The Television Academy Foundation announced its upcoming “Emmys Pickleball Slam” fundraiser, benefiting the Foundation and the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund, will be held on Sunday, May 18, at the southland’s premier pickleball facility, the Calabasas Pickleball Club, in Calabasas, California.
Television stars, entertainment industry leaders, pickleball pros, sports enthusiasts and firefighters will come together for a day of fun and fundraising in this doubles pickleball tournament. Celebrity participants competing for the 2025 Emmys Pickleball Championship include Valentin Chmerkovskiy (Dancing with the Stars), Jason George(Grey’s Anatomy), Jake Johnson (The Dink; New Girl), Lala Kent (Vanderpump Rules),Phil Keoghan (The Amazing Race), Steven Krueger (Yellowjackets), Jonathan Mangum (Let’s Make A Deal), Kunal Nayyar (The Big Bang Theory), Tig Notaro (The Morning Show), Sugar Ray Leonard (world champion pro boxer) and Mary Steenburgen(The Dink).
Pickleball pros competing in the event include Nick Black, Maggie Brascia, Mary Brascia, Wes Burrows, Nicole Eugenio, Gabriel Joseph, Sharon Lee, Warren Tamanaha and Vince Van Patten.
“This event is a powerful example of what happens when two incredible communities — first responders and entertainment professionals — come together for a greater cause,” said John Marasco, LAFD Captain II and Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund trustee. “Our firefighters put everything on the line to protect lives, and it means the world to see the Television Academy Foundation rally behind them during such a challenging time. The support brings not just financial relief but also emotional strength to the families of our firefighters impacted by the January 2025 California wildfires.”
Proceeds from the Emmys Pickleball Slam will support the Foundation’s core education programs and the WODFF’s “Wildfire Fund,” which distributes 100% of donations directly to firefighter families affected by California’s Eaton and Palisades wildfires.
The event will include red carpet arrivals, a pickleball clinic, doubles tournament competition, auctions, gift bags and a cocktail reception where awards will be bestowed. 2025 marks the 60th anniversary of America’s fastest-growing sport, which was created in 1965 in Bainbridge Island, Washington.
“We are thrilled to introduce the annual pickleball tournament this year officially after last year’s successful trial,” said Tina Perry, chair of the Television Academy Foundation. “We are honored to present this unique event celebrating the spirit of competition and community. The tournament is not just about playing pickleball; it’s about coming together to support our brave firefighters and their families during a challenging time. The funds raised will provide crucial assistance to the firefighter families affected by the wildfires and bolster our renowned education programs, helping students achieve their dreams in television and media.”
The 2025 Emmys Pickleball Slam will be held Sunday, May 18, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., at the Calabasas Pickleball Club, 5155 Old Scandia Lane, Calabasas, California. Tickets are available to the public for playing in the tournament and as a spectator; price for single player is $550, and spectators are $300 each, which includes a gift bag and access to an all-day pickleball clinic. To purchase tickets visit televisionacademy.com/pickleball/tickets.
Sponsors for the 2025 Emmys Pickleball Slam include Allen & Anita Kohl Charitable Foundation, CBS, CRBN, Dooney & Bourke, Evoke Advisors, Murray/Reese Foundation, NBCUniversal, PickleTV and Trü Frü.
