The Television Academy Foundation today announced its second annual “Emmys Pickleball Slam” fundraiser will be held on Sunday, May 17, at the southland’s premier pickleball facility, the Calabasas Pickleball Club. Proceeds from the event will support the Foundation’s core education programs.
Jason George (Grey’s Anatomy) and Phil Keoghan (The Amazing Race) will cohost the charity event where television stars, entertainment industry leaders, pickleball pros and sports enthusiasts will come together for a day of fun and fundraising in this doubles pickleball tournament. Celebrity participants competing include Wayne Brady (Let’s Make a Deal; Wayne Brady’s What If?! with Jonathan Magnum), Nancy Cartwright (The Simpsons), Da'Vinchi (BMF), Shawn Hatosy (The Pitt), Simone Kessell (The Last Frontier; Yellowjackets and pickleball pro), Jonathan Mangum (Let's Make a Deal), Jessie Prez (George & Mandy’s First Marriage), Sugar Ray Leonard (world champion pro boxer) and celebrity chef Jet Tila.
The event will include red carpet arrivals, a doubles tournament competition, auctions, gift bags, and a cocktail reception where awards will be bestowed.
“We’re thrilled to welcome this year’s lineup of celebrity pickleball players,” said Tina Perry, chair of the Television Academy Foundation. “Events like this not only bring the excitement of Emmy season to the court, but also directly support the Foundation’s education programs — helping aspiring storytellers gain the skills and experience to launch their careers in television.”
The 2026 Emmys Pickleball Slam will be held Sunday, May 17, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets are available to the public for playing in the tournament and as a spectator; price for single player is $200, doubles team is $350 and VIP spectator is $100, which includes a gift bag. To purchase tickets visit televisionacademy.com/pickleball/tickets.
Sponsors for the 2026 Emmys Pickleball Slam include 101 Studios; CRBN; Dooney & Bourke; Decoy/Duckhorn Vineyards; Evoke, A Division of MAI; FIJI Water; JOOLA; LMNT, Zero Sugar Hydration; NBCUniversal; The Murray Reese Foundation; and trü frü.
Download the press release here.
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Contact:
Jane Sparango
breakwhitelight for the Television Academy Foundation
jane@breakwhitelight.com
310.339.1214
