping the nation.

Hollywood Rallies for Firefighters and Future Creators

On May 18, 2025, the “Emmys Pickleball Slam” fundraiser brought Hollywood’s brightest stars to the Calabasas Pickleball Club in celebration of the sport’s 60th anniversary. This packed charity event raised over $100,000 for the Television Academy Foundation and the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund.

The celebrity lineup was stacked with stars from across TV and sports, including:

• Valentin Chmerkovskiy (Dancing with the Stars)
• Jason George (Grey's Anatomy)
• Mary Steenburgen (The Dink)
• Jake Johnson (The Dink; New Girl)
• Lala Kent (Vanderpump Rules)
• Phil Keoghan (The Amazing Race)
• Steven Krueger (Yellowjackets)
• Jonathan Mangum (Let's Make A Deal)
• Kunal Nayyar (The Big Bang Theory)
• Tig Notaro (The Morning Show)
• Sugar Ray Leonard (world champion pro boxer)

Together, they played not just for bragging rights, but to fund scholarships, training, and emergency assistance for those who protect and inspire us.

Joey Fatone’s "Dinks for a Difference" for Inclusive Play

At the 2024 Biofreeze USA Pickleball National Championships, NSYNC’s Joey Fatone hosted a special match called “Dinks for a Difference,” which raised funds for USA Pickleball Serves. The initiative supports community-driven efforts such as youth education, adaptive/inclusive play, and pickleball court enhancements nationwide.

The match, livestreamed on QVC+ and HSN+, gave fans an up-close look at celebrity fun for a serious cause—highlighting how pickleball is expanding access to all who want to play.

Katy Perry’s "Light Up the Court" Tournament for Kids’ Futures

In October 2023, pop icon Katy Perry hosted the “Light Up the Court” Pickleball Tournament in Santa Barbara to benefit the Firework Foundation, a nonprofit she co-founded that gives underserved youth access to arts education.

The event brought out several A-list celebrities, including Orlando Bloom, friends and fellow philanthropists, to serve and volley for a great cause. The result? A fun-filled, high-energy day that helped light the way for countless young lives and raised money for scholarships, more camps, and programming to bring the arts to kids from underserved communities.

Stephen Colbert’s “Pickled” Star Power for Comic Relief

Back in November 2022, Stephen Colbert, host of The Late Show, brought pickleball to prime time with a televised celebrity tournament called "Pickled" on CBS. Sixteen celebrities competed for the coveted “Colbert Cup: during the two-hour sports comedy special, while raising money for Comic Relief's safety programs, which address the life-altering impact of homelessness and lack of safety often experienced by children and families living in poverty.

With comedic commentary and heartwarming highlights, "Pickled" proved that a little competition can go a long way toward serious change.

Why Pickleball Works for Philanthropy

Celebrity charity events have long featured golf and tennis, but pickleball’s rise in popularity has made it the sport of choice for today’s stars. It’s accessible, social, and fast-paced—making it perfect for drawing crowds and press coverage and a perfect vehicle for fundraising. Because of its inclusive nature, pickleball also allows celebrities to team up with amateur players, veterans, and even fans—making for a powerful and personal impact on and off the court. And unlike golf or tennis tournaments that may require years of experience, pickleball allows celebrities to step onto the court and make an impact right away.

Here are a few additional reasons why celebrities are turning to pickleball to support causes they care about:

·       Low Barrier to Entry: You don’t need years of training to participate, making it fun and spontaneous.

·       The Fun Factor: Let’s be honest. It’s just more fun than a fancy dinner or a silent auction.

·       Broad Participation: It’s a sport anyone can learn quickly, allowing stars to interact with a wide range of people.

·       High Visibility: It attracts media attention and engages fans both online and in-person.

And because it’s such a social sport, events are more than just fundraisers. They’re community builders.

Game Point

From TV legends to pop icons, celebrities are embracing pickleball not just as a sport, but as a movement for good. Whether it’s fighting cancer, expanding access to the arts, or honoring frontline heroes, these charity tournaments prove that when stars serve with purpose, everyone wins.

So, the next time you hit the court, remember: your paddle might be small, but your impact can be huge.

See you on the courts!