New PPA Reality Series Takes Fans Behind the Curtain

Move over Real Housewives! Pickleball is taking center stage in the world of reality TV with the first-ever reality docuseries.

Introducing PARTNERS. A six-part reality and sports crossover docuseries produced in partnership between Shutterstock Studios and the Carvana® PPA Tour. The series premieres Tuesday, May 5 on Prime Video, the Carvana® PPA Tour YouTube Channel, and PickleballTV. All six episodes will be available at launch.

One of the challenges for pro pickleball has been the lack of crossover athletes outside the pickleball world beyond Anna Leigh Waters. It hasn’t been for a lack of trying, but it’s undeniably hard to do.

This new docuseries is a major step in the right direction. Through authentic storytelling and inside access, Shutterstock Studios brings to life an on-air cast of more than 25 players, coaches and executives at the center of the sport's defining season. They pull back the curtain on a league described as a traveling university with players training together, partying together, dating each other, and showing up at the same hotel the morning after a loss, a breakup, or a contract dispute.

"Pickleball is certainly having a moment, but most people still haven't seen what it actually feels like inside that world," says Mark Infante, Executive Producer, Shutterstock Studios. "The access we received from the Carvana® PPA Tour changed everything, placing us directly within the action – close to the players, decisions and the dynamics. That level of access only happens through trust and when a brand is part of the story from the start. We're telling real stories that core fans will recognize immediately, and new audiences can jump in without needing a primer."

This series takes a page from major sports leagues and their willingness to show fans what it's like to be a pro player. Fans want access. They want to feel connected to players. Shutterstock Studios and the PPA Tour know that and will aim to deliver what’s been missing from the pro game.

While success isn’t guaranteed, it’s possible this series will be a turning point for the entertainment value potential of pickleball. Once athletes are built up into superstars, more revenue, excitement, and growth will be much more easily achieved, especially as the sport goes global.