Breaking Barriers: Professional Table Tennis Leaps into the Mainstream
The world of sports has just gotten a whole lot more exciting! Major League Table Tennis (MLTT), founded by software entrepreneur Flint Lane in 2023, has secured its first-ever national television deal with CBS Sports. This groundbreaking partnership marks a significant milestone for the league, which has been gaining momentum rapidly.
A New Era for Table Tennis
With this deal, MLTT matches, exclusive highlights, player profiles, and behind-the-scenes features will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network, starting Sunday at 8 p.m. ET. This exposure is expected to catapult the sport into the mainstream, captivating millions of viewers across the country.
Rapid Growth and Rising Popularity
MLTT has seen a staggering 1,200% growth in viewership on YouTube from its first to second season, solidifying its position as one of America’s fastest-growing sports on digital and social platforms. With an estimated 850 million fans worldwide, table tennis is now the sixth most popular sport globally, according to the World Atlas.
Investment and Credibility
The league has attracted significant investment, with around $10 million in capital raised from notable names like David Blitzer and Daryl Morey. Former NBA star Manu Ginóbili is also a minority team owner of the Florida Crocs, an MLTT team. This influx of investment has lent credibility to the sport, which was previously considered a “basement sport” in America.
Olympic Boost and Celebrity Endorsements
The Paris Olympics provided a significant boost to the sport, with two American players making it to the round of 16 for the first time ever. One of those players, Lily Zhang, is now a part of MLTT. The sport also gained attention when Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry met the USA Table Tennis team at the opening ceremonies and later invited them to sit courtside at a game.
The Future of Table Tennis
While MLTT hasn’t yet been approved for sports betting, the sport has seen a surge in popularity during the coronavirus pandemic. With its fast-paced and rapidly changing odds, table tennis is becoming a favorite among bettors. Flint plans to focus on selling two expansion teams and increasing the sport’s presence at the grassroots level, paving the way for a bright future for MLTT.
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