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DLNews Sports:

La Quinta is about to get hotter than a desert sun in July, as Desert Smash returns March 3-4, 2025, serving up a one-two punch of celebrity-fueled sports and sensational entertainment. This isn’t just a tournament—it’s the ultimate collision of Hollywood glitz, pro-athlete prowess, and high-energy fun, all for a great cause.

Monday, March 3: The Second Annual Desert Smash Celebrity Pickleball Challenge

The pickleball craze has officially taken over, and this year's Desert Smash Celebrity Pickleball Challenge is bringing in heavy hitters—both from the pro circuit and the A-list crowd. The action unfolds at La Quinta Resort & Club Tennis Stadium, where an afternoon of fierce rallies, DJ beats, and cocktails awaits.

The Miami Pickleball Club has joined the party, promising an exciting afternoon. Guests can sip their way through fun-hosted bars, explore the Desert Smash Village of brands and sponsors, and witness an epic live recording of the “Good Trouble” podcast hosted by Nick Kyrgios, with a yet-to-be-announced celebrity guest sure to set the stage ablaze. But let’s not forget the main event—the showdown between celebrity players and pickleball pros, all while raising money for the WTA Foundation’s Global Women’s Health Fund in support of UNICEF.

With Naomi Osaka, Jason Derulo, Jay Ellis, Sam Asghari, Yvonne Orji, and pickleball phenom Federico Staksrud confirmed to play, you can bet the competition will be as fierce as the fashion courtside. Tickets start at $59, and include product samplings, giveaways, and premium views of all the action. The challenge begins at 3 p.m. sharp, but arriving early for the whole experience from 1-5 p.m. is highly recommended.

Tuesday, March 4: The 21st Annual Desert Smash Celebrity Tennis Charity Event

Desert Smash isn’t just a sporting event—it’s a Hollywood-meets-tennis legacy, and this year, it’s bringing an extra touch of culinary flair with the debut of the HexClad Cuisine Court. Think world-class tennis meets Top Chef-inspired gourmet indulgence, making this the ultimate daytime VIP experience.

Back for another year of hosting duties, P!NK will set the stage, bringing her signature energy to a lineup of tennis superstars and celebrity challengers, including Lance Bass, LeAnn Rimes, Pete Wentz, Alexander Zverev, Aryna Sabalenka, Boris Kodjoe, Eddie Cibrian, Elisha Cuthbert, and Felix Auger-Aliassime. If there’s one thing Desert Smash does well, it’s making sure no two matches are the same, blending jaw-dropping talent with lighthearted fun and surprises.

The event, once again at La Quinta Resort & Club, runs from 2-5 p.m., with courtside seating starting at $375 and on-court playing experiences for those who want to get in on the action at $500—feeling extra fancy? VIP champagne tables and hospitality packages are also available.

For 21 years, Desert Smash has served as the unofficial kickoff to the BNP Paribas Open, raising millions of dollars for charity. Each passing year gets bigger, bolder, and more unforgettable—2025 will be no exception.

So grab your sunnies, best tennis whites, and party spirit—this isn’t just a tournament but a Desert Smash. And you won’t want to miss a single minute.