Breaking: AZ Drive sells controlling stake

Proton Sports buys AZ Drive

A new ownership group has bought out controlling share of the AZ Drive for $10 million, reports Sportico. The group is made up of Proton Sports (Charles Darling and Tim Fyke), former NFL quarterback Jake Plummer, and Arizona businessman Jeff Tsao.

The original ownership group consisted of former NFL wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, country music star Dierks Bentley, NBA player Devin Booker, Olympian Michael Phelps, chess master Magnus Carlson, and other business and entertainment investors.

Proton Sports, based in Scottsdale, was chiefly a softball equipment manufacturer who broke into the Pickleball scene in 2024. Samin Odwhani, UPA Chief Strategist, told Sportico, “The fit between Proton and the AZ Drive is perfect, given the local ties in the Arizona community.”

Given the focus on MLP teams hosting their own events in 2025, this move is a positive one for both the MLP and the AZ Drive’s local community. Companies invested in pickleball’s longevity, like Proton, are likely to have a more hands-on approach to making their team a success. With respect to Phelps. 🫡

The AZ Drive currently consists of Dylan Frazier, Andrei Daescu, Jessie Irvine, and Lacy Schneemann. The trade window is open, and with roster expansion to 6 in 2025, we expect to see some moves in the next several weeks until the “keeper” deadline on Feb 16th.

Arizona is set to host an MLP event May 29-June 1 at a location to be announced.