Hollywood Celebrities Smash at ‘Emmys Pickleball Slam’ to Drive Funds for Television Academy Foundation

Jason George and Phil Keoghan Led All-Star Teams With Paddle Power to Benefit Nonprofit’s Education Programs

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Television Academy Foundation today announced it held its second annual Emmys Pickleball Slam fundraiser on Sunday, May 17, at the Calabasas Pickleball Club in Calabasas, California.

Jason George (Grey’s Anatomy) and Phil Keoghan (The Amazing Race) cohosted the charity event where television stars, entertainment industry leaders and pickleball enthusiasts came out for the doubles tournament. Celebrity participants included Wayne Brady (Let’s Make a Deal), Jonathan Mangum (Let’s Make a Deal), Mike Merrill (The Black Hamptons; Where There’s Smoke), Jessie Prez (George & Mandy’s First Marriage) and celebrity chef Jet Tila.

The full-day event included red carpet arrivals, a doubles tournament, live auctions and an awards presentation for the winning teams in three categories:

• 1^st Place Beginner Champions Team: Emily Ma and Jesus Ma
• 1^st Place Intermediate Champions Team: David Hutkin and Dean Hutkin
• 1^st Place Advanced Champions Team: Brodie Smith and Sky Smith

“Our sincerest appreciation to all the celebrities, sponsors and players who came together for this event in support of the Foundation,” said Tina Perry, chair of the Television Academy Foundation. “Their generosity is vital to advancing our renowned educational initiatives, which provide aspiring storytellers with the access, skills and opportunities needed to succeed in our industry. Together, they have helped ensure that the pathway into television remains vibrant, inclusive and within reach for all.”

Sponsors for the 2026 Emmys Pickleball Slam included 101 Studios; CRBN; Dooney & Bourke; Decoy/Duckhorn Vineyards; Evoke, A Division of MAI; FIJI Water; JOOLA; Kaylin + Kaylin Pickles; LMNT, Zero Sugar Hydration; NBCUniversal; Nike; Pizza Girl; RTP; The Murray/Reese Foundation; Trelle and trü frü.

About the Television Academy Foundation

The Television Academy Foundation is dedicated to inspiring tomorrow’s Emmy winners today by discovering and championing future television leaders. Through its celebrated nationwide programs — including its Internship Program and College Television Awards — the Foundation opens doors for emerging talent, empowering them to launch careers in television. The Foundation also produces The Interviews: An Oral History of Television, an extraordinary archive that preserves the stories of the industry’s most influential voices. Together, these initiatives inspire creativity, foster inclusion and shape the future of television. For more information on the Foundation, please visit TelevisionAcademy.com/Foundation.