Celebrity Pickleball Bash to Host Second Event at Kansas City’s PickleCon

Celebrity Pickleball Bash Returns: Star-Studded Action Coming to Kansas City’s PickleCon

Kansas City is preparing for a high-energy blend of sport and celebrity this summer, as the Celebrity Pickleball Bash heads to the Kansas City Convention Center during PickleCon on August 8. The event, a rising powerhouse in the crossover of pop culture and athletic entertainment, is set to bring big-name athletes and influencers to the courts, promising fans an experience that goes well beyond traditional pickleball.

Major Sports and Entertainment Fusion

The Celebrity Pickleball Bash, which debuted during the NBA’s 2025 All-Star Weekend in San Francisco, aims to redefine how people experience both sports and celebrity culture. Its inaugural event drew notable figures like NFL legend Terrell Owens, NBA veteran Tyler Hansbrough, actor and host Mario Lopez, and basketball Hall of Famer Chris Mullin, who all competed alongside world-class pickleball pros. Kansas City’s edition will see Owens and Hansbrough return, joined by sports content creator Jenna Bandy, and top players from the fast-growing pickleball scene, ensuring competitive excitement and star appeal.

Event co-founder Ben Shapiro, previously with the Golden State Warriors and now CEO of Pivot Agency, emphasizes that the Bash is committed to making a mark at both major pickleball gatherings and large-scale city sports events. Speaking about PickleCon, Shapiro said, “We’re really impressed with Triple Crown and what they’re building… We think that Celebrity Pickleball Bash needs to both show up at major pickleball events, as well as major city-wide sporting events,” underscoring the group’s commitment to growth and engagement.

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Inside PickleCon 2025—The Ultimate Pickleball Festival

PickleCon itself is billed as the nation’s largest pickleball convention, transforming 400,000 square feet of the KC Convention Center into a “pickleball paradise.” The four-day event, hosted by Triple Crown Sports, draws over 3,000 participants from across the country. Along with tournament and open play on up to 100 courts, attendees can expect interactive clinics, industry discussions, an “Eatertainment Tour” blending cuisine and gameplay, and glow-in-the-dark kickoff festivities. The highlight for many will be the pro and celebrity exhibition matches, with the Celebrity Pickleball Bash at center stage. More about the broader convention can be found on the official PickleCon page.

A New Era: “Pickletainment” and Community

Organizers have coined the term “pickletainment” to describe the experience CPB offers—a fusion of fast-paced matches, live entertainment, and star power. At the Kansas City event, renowned Warriors hype man Franco Finn will serve as emcee, ensuring the energy on and off the court is unmatched. The Bash is not just an event, but a movement seeking to build community through shared passion for both pickleball and pop culture. For more details on the vision behind the event, the Celebrity Pickleball Bash About page offers a deeper look.

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VIP experiences further elevate the Bash, with options for clinics, floor seats, celebrity meet-and-greets, and exclusive lounges—designed for fans who want an up-close look at their favorite stars and athletes. While access to the main activities is complimentary for PickleCon attendees, these VIP packages will be sold separately, providing a premium experience.

Celebrity Backers and Growing Partnerships

The event’s credibility is enhanced by its robust roster of athlete and celebrity investors, including Mario Lopez, Terrell Owens, CC Sabathia, Manu Ginobili, John Isner, Baron Davis, and Eric Decker, among others. Their involvement underscores the Bash’s appeal across sports and entertainment genres.

Key sponsors such as Joola, Franklin, and Ozlo Sleepbuds continue to support CPB’s expansion, following a strong partnership with DoorDash at the inaugural San Francisco event. The Bash has also attracted interest from broadcast partners, previously airing on Tennis Channel’s T2 FAST and Pickleball TV, with distribution plans for the Kansas City edition still in progress.

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Social Buzz and Future Plans

Anticipation for the Kansas City event is already building across social media, with the Bash’s official Instagram sharing behind-the-scenes footage and hype reels that capture the tournament’s festival-like spirit. For an inside glimpse or live updates from the event, follow their Instagram profile.

The road ahead looks busy—founders Ben Shapiro and Nick Vlahos, CEO of Rhode Skincare, plan to stage at least four more Bash events in 2026, making this Kansas City stop only the beginning of a broader “pickletainment” tour.

Join the Action

Registration for PickleCon is underway, with passes available for players, coaches, and fans. As the spotlight turns to Kansas City this August, the stage is set for pickleball, celebrities, and entertainment to collide like never before. Find registration details and full event info on the Kansas City Convention Center PickleCon event page, and learn more about the Celebrity Pickleball Bash at their official website.

Whether you’re a die-hard pickleball fan, a sports enthusiast, or just intrigued by the opportunity to see celebrities in action, the Celebrity Pickleball Bash at PickleCon promises to deliver an unforgettable experience blending competition, community, and pure entertainment.

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