A Major League Pickleball team was acquired for a record $16 million in South Florida by Hyperspace Ventures, and the Palm Beach Royals are crowned the city’s first major professional sports team.
The Palm Beach Royals will make history as the city’s first major professional sports franchise, joining Major League Pickleball in 2026. The team was acquired for a record $16 million by Hyperspace Ventures, a group of UNC-Chapel Hill alumni and tech entrepreneurs.
Hyperspace Ventures is led by former Tar Heel tennis players Zach Hunter, Taylor Meyer, and Alex Rafiee, alongside fellow alumnus Peter Fox. Joining their ownership group are Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov, US Open champion Bianca Andreescu, former UNC basketball stars Tyler Hansbrough & Marvin Williams, Indianapolis Colts Pro Bowler Kenny Moore II, and successful founders Mitch Heath (Teamworks), Jeff Keswin (Lyrical Partners), Lance Pillersdorf (Advertising Week), & Scott Scherr (Ultimate Software).
The Royals will join Major League Pickleball as its 23rd team, following a 2025 season that saw record growth in attendance, broadcast reach, and sponsorships.
“Palm Beach is ready for its first major pro team,” said Hunter. “We’re building the Royals to compete at the highest level and to become a team that defines the next era of Major League Pickleball. Just like Palm Beach itself, the Royals will embody prestige, energy, and a world-class brand that makes this community special.”
The Hyperspace Ventures group brings a unique combination of expertise in both competitive sports and tech. The company has been an active investor in pickleball, including a $5.3 million investment in Pickleball Inc. To date, Hyperspace has invested over $21 million into the sport.
The Royals plan to host matches, youth clinics, and community pickleball festivals across Palm Beach County, along with local business partnerships to make pickleball a permanent part of the region’s athletic culture.
“We’re honored to bring a professional pickleball team to this storied community, and proud to help usher in a new era of championship sport in Palm Beach,” said Meyer. “We want every Palm Beach area resident to feel like they’re part of the Royals family, whether they’re cheering courtside or picking up a paddle for the first time.”
