Drew Brees is now the owner of a sports team.
The former New Orleans Saints quarterback announced Thursday that he's the newest co-owner of the Major League Pickleball team the Mad Drops. Brees is part of an ownership group that also includes Los Angeles Lakers co-owner Jim Buss, according to Chris Smith of Sports Business Journal.
Invented in 1965, pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis, and ping-pong. Major League Pickleball is a 12-team co-ed league, and the Mad Drops are one of four new expansion clubs.
"This is fun. This is what sports is all about," Brees said in a video posted on his Instagram account.
Brees retired from the NFL in March 2021 following a 20-year career. He joined NBC Sports as an analyst after retiring but parted ways with the network in June.
In May, the 43-year-old listed training for the pickleball tour as one of his potential plans for the future.
Despite speculation from media about my future this fall, I’m currently undecided. I may work for NBC, I may play football again, I may focus on business and philanthropy, I may train for the pickleball tour, senior golf tour, coach my kids or all of the above. I’ll let you know
— Drew Brees (@drewbrees) May 15, 2022
