The Ben Stiller pickleball movie is officially happening - and yes, it’s called The Dink. After months of speculation, Apple has finally confirmed the release date for the most talked-about pickleball movie of the year.
The Dink will premiere globally on July 24, 2025, exclusively on Apple TV+, starring Jake Johnson as a washed-up tennis pro who reluctantly enters the world of pickleball to save a struggling club - and earn his father’s respect. The film also features Mary Steenburgen, Ed Harris, Patton Oswalt, Chloe Fineman and appearances from tennis legends Andy Roddick and John McEnroe.
Directed by Josh Greenbaum (Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar) and produced by Ben Stiller, The Dink is shaping up to be the first mainstream movie to put pickleball fully on the big (well… streaming) screen.
If you’ve been searching for “The Dink movie release date,” “Ben Stiller pickleball movie,” or simply “The Dink” - congratulations. You’re in the right place.
TL;DR (Because Google Loves This and So Do You)
TL;DR: The Dink, the Ben Stiller pickleball movie, officially premieres on July 24 on Apple TV+. Starring Jake Johnson, the comedy follows a washed-up tennis pro who reluctantly plays pickleball to save a club - with appearances from Andy Roddick and John McEnroe.
When Is The Dink Pickleball Movie Release Date?
Mark your calendars and cancel your Friday night plans.
The Dink premieres globally on July 24, streaming exclusively on Apple TV+.
This makes it:
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The first major pickleball comedy
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The most high-profile pickleball movie ever made
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Proof that pickleball has officially escaped the rec center
🎥 What Is The Dink About?
The plot? Surprisingly relatable.
Jake Johnson plays a washed-up tennis pro who:
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Thinks pickleball is beneath him
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Needs to save a struggling racquet club
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Ends up learning the hard way that pickleball players do not mess around
Sound familiar?
If you’ve ever thought pickleball was “easy” until a 62-year-old dismantled you with perfect drop shots, this movie is for you.
👉 New to the sport? Start here:
What Is Pickleball? A Beginner’s Guide
⭐ The Cast: Comedy, Legends and Chaos
This lineup is absurd in the best way.
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Jake Johnson (New Girl)
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Mary Steenburgen
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Ed Harris
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Chloe Fineman
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Patton Oswalt
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Andy Roddick (yes, that Andy Roddick)
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John McEnroe (because chaos)
Produced by Ben Stiller, directed by Josh Greenbaum (Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar).
Translation:
👉 This is not a low-effort sports movie. Find out why here.
🏓 Is The Dink a Real Pickleball Movie (or Just a Joke)?
Surprisingly? Yes - it’s legit.
According to the cast, the filmmakers:
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Worked with real pickleball pros
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Focused on authentic gameplay
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Wanted it to feel like a real sports movie, not just a comedy with paddles
If you’ve ever explained what a dink is to a confused friend, this movie is about to do a lot of work for you.
👉 Speaking of which:
Have you ever wondered is pickleball in the Olympics, will pickleball an Olympic sport or will pickleball be in the Olympics, this is your chance to find out.
🌎 Why The Dink Matters for Pickleball Fans
This isn’t just a movie - it’s a moment.
The Dink proves that pickleball is:
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Officially mainstream
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Culturally relevant
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No longer “just a trend”
We’ve gone from backyard courts to Apple TV+. That’s a glow-up.
If you’re wondering why pickleball is everywhere right now, here’s the answer:
👉 Why Is Pickleball So Popular?
🎬 Pickleball Movies Are Officially a Thing
Between The Dink and A Pickleball Christmas, pickleball has officially entered Hollywood.
Yes, the plots usually involve:
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A reluctant tennis player
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A pickleball tournament
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Personal growth and mild humiliation
But honestly? We’re here for it.
👉 If you missed it:
Ben Stiller’s Pickleball Movie: Everything We Know
❓ FAQ: The Dink Pickleball Movie
When does The Dink come out?
The Dink premieres on July 24 on Apple TV+.
Where can I watch The Dink?
Exclusively on Apple TV+.
Is The Dink rated PG-13?
Yes - it’s rated PG-13.
Is Ben Stiller in the pickleball movie The Dink?
Yes. Ben Stiller is a producer on The Dink pickleball movie and helped bring the project to Apple TV+.
Who stars in The Dink?
Jake Johnson, Mary Steenburgen, Ed Harris, Patton Oswalt, Chloe Fineman, Andy Roddick and John McEnroe.
When is The Dink pickleball movie release date?
The Dink pickleball movie will be released on July 24, 2026, exclusively on Apple TV+..
What is The Dink movie about?
The Dink follows a former tennis pro who reluctantly turns to pickleball to save a struggling club and earn his father’s respect, blending comedy, sports and family drama.
🏁 Final Serve
Pickleball has officially made it.
If you’re new to the sport, welcome.
If you’ve been here since the portable nets and questionable paddles - congratulations.
And if you’re looking to play before the movie drops…
👉 Explore NILK Pickleball Paddles
👉 Shop Pickleball Accessories
👉 Find the Best Pickleball Paddles of 2026
Because when The Dink drops on July 24…
you don’t want to show up unprepared.
📱 Join the rally on Instagram and TikTok
🎯 Remember to tag us @nilkpickleball when you're serving looks and aces - you might just become the NILK content drop everyone’s talking about.
👉 Hosting your very own custom pickleball tournament? Why not order a custom pickleball paddle for your next corporate event, sales kickoff (SKO) or as employee wellness gifts. Customized pickleball paddles and covers make the best pickleball gift ideas in 2026... you're welcome.
Serve looks. Serve winners.
