Sports
Desert Smash 2026 Brings Celebrities and Pickleball Pros to La Quinta Resort to Benefit Local Charities
Desert Smash 2026 is officially underway at La Quinta Resort & Club, bringing celebrities, professional athletes, and pickleball enthusiasts together to raise money for charities across the Coachella Valley.
The long-running charity event, which has supported local causes for more than two decades, traditionally centered around tennis. In recent years, however, pickleball has joined the lineup, adding another layer of excitement to the popular fundraiser.
Helping lead the pickleball side of the event are the Coachella Valley Scorpions and Scorpion Pickleball Camps. Kim Jade, co-owner of the Scorpions, says the clinic offers participants a high-end training experience during the Desert Smash festivities.
The clinic features eight professional players working with sponsors and participants to sharpen their skills. Among them is Pete Aldridge, a former world No. 1 tennis player who now competes in pickleball. Aldridge says the transition from tennis to pickleball feels natural and highlights how the two sports can complement each other.
“Pickleball and tennis should coexist peacefully,” Jade said, noting that the growing sport has added a new dimension to the long-running charity event.
The event also drew celebrity attention, including former Bachelor star Matt James, who joined the clinic and picked up a paddle alongside the pros.
With top-level instruction, celebrity participation, and a strong community focus, Desert Smash continues to combine sports and philanthropy while raising funds for important local charities.
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: NBC Palm Springs
March 3, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1) Aiden Pope with the punt return TD, 2) Mason Flores with the dime on the run, 3) Colton LaCrone with the sack, 4) Kingston Pellum with the contested snag, or 5) Anthony Aguirre with the sack #hondaofthedesert #fnl #fridaynightlights #fyp #highschoolfootball
The midterms inch closer and the prices get higher
The hiring of interim City Manager Jim Vanderpool is drawing criticism online over allegations of previous homophobic remarks and harassment. Vanderpool is pushing back, saying the complaint at the center of the controversy was misinterpreted. Be sure to visit nbcpalmsprings.com for the full report #palmsprings #lgbtqcommunity #coachellavalley #localnews #760
🦷🇺🇸 George Washington’s teeth had a story of their own… and trust us, it’s WILD. 😂👀 Forget the cherry tree—this is the history lesson nobody saw coming! 🍒🤯 Would YOU want to know the truth? 👇😂 🎭 Catch the laughs with Mann on the Aisle! #MannOnTheAisle #GeorgeWashington #WeirdHistory #HistoryFacts #comedytheatre
As Palm Springs Pride organizers prepare for the annual celebration, one local organization is questioning the reasons why they won’t be allowed to participate. Our @newsbyalondra has the full story in the 5,6 and 11 p.m newscast.
The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce is holding three city council candidate forums ahead of the November Election. Be sure to visit nbcpalmsprings.com to hear from the President of the Chamber of Commerce who breaks down what residents should know about what they can expect from these forums. #coachellavalley #elections2026 #localnews #citycouncil #candidateforum
Small mistake or a matter of transparency? What’s your take? Drop a comment below 👇 #therogginreport #coachellavalley #desertrecreationdistrict #localnews #nbcpalmsprings
Engineering students craft a robot that takes down a 4x4 Rubik's Cube in less than 10-seconds.
Watch a gargantuan, 5.7-mile-long train nab a world record as it disappears over the horizon!
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Do you do yoga?