Good morning, pickleballers!
Wednesday once again here at WPM HQ - as it probably is everywhere this is being read.
Once again, we bring you the very latest pickleball news via our World Pickleball Report - trying to deliver all of the best pickleball news stories from across the world in one, simple daily bulletin.
You can read yesterday's World Pickleball Report here and catch on Joe James' latest opinion piece here.
So, we'd better crack on with that then!
Teen Titans of Tomorrow? CNPL Welcomes Unlimited Under-18 Draft Entrants
The Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL) is making a bold move to cultivate the next generation of pickleball stars by announcing a significant change to its 2025 Draft eligibility rules: unlimited players under the age of 18 are now welcome to enter the draft. This landmark decision underscores the CNPL's commitment to supporting the growth of pickleball and attracting top talent.
While opening doors to young talent, the CNPL has established important requirements to ensure a safe and positive environment. Any team that drafts an underage player must have Safesport certification. Furthermore, a parent or legal guardian will be required to accompany the under-18 player to all CNPL events.
This expansion of eligibility signifies the CNPL's ambition to solidify its position as a premier destination for professional pickleball in Canada. By welcoming young talent into the league, the CNPL anticipates bringing fresh competition and even more excitement to the sport. Aspiring young pickleball players now have a unique opportunity to make history in the CNPL.
Visa Victory Needed: CNPL Teams Responsible for International Player Requirements
In a groundbreaking move for the 2025 season, the Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL) has opened its draft to international players for the first time. While this initiative promises to elevate the league's competition with global talent, it comes with a crucial stipulation for participating teams: they will be fully responsible for handling all necessary visa requirements for any international player they select.
This significant undertaking underscores the CNPL's commitment to becoming a premier pickleball destination. Each CNPL team now has the option to draft one international player, potentially bringing elite skills from around the world to the Canadian courts. However, this opportunity places the onus squarely on the teams to navigate the complexities of international work permits and entry regulations.
Beyond visa obligations, prospective international draftees must either participate in a CNPL Showdown or MiLP event before the draft or hold a pro-level contract with a recognized league (MLP, PPA, APP, etc.). Furthermore, all international players, even those already contracted elsewhere, must register for the CNPL draft and pay the administrative fee. This new era for the CNPL offers exciting possibilities but demands proactive engagement from teams seeking to bolster their rosters with international talent.
London Calling! CNPL's Northern Rollers Rebrand as London Smash After Big Move
Get ready for a new force in Canadian professional pickleball! The Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL) has announced a significant franchise relocation, with the Northern Rollers officially moving to London, Ontario, and rebranding as the London Smash Pickleball Club. This exciting development promises to inject fresh energy into the league and further solidify London's growing status as a pickleball hub.
The London Smash is under the leadership of two dynamic individuals: Ed Sater, owner of the rapidly expanding Smash Pickleball brand in London, ON, and Don Ludlow, an executive at RBC Bank in Toronto. Sater brings experience in brand development and a dedication to growing pickleball at both professional and community levels. Ludlow's background as a former Canadian Forces Infantry Officer with an MBA offers valuable leadership and strategic expertise, ensuring the team is built for success.
This move is expected to significantly boost the profile of professional pickleball in London, offering fans high-level competition and increased opportunities to engage with the sport. As the London Smash prepares for its CNPL debut, anticipation is building for the electrifying competition they are set to bring to the court.
From Champs to Change: Toronto United Rebuilds After 2024 Disappointment
After a challenging 2024 season, the Toronto United Pickleball Club, 2023 Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL) champions, is embarking on a significant rebuild, retaining only team captain Matthew Kawamoto from last year’s roster. The club, which finished fifth in the previous season, is making bold moves to reclaim its championship status.
Toronto United President and General Manager Ricky Liorti acknowledged that parting ways with the rest of the roster was a tough decision but necessary for the team's long-term success. He emphasized Kawamoto's continued leadership, stating, "Matt has been our fearless leader from Day 1, and we could not be more excited to have him back".
To fill the remaining five roster spots, Toronto United will be actively scouting talent through the CNPL Preseason Qualifier Events. These key events include the Royal Westcourt Showdown (Montreal, QC) on March 15th, the Smash Pickleball Showdown (London, ON) on March 22nd, and the Okanagan Showdown (Vernon, BC) on March 29th. The team will then look to the CNPL Draft on April 2nd to finalize their new lineup. Liorti expressed optimism for the future, seeking players "who want to win, who want to be part of something bigger, and who are ready to bring a championship back to Toronto".
Volair's CEO: Pickleball Paddles Are Our New Canvas for Haring's "Electric Art"
Volair Pickleball, renowned for its high-performance paddles and dedication to the sport's growth, has launched an exciting new collection that merges the worlds of art and athletics. The Volair x Keith Haring collection features pickleball paddles adorned with the vibrant, movement-driven art of the iconic artist Keith Haring. This unique collaboration offers players a novel way to express their individuality both on and off the court.
Ryan Cohen, founder and chief executive officer of Volair, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, "We’re excited to use our pickleball paddles as a canvas for Keith Haring’s electric art. We’re honoured to bring his vision to life in a whole new way". Cohen believes this collection perfectly embodies Volair's core values of fun, creativity, and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in pickleball.
This second drop set for March 2025 combines Volair's commitment to quality with Haring's unmistakable artistic style, known for its energy and dynamism. The collection aims to provide players with high-performance paddles that are also unique pieces of art, allowing them to make a statement with their equipment. The fusion of art and sport underscores the growing appeal and cultural relevance of pickleball.
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You like reading about pickleball if you have got this far.
So have you seen the latest issue of the World Pickleball Magazine?
In issue #2, we go behind the scenes at the World Pickleball League which was held last month in India - six teams went head-to-head in the biggest pickleball show on Earth to date, over 10m people watching it on TV. We have exclusive interviews with the people who made it happen - founders, owners, coaches, players and commentators.
The World Pickleball Magazine also brings you all the news from the previous month, stories from Europe, APAC, Africa and more, a future star to watch out for, our pioneers section and a whole chunk of the magazine dedicated to drills and bits to improve your game.
Download your digital copy for just £5 today by clicking below.
Secret Weapon Revealed? Callie Jo Smith's Instagram Teaches Killer Two-Handed Backhand
Pickleball players looking to sharpen their skills may have just found their new secret weapon, courtesy of professional player Callie Jo Smith. Smith recently took to Instagram to share an instructional video breaking down the crucial two-handed backhand technique. In a clear side-by-side comparison, she highlighted common errors alongside the proper form, aiming to help players elevate their game.
Smith's video contrasted the mistakes of chopping down on the ball, remaining flat-footed, and relying solely on arm power with the correct approach. The proper technique, she demonstrated, involves a low-to-high motion, an athletic stance with bent knees, and engaging the entire body, including hips and legs, for power.
Encouraging her followers to analyze the differences, Smith's visual breakdown offers valuable guidance for pickleball enthusiasts of all levels. By understanding and implementing the correct body mechanics, players can expect to see improvements in their consistency, power, and overall control on the court. Smith’s initiative underscores the growing emphasis on skill-based training within the pickleball community.
Dominate the Dink Line! Mastering the Fourth Shot is Your Pickleball Edge
Are you looking for a strategic advantage on the pickleball court? A pickleball instructor is highlighting a critical yet often overlooked element of the game: the fourth shot. Understanding and controlling this shot can be the key to dominating the dink line and keeping your opponents on the defensive.
According to many coaches, amateur players neglect the importance of the fourth shot, which is crucial for preventing opponents from advancing to the kitchen line. To address this, a new drill has been introduced that focuses specifically on controlling the depth and placement of the fourth shot.
The drill utilizes four cones to divide the opposite court into scoring zones, with deeper shots earning more points. Players at the kitchen line receive drop shots and aim to return the fourth shot deep, accumulating points towards a target of 50. This structured and competitive practice helps players improve accuracy and rally control.
Mastering the fourth shot allows players to disrupt their opponents' movement and force difficult returns, increasing the chances of maintaining control of the rally. By consistently placing the ball deep, you limit your opponents' ability to seize control at the net, giving you a significant edge in competitive play. As pickleball continues to grow more competitive, focusing on often-neglected strategies like the fourth shot can be the difference between winning and losing.
Bikinis vs. Backhands? Bouchard Ready for "Hot Girl Summer" Regardless of Pickleball Schedule
Professional pickleball player Genie Bouchard has playfully responded to claims that her "Hot Girl Summer" plans might interfere with her Major League Pickleball (MLP) schedule. Podcaster Jimmy Miller sparked the discussion with a tweet suggesting Bouchard wouldn't be available for many MLP events due to pre-existing summer plans.
However, Bouchard was quick to address the speculation, tweeting in reply, "What plans are you referring to? Would love to know what I’m getting up to this summer". Speaking further on the matter at the Veolia Cape Coral Open, Bouchard stated, "I didn’t even know I had plans... Trust me, I’m not that much of an advanced planner, we’re only in March. There’s no way I have something booked in July".
Bouchard made it clear that regardless of her pickleball commitments, she intends to have an enjoyable summer. "I’m going to have a hot girl summer regardless. There’s no stopping a girl having a hot girl summer, so no matter what I do this summer, it will be hot girl vibes," she asserted. She did mention having some weddings in Europe to attend, suggesting potential travel and "cute" bikini moments are on the horizon. While Miller’s source remains unknown, Bouchard’s focus remains on embracing the summer months, with or without a fully packed pickleball calendar.
Blockbuster MLP Trades! Hustlers Nab Kong and Madonia in Double Deal
Major League Pickleball (MLP) has witnessed a flurry of activity with a significant announcement of two trades both involving the New York Hustlers. These moves are set to reshape team rosters as the league progresses.
In the first trade, the Bay Area Breakers have acquired Danna Funaro. In return, the New York Hustlers have gained Lingwei Kong along with cash considerations. This acquisition brings fresh talent to the Hustlers' lineup.
The second major transaction sees the California Black Bears welcoming Juan Benitez to their roster. Simultaneously, the New York Hustlers have secured the addition of Stephen Madonia, also accompanied by cash considerations.
Following these trades, updated team rosters reveal the new composition. The New York Hustlers (Premier) now feature Zane Ford, Donald Young, Stephen Madonia, Helena Spiridis, Dominique Schaefer, and the newly acquired Lingwei Kong. The Bay Area Breakers (Challenger) now include Eric Roddy, Wyatt Stone, Allyce Jones, and Danna Funaro. The California Black Bears (Challenger) roster is updated with Rafa Hewett, Juan Benitez, Lina Padegimaite, and Layne Sleeth. These strategic moves signal a dynamic shift within MLP as teams gear up for future competitions.
Pickleball Fans, Get Your Remotes Ready! PPA Texas Open Broadcast Schedule Revealed
Mark your calendars, pickleball enthusiasts! The PPA Tour’s CIBC Texas Open presented by Fasenra is heading to the Courts of McKinney in McKinney, Texas, from March 12th to 16th, 2025. For those who can't make it to the Lone Star State, the broadcast schedule has been released, ensuring you won't miss a moment of the high-stakes competition.
Action kicks off with singles coverage live on PickleballTV on Thursday, March 13th, from 12 PM to 8 PM ET. Friday, March 14th, will feature mixed doubles live on PickleballTV from 12 PM to 8 PM ET, with a tape-delayed showing on FS2 from 11 PM to 1 AM ET.
The doubles events take centre stage on Saturday, March 15th, with live coverage on PickleballTV from 12 PM to 6 PM ET, followed by an exclusive broadcast on FS2 from 6 PM to 8 PM ET. The excitement culminates on Carvana Championship Sunday, March 16th, with live finals on PickleballTV from 12 PM to 6 PM ET and a tape-delayed broadcast on FS1 from 10 PM to 12 AM ET.
Prepare for intense matches and thrilling moments as top professional players battle for rankings and prize money at this premier PPA Tour event, all from the comfort of your home.
Texas Heat is On! PPA Tour Arrives in Dallas with Waters, Daescu Eyes Records
The Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour has landed in the Dallas area for the CIBC Texas Open presented by Fasenra, promising a week of intense competition. All eyes will be on two prominent figures aiming for significant milestones.
Anna Leigh Waters enters the tournament with the potential to secure another triple crown after her dominant performance in Cape Coral. The question on everyone's mind is whether anyone can halt her reign in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles.
Meanwhile, Andrei Daescu is on the cusp of making history in men’s doubles. Having secured gold in the last three PPA tournaments with different partners, he is now aiming for a remarkable four-peat, this time paired with Dylan Frazier. His versatility and consistent performance make him a major storyline of the Texas Open.
The tournament boasts a highly competitive field across all events, with the men’s singles draw particularly deep. Pickleball fans can anticipate thrilling matches as top professionals vie for rankings and prize money in the Lone Star State. The quest for records and the battle for supremacy are set to ignite the courts in McKinney.