Tom Brady continues to take on more work amid his rumored potential divorce from wife Gisele Bündchen.
The Buccaneers quarterback and four-time major tennis champion Kim Clijsters were announced Wednesday as part of an ownership group for a Major League Pickleball expansion team.
Brady and Clijsters are part of a group led by Knighthead Capital Management.
“Of course, I’m excited at the investment opportunity,” Clijsters said in a statement. “But what excites me the most about becoming an MLP owner is that I get to help shape the future of pickleball, a sport I have come to love, with great people — who also happen to be some of my best friends.
“I’m thrilled to help showcase professional pickleball and make an impact on the sport through my experience gained in the top levels of professional tennis.”
Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady during a game against the Atlanta Falcons on Oct. 9, 2022 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesBrady reportedly started playing pickleball four years ago with Knighthead Capital owner Tom Wagner, and often plays with his kids. The seven-time Super Bowl champion addressed the news Wednesday in an Instagram video.
“Look I’ve been trying to find a way to extend my professional sports career beyond my 40s, even into my 50s, 60s, 70s. As long as I can, right?” Brady said in the selfie clip.
“I think I got the answer. [It] seems like everyone else has the answer too. Pickleball. I’m super excited to announce that I’m officially joining the MLP family. We’re going to keep bringing awareness of this thing all around the country, all around the world,” Brady said.
“Look, you know how I do with competition, right? I love that it’s become such a popular neighborhood sport. It’s a great way to get out of the house, but I’m coming to win. I’m coming to dominate the sport. Alright, pickleball. Let’s f–king go!”
Kim Clijsters attends the International Tennis Hall of Fame Legends Ball at Cipriani 42nd Street on Sept. 10, 2022 in New York City. Getty ImagesBrady’s former Patriots teammate, Julian Edelman, wrote in the comments, “Lmk if you need a partner…. Asking for a friend..”
The news came about a week after The Post learned that construction on Brady and Gisele Bündchen’s Florida mansion has been halted. Sources said that Hurricane Ian put things on pause, and that the couple’s divorce rumors have complicated things even further.
In exclusive photos obtained by The Post, the floor plans of Brady and Bündchen’s Miami Beach estate includes a pickleball court and a gym, as well as a yoga terrace, an organic garden and a meditation garden.
Last month, Page Six was first to report that the couple has been at odds over Brady’s decision to un-retire from the NFL.
Brady and Bündchen both have hired divorce lawyers as they continue to explore what an actual split would entail. The two have been living separately while the quarterback is playing his 23rd season.
Brady and Clijsters join a list of other high-profile names who have invested in MLP, including LeBron James.
Last month, MLP announced that James and his business partner Maverick Carter will headline a new ownership group through their LRMR Ventures — the pair’s home office based in Akron, Ohio.
The group also includes the Warriors’ Draymond Green and Cavaliers’ Kevin Love, as well as SpringHill Company CMO Paul Rivera and Relevent Sports Group co-owner and CEO Daniel Sillman.
Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen with their two kids, son Benjamin (right) and daughter Vivian (bottom left). Brady shares son Jack (top left) with his ex, Bridget Moynahan. InstagramRetired NFL quarterback Drew Brees and former World No. 4 tennis player James Blake are also investors in MLP.
The league, which was founded in 2021, will expand from its current 12 teams to 16 in 2023, MLP will also double its annual tournaments to six events, with players competing for prize money that is expected to surpass $2 million next year.
The 2022 MLP season concludes this weekend in Columbus, Ohio.
