Major League Table Tennis is stepping into the primetime spotlight. The professional table tennis league, founded in 2023 by software entrepreneur Flint Lane, has secured its inaugural national television agreement with CBS Sports, as announced by the league on Wednesday. This development coincides with a resurgence in the popularity of table tennis and a growing demand for sports content among broadcasters.
While the specifics of the agreement were not disclosed, CBS Sports Network is set to broadcast MLTT matches, exclusive highlights, player profiles, and behind-the-scenes features throughout the season, starting this Sunday at 8 p.m. ET.
Flint Lane, the founder and commissioner of MLTT, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership with CBS Sports, describing it as a significant milestone for Major League Table Tennis. He emphasized the league’s vibrancy, talent, and increasing appeal that engage audiences, stating, “We’re thrilled to bring professional table tennis into millions of households.”
MLTT highlighted its rapid growth as one of the fastest-growing sports in America on digital and social media platforms. The league reported a remarkable over 1,200% increase in viewership on YouTube from its inaugural season to its second season. Additionally, MLTT pointed out that table tennis ranks as the sixth most popular sport globally, boasting 850 million fans, according to the World Atlas.
Currently, MLTT comprises eight teams representing cities across the United States, competing in weekend matches against each other. The league has secured approximately $10 million in funding, with investments from prominent figures such as David Blitzer, owner of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, and Daryl Morey, president of the Philadelphia 76ers.
Former NBA star Manu Ginóbili is a minority team owner of the MLTT team, the Florida Crocs. Flint Lane noted that while table tennis is often viewed as a recreational sport in the U.S., professional leagues exist in Europe, underscoring the significance of establishing a professional league in America.
The sport gained momentum during the Paris Olympics, where two Americans reached the round of 16 for the first time. Lily Zhang, one of those players, competes in MLTT. Notably, during the Olympics, Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry met the USA Table Tennis team at the opening ceremonies and later invited them to a courtside seat at a game.
Although MLTT has yet to receive approval for sports betting, interest in table tennis betting surged during the pandemic when many sports events were suspended. In states like Oregon, table tennis emerged as a top choice for betting due to its fast-paced nature and dynamic odds.
Looking ahead, Flint Lane mentioned that with the television deal secured, the league’s focus will shift towards selling two expansion teams and enhancing the sport’s grassroots presence.
Disclosure: NBCUniversal, the parent company of CNBC, owns NBC Sports and NBC Olympics, which holds the U.S. broadcast rights for all Summer and Winter Games until 2032.
Correction: This article has been updated to correct the spelling of Lily Zhang’s name.
