Major League Pickleball (MLP) announced on Thursday that the AZ Drive have sold a controlling stake in the team at a valuation of over $10 million to a group that includes Charles Darling and Tim Fyke of Proton Sports, former NFL quarterback Jake Plummer, and financial professional Jeff Tsao. 

Darling, Fyke, Plummer and Tsao join the existing Drive ownership group, which notably features NFL legend Larry Fitzgerald, Oz Pearlman, Magnus Carlson, and Doug Hirsch.

Proton is the latest brand to broaden their relationship with an MLP team at the ownership level, joining the likes of Anheuser-Busch (Atlanta Bouncers) and Lotto (Brooklyn Aces).

“It’s amazing to see the momentum around UPA’s business continue following the most successful year in pro pickleball history in 2024,” said Samin Odhwani, UPA Chief Strategy Officer. “Charles and Jeff are going to be amazing additions to MLP’s team ownership ranks thanks to their heavy involvement in, and passion for, pickleball at all levels.”

More than 75 celebrities from across pro sports, entertainment, and business are team owners in MLP, which features over 100 of the best professional players in the world and 22 franchises across the Premier (16 teams) and Challenger Levels (6 teams). 

“As an Arizona-based company, Proton is a huge believer in the continuing and explosive growth opportunities for pickleball in the state,” said Darling. “We are thrilled to invest at the MLP team ownership level, joining our local MLP franchise and its great collection of existing owners.” 

Proton is investing at all levels of pickleball, from MLP team ownership; to a partnership with the United Pickleball Association (UPA); to paddle production; to powering the Junior PPA Tour; to sponsoring multiple 2025 PPA Tour events, including the Australia Pickleball Open and the Carvana Mesa Cup.