Sports
Coachella Valley Scorpions Kick Off Pickleball Season with Exhibition at Agua Caliente Casino
The Coachella Valley Scorpions officially kicked off their 2026 season Thursday evening with an exhibition showcase at Agua Caliente Casino Rancho Mirage, giving fans an early look at one of the Valley's top professional pickleball teams.
The Scorpions faced the LA Extreme in a preseason exhibition featuring some of the Coachella Valley's best pickleball talent, along with appearances by celebrity guests including NFL Hall of Famer Terrell Owens, NBC Palm Springs Sports Director Tim O'Brien, and Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills.
Earlier in the day, the Scorpions practiced serves, drop shots, and dinking as they prepared for the season opener.
Coach, player, and owner Kim praised Agua Caliente Casinos for partnering with the team and providing an opportunity to introduce its newly drafted roster. The organization enters the season as defending champions in the Premier 50s division and has expanded to include teams in the 40s and 60s divisions, bringing the organization to 26 players.
Thursday's event also marked the first time players wore their new 2026 uniforms. The exhibition gave both veteran and first-year players a chance to experience game-day competition before the regular season begins, including practicing the pressure-filled "team breaker" format used to settle tied matches.
The showcase highlighted pickleball's continued growth in popularity, attracting fans of all ages while bringing together athletes, celebrities, and the local community for a night of competition.
Sponsored by Agua Caliente Casinos.
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: Brett Rosen
July 9, 2026
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