On August 7th, 2025, PaddleSmash did something few backyard games have done before — it had its own 30-minute show on ESPN. Not a segment. Not a mention. A full, dedicated broadcast of the PaddleSmash World Championship, hosted by co-founders Tim Swindle and Scott Brown alongside producer Harry Cicma, as part of ESPN's Ocho Week.
This is the story of how that happened — and what it means.
Quick Answer
On August 7th, the PaddleSmash World Championship aired as a 30-minute show on ESPN during Ocho Week — making PaddleSmash one of the very few backyard games to ever have its own dedicated ESPN broadcast. Hosted by Tim Swindle, Scott Brown, and Harry Cicma, the show brought the energy of competitive PaddleSmash to a national sports audience for the first time.
What Is ESPN Ocho Week?
Ocho Week is one of ESPN's most beloved annual traditions — a week-long celebration of unique, offbeat, and emerging sports that don't always get airtime on traditional sports broadcasts. Past Ocho Week programming has featured everything from axe throwing to competitive eating to dodgeball.
Being selected for Ocho Week isn't just a media placement — it's a statement. ESPN's producers chose PaddleSmash because the game has the energy, the format, and the competitive spirit that makes for great television. And on August 7th, it delivered exactly that.
The PaddleSmash World Championship
The 30-minute broadcast wasn't just a feature on PaddleSmash — it was a full championship event. Tim Swindle and Scott Brown hosted the show alongside Harry Cicma, bringing viewers inside the world of competitive PaddleSmash in a way that's never been done before on national television.
For anyone who's played PaddleSmash at a backyard BBQ or beach day, watching it broadcast on ESPN hits differently. The bump-set-smash rallies, the teamwork, the competitive energy — it all translates to television in a way that reminds you why you fell in love with the game in the first place.
What This Means for PaddleSmash
The ESPN broadcast is the most significant moment in PaddleSmash's short but remarkable history. Here's what that history looks like in full:
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Shark Tank Season 15, Episode 4: Tim and Scott secured a $250,000 deal from Mark Cuban and Robert Herjavec for 20% of the company.
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Good Morning America: Multiple features that put PaddleSmash in front of families across the country.
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The Today Show: Another major morning television appearance extending the brand's national reach.
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The View: A feature that introduced PaddleSmash to yet another massive national audience.
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ESPN — Ocho Week: A 30-minute dedicated broadcast of the PaddleSmash World Championship. The biggest stage yet.
Each of these moments built on the last. But ESPN is different in kind, not just degree. Morning shows cover trends and products. ESPN covers sports. PaddleSmash is now both.
The Response Has Been Incredible
The PaddleSmash community showed up for the broadcast in a big way. Players, fans, and newcomers alike tuned in and took to social media to share their reaction — and the energy has been impossible to miss. For a game that started at backyard cookouts and beach trips, seeing it on ESPN has felt like a full-circle moment for everyone who's been part of the journey.
If you watched the broadcast and found your way here — welcome. You're in the right place.
What's Next for PaddleSmash
If the trajectory so far is any indication, the ESPN broadcast is not the ceiling — it's the next step. The game is growing, the community is growing, and the competitive scene is growing right alongside it.
Whether you're a longtime player or you just discovered PaddleSmash on ESPN, there's never been a better time to get involved. The World Championship you just watched? The next one is coming. And this time, you'll be ready.
FAQ
When did PaddleSmash air on ESPN? The PaddleSmash World Championship aired on ESPN on August 7th, 2025, as part of Ocho Week.
What was the show about? It was a 30-minute dedicated broadcast of the PaddleSmash World Championship, hosted by co-founders Tim Swindle and Scott Brown alongside producer Harry Cicma.
What is ESPN Ocho Week? Ocho Week is an annual ESPN tradition celebrating unique and emerging sports that don't typically get national airtime. Being featured during Ocho Week is a mark of distinction for any sport or game.
Where can I watch the PaddleSmash World Championship? The full broadcast is available here: Watch on Google Drive
What TV shows has PaddleSmash been on? PaddleSmash has been featured on Shark Tank, Good Morning America, the Today Show, The View, and ESPN.
Where can I buy PaddleSmash? PaddleSmash is available at paddlesmash.com, Amazon, and Scheels.
From a backyard game to Shark Tank to ESPN — the PaddleSmash story is still being written. And the best chapters are ahead.
Shop PaddleSmash | Watch the World Championship | PaddleSmash on Shark Tank & GMA