Good morning pickleballers!
You have made it to Friday, congratulations - your reward is to play as much pickleball as you possibly can this weekend.
Speaking of playing as much pickleball as you can - at our Pure Pickleball venue, we've just launched an All You Can Play Day for just £5 next Friday, 21st February. Obviously, not expecting my one and only reader in Panama to make it over but if you are within an hour or so of Cheshire, then you could be on court from 10:00-16:00 next Friday for less than the cost of a caramel macchiato (as I found out in Starbucks the other weekend). Details here.
World Pickleball Magazine-wise, my next 10 days is super-stacked with interviews with the key people behind the successful World Pickleball League. Yesterday, I spoke to Mollie Knaggs who helped Pune United to the silver medal. Today, I get to speak to Karolina Owczarek who was part of Hyderabad Superstars and then Gourav and Arati Naketar, the co-founders of the league. If you haven't picked up your copy of the very first issue, you can do so here.
And on with today's PKLBulletin!
Barry Leisure Centre Courts New Players with Free Pickleball Sessions
Barry Leisure Centre is offering free beginner pickleball drop-in sessions, aiming to introduce more people to the sport. These sessions are scheduled for February 18, between 2 PM and 4 PM.
This initiative aligns with pickleball's status as the fastest-growing sport, a trend noted across different sources. The sessions require no prior experience or equipment, making it highly accessible for newcomers. Barry Leisure Centre's approach reflects a broader movement to expand the sport's reach, similar to efforts seen in university settings and dedicated pickleball facilities.
Niagara Indoor Pickleball Association Serves Up Valentine's Day with a Smash
The Niagara Indoor Pickleball Association (NIPA) celebrated Valentine's Day with a mixed doubles tournament, blending sport with a festive atmosphere. The event, entirely organized by volunteer members, featured hearts, chocolates, and a spirited competition.
This Valentine's Day event showcases NIPA's core mission: creating a fun pickleball and social club. NIPA strives to build a strong sense of community where people care about each other, and the Valentine's Day tournament was one of five social events the organization has staged for its members since opening its doors just under five months ago. The club's president, James Fraser, emphasized the importance of a positive playing atmosphere that facilitates friendships.
Ray DeJonge and Kathy Bott, along with Lou and Liz Venneri, emerged as the tournament's top teams. Their victories were celebrated with bottles of rose wine donated by Sons and Daughters Winery, Pelham's first local winery.
Beyond social events, NIPA offers regular "skills and drills" sessions to enhance members' shot consistency and overall abilities, and is currently seeking a fitness trainer to design and run pickleball physical fitness classes at the facility. NIPA also allows members to book private court rentals during off-peak hours to introduce the sport to friends and family. NIPA operates out of Concordia Academy in Fenwick and is open seven days a week, serving 140 members across beginner, intermediate, and competitive levels.
Financial District Gets its First Pickleball Court as Pickle1 Signs Lease at 100 Pearl Street
The Financial District is about to get its first taste of pickleball with Pickle1's new lease at 100 Pearl Street, according to property manager GFP Real Estate. The pickleball club signed a 10-year lease to operate courts on the ground floor of Commerz Real’s 100 Pearl Street. The 5,060-square-foot facility is expected to open in the summer of 2025 and will feature three professional-grade indoor courts with 24-foot high ceilings, coexisting with squash courts already in the building.
Pickle1's arrival in the Financial District reflects the increasing popularity and mainstreaming of pickleball, observed in a variety of sources. This trend is also apparent with StretchLab becoming the official stretching partner of Major League Pickleball (MLP). Michael McClain, founder and CEO of Pickle1, stated the club will be powered by passion and community, offering hourly court reservations, open play, leagues, tournaments, clinics, and kids’ classes catering to pickleball players of all levels.
The lease deal involved several key players: Allen Gurevich of GFP and Andrew Taub of Newmark represented Commerz Real, while Steven Evans and Emre Bozkurt of Platinum Properties brokered the deal for Pickle1. Maxi-Franziska Olmo Gonzalez, senior asset manager of Commerz in the Americas, sees this as more than just an amenity, but "a way to enhance the tenant experience and create a greater bond within our community".
This move is similar to other pickleball facilities, like the Pickleball Kingdom, which is opening a 42,000-square-foot facility in Tigard, Oregon. These facilities signify the growing commercial interest in pickleball, as well as the sport's capacity to build communities and offer playing opportunities for players of all skill levels. Just as the Niagara Indoor Pickleball Association (NIPA) aims to create a social and fun club, Pickle1 appears to be following suit by creating opportunities for recreation and community engagement.
Pickleball Kingdom Expands Empire to Tigard, Promising a Premier Indoor Experience
Pickleball Kingdom is set to expand its reach with a new facility in Tigard, Oregon, promising a premier indoor experience for pickleball enthusiasts. The 42,000-square-foot facility, located at 16800 SW 72nd Ave, Tigard, OR 97224, is slated to open in late summer 2025 and will feature 13 professional-grade indoor courts.
Spearheaded by Gunn Robison, this new location aims to become the leading pickleball destination for the Portland metro area and beyond. This expansion reflects a broader trend of the growing commercial interest in pickleball. As noted in the Miami Herald, the sport is gaining popularity not just among retirees but also among university students, evidenced by the establishment of pickleball clubs at universities like FIU and UM.
Pickleball Kingdom's Tigard facility will offer a range of programs and amenities:
- Professional coaching and clinics tailored for all skill levels
- Youth programs to inspire the next generation of players
- Leagues and tournaments designed for both casual and competitive play
- Community and corporate events to foster engagement through pickleball
The facility's features align with the broader goals of organizations like the Niagara Indoor Pickleball Association (NIPA), which emphasizes community building and skill development. NIPA organizes social events and skills sessions for its members, creating a positive playing atmosphere. Similarly, the Tigard location aims to provide a gathering place for the Portland pickleball community, addressing the area's need for more indoor courts.
The expansion also highlights the increasing demand for high-quality pickleball facilities. As seen with Pickle1's new lease in New York City, there is a growing trend of establishing dedicated spaces for pickleball, catering to players of all skill levels. This underscores the sport's growing mainstream appeal and its potential for building communities around recreation and engagement.
24/7 DINK Opens its Doors in Fishers, Offering Round-the-Clock Pickleball Action
Fishers is now home to 24/7 DINK, a new pickleball facility that promises round-the-clock access to the sport. The facility celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by co-founders John Hurley and Scott Brenton, along with Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness and OneZone Chamber of Commerce President Jack Russell. Opening to the public on February 15, the 20-court facility offers options for players of all skill levels, from beginners to pros.
24/7 DINK's opening reflects a growing trend of dedicated pickleball facilities, similar to Pickle1 in New York City and the Pickleball Kingdom in Tigard, Oregon. These facilities signify the increasing commercial viability and popularity of pickleball. Unlike some facilities, 24/7 DINK operates on a pay-to-play model with zero membership fees, enhancing accessibility for players.
This approach aligns with the broader movement to expand the sport's reach to diverse demographics. The Miami Herald notes that pickleball is gaining traction among university students. This mirrors the approach of the Niagara Indoor Pickleball Association (NIPA), which focuses on creating a fun and social environment to grow its membership. NIPA emphasizes community building through social events and skills development.
The trend toward accessible and high-quality pickleball facilities underscores the sport's mainstream appeal and potential for building communities around recreation and engagement. Just as the Niagara Indoor Pickleball Association (NIPA) aims to create a social and fun club, 24/7 DINK appears to be following suit by creating opportunities for recreation and community engagement.
Move Over, Frats: Students Choose Colleges Based on Pickleball Programs
Pickleball is emerging as a significant factor in students' college selection, signaling a shift in priorities as universities scramble to accommodate the sport's surging popularity. This trend, noted in a Miami Herald article, highlights how prospective students are increasingly considering the strength of a school's pickleball programs when making their college choices.
Brian Kanzer, who founded the pickleball club at the University of Miami (UM), observed this phenomenon firsthand. He noted that pickleball has become "huge at colleges all over the country", with students actively seeking out institutions with strong pickleball programs. UM itself is constructing four pickleball-only courts to meet the growing demand, while students currently utilize six shared courts. The establishment of pickleball clubs and dedicated facilities at universities mirrors a broader trend of increasing accessibility and recognition of the sport.
This movement is not limited to UM. Florida International University (FIU) is also expected to have its own on-campus pickleball courts soon. Natalie De Arazoza, the new president of FIU’s pickleball club, plays the sport nearly every day and has met most of her friends through pickleball. This underscores the social aspect of pickleball and its ability to foster communities.
The rise of pickleball on college campuses also reflects the sport's increasing mainstream appeal. While pickleball is not yet an official NCAA sport, the existence of a 64-team national championship for club pickleball teams signals its growing prominence at the collegiate level. The University of North Carolina is currently ranked No. 1 in the nation, with other universities like FAU and the University of Florida also holding top spots.
StretchLab and Major League Pickleball Partner to Keep Athletes on the Court
StretchLab and Major League Pickleball (MLP) have announced a partnership aimed at enhancing athletic performance, mobility, and recovery for pickleball athletes. The agreement, which designates StretchLab as the Exclusive Preferred Stretch Partner, will extend through the 2025 season.
This collaboration reflects the increasing recognition of the importance of fitness and wellness in the sport, as well as the rising commercial interest in pickleball. As the Miami Herald notes, the sport is gaining popularity among diverse demographics, including university students, signalling its growing mainstream appeal.
StretchLab's services are designed to improve flexibility, speed recovery, and prevent injuries, aligning with the needs of pickleball players who seek to remain active and competitive. Verdine Baker, President of StretchLab, stated that the partnership connects the company directly with the passionate pickleball community and reinforces its commitment to supporting active people at all levels and abilities.
As part of the partnership, StretchLab will attend select MLP tournaments to offer on-site assisted stretching sessions. The company will also collaborate with MLP partners to provide exclusive promotions and co-branded experiences. This initiative aims to introduce MLP fans and players to StretchLab's recovery and mobility solutions, helping them maintain peak condition on and off the court.
The partnership between StretchLab and MLP underscores the growing emphasis on holistic fitness and wellness solutions within the pickleball community. This partnership highlights the importance of comprehensive support systems for pickleball players of all levels.
MLP Challenger Trade: Sleeth to California, Hendry to Brooklyn
A Challenger level trade has been made in Major League Pickleball (MLP) as Layne Sleeth moves to California and Amanda Hendry goes to Brooklyn. The trade involves the California Black Bears and the Brooklyn Aces.
According to "MLP Challenger Trade: Sleeth to California, Hendry to Brooklyn," the details of the trade are:
- California acquires Layne Sleeth.
- Brooklyn acquires Amanda Hendry and cash considerations.
The trade impacts each team's roster. California was facing the need to drop both Chris Haworth and Amanda Hendry. Now, the Black Bears only have to drop Haworth and can move forward with a core of Brandon French, Lina Padegimaite, and Sleeth. Padegimaite and Sleeth have played together before for the Brooklyn Aces. Despite a less-than-stellar record in MLP, Padegimaite and Sleeth had a memorable run at Worlds in November.
Before this trade, the Aces were facing the question of who to drop, since each player on their 2024 roster is under contract with the UPA. That decision has now been made for them, as they’ll have no choice but to drop Hendry. Andrea Koop represented Brooklyn in only four matches in 2024 because she was traded right at the deadline in September, but she went 3-0 in mixed doubles with Daniel de la Rosa and 0-1 with Pablo Tellez. Despite this, the author of "MLP Challenger Trade: Sleeth to California, Hendry to Brooklyn" expects her and Tellez to play together during the 2025 season. This could leave the door open for the Aces to potentially go after Tamaryn (Tammy) Emmrich in the draft since she will have to be dropped by the newly relocated Nashville Pandas. De la Rosa and Emmrich have played several PPA Tour events together and would make a good Challenger team.
Both teams have plenty to think about ahead of the challenger-level free agency draft, which is scheduled for Mar. 3.
Chipshot: Jacksonville's Newest 'Adult Playground' to Combine Pickleball, Golf, and Brews
Jacksonville is set to welcome Chipshot, a novel entertainment venue that blends pickleball, golf simulators, and craft brews into what its website terms the "ultimate adult playground". Located at 13164 Atlantic Blvd, next to Turner Ace Hardware, the 29,276-square-foot space is currently undergoing a $1 million build-out and is projected to open in the fall of 2025.
Spearheaded by PGA Tour pro Thomas Walsh and Strings Sports Brewery owner Scott Adeeb, Chipshot aims to offer a multifaceted experience. The venue will feature eight pickleball courts, four golf simulators, and a restaurant, creating a unique recreational destination. In addition to court and simulator options for walk-ins, Chipshot will offer memberships that include exclusive access to indoor courts, priority booking, and discounts on food, drinks, and activities, as well as invitations to special events. There will also be outdoor yard games, including ping pong, cornhole, and giant Jenga.
The inclusion of Strings Sports Brewery means that Chipshot will offer craft beers, cocktails, and sports bar food. The taproom will feature 22 taps, including 14 craft beers with an emphasis on String's Beer, in addition to wine and cocktails. Customers can use a card, wristband, or personalized QR code for self-pour options. The food menu will offer appetizers such as "Joe Adeeb’s Famous Cocktail Cheese," "Terry’s Country Store Boiled Peanuts," and "Cinotti’s Bakery Pretzel,".
Chipshot's combination of pickleball, golf, and a taproom aligns with the trend of creating comprehensive entertainment venues that cater to diverse interests.
Oregon Pickleball Club Founder Faces Prison for $50,000 Fraud
The founder of the Oregon Pickleball Club (OPC), Joshua Wallace, has been sentenced to 26 months in prison for wire fraud related to his financial activities with the club. According to an article in The Kitchen, Wallace also received three years of supervised release and a $100,000 restitution order.
Wallace, who had previous convictions for financial crimes, raised $50,000 from two investors to launch OPC, a facility in Oregon City. Instead of using the funds to build the club, Wallace reportedly misappropriated the money. He used it to pay off personal bills, transfer funds to credit cards and other accounts, cover legal fees and vehicle expenses, and even fund gambling on DraftKings and private golf club memberships. OPC was officially incorporated in 2022 and dissolved by 2023. The club was to be located at 1703 Beavercreek Road in Oregon City, but Wallace’s financial mismanagement quickly led to the project’s downfall.
Court documents reveal that Wallace burned through the investment money almost immediately and also racked up more than $120,000 in unpaid debts, including bad checks written to OPC’s landlord and contractors. Though he attempted to pay off some debts using personal funds, he never fully repaid his investors.
According to The Kitchen, the pickleball-related fraud was just one piece of a larger web of deception. Wallace was also found guilty of violating the terms of his probation from a separate case involving a biofuels company in Utah, where he had lied to federal agents. His violations included travelling to Las Vegas without approval and purchasing $50,000 in gambling chips, failing to disclose financial information and opening unauthorized accounts, making large financial transactions without reporting them, and living a high-end lifestyle. This included membership in an exclusive golf club and travel to Los Angeles, Palm Springs, and Orlando, and even purchasing a Danish soccer club—all without permission from his probation officer.
While many legitimate investors and entrepreneurs are helping to shape pickleball’s future, stories like this serve as a reminder to do due diligence before investing in new ventures.