Good morning pickleballers!
Wednesday already - and you know what that means? The latest issue of the World Pickleball Magazine has been on the digital shelves for just over two days and you still haven't picked up a copy. Why are you doing this to yourself? Get it, get it now!
(you can do that by clicking on the image below and find yourself instantly transported to a world of 135+ pages of exclusive pickleball content for just £5).
Yesterday, Joe James went deeper into the story breaking from Saudi Arabia - read all about that here.
And here's your daily World Pickleball Report - all the latest pickleball news in one convenient place.
MLP Draft Buzz & "Hot Girl Summer" Debunked: Bouchard's Commitment Solidifies Amid League Growth
The anticipation surrounding the 2025 Major League Pickleball (MLP) season continues to build, with recent draft activity and player commitments underscoring the league's rapid expansion. Amid this buzz, tennis star-turned-pickleball player Eugenie Bouchard has firmly shut down rumours suggesting her participation would be limited due to "Hot Girl Summer" plans.
Speculation arose when an X user questioned Bouchard's availability, hinting at potential scheduling conflicts. However, Bouchard, selected eighth overall by the New Jersey 5s in the MLP Premier Level Free Agency Draft on March 2, 2025, responded with a playful yet definitive question: "What plans?". This straightforward reply effectively dismissed the notion that social engagements would impede her commitment to the sport.
Bouchard's focus has increasingly shifted to pickleball since her last appearance in the 2024 Canadian Open qualifiers. Her participation in the MLP draft and selection by the New Jersey 5s confirms her dedication to the growing league. This commitment comes as Major League Pickleball has recently merged with the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) to form the United Pickleball Association, signalling a period of increased structure and visibility for the sport. Bouchard's active involvement, including her participation in events like the Pickleball Slam 3, further solidifies her place within the burgeoning professional pickleball landscape.
From Tennis Courts to Charity Dinks: Osaka & Kyrgios Join NFL Stars Maye & Howell in Pickleball Fundraisers
The burgeoning popularity of pickleball continues to attract athletes from across the sporting spectrum, with recent events showcasing a unique crossover for charitable causes. Tennis stars Naomi Osaka and Nick Kyrgios recently traded their racquets for paddles at the Desert Smash, a charity pickleball event. They were joined by pop star Jason Derulo in the star-studded affair, highlighting the sport's growing appeal beyond traditional racquet sports. Both Osaka and Kyrgios, currently recovering from fitness concerns, participated in the event, demonstrating the lighter physical demands and accessible nature of pickleball.
Meanwhile, in Charlotte, NFL quarterbacks Drake Maye and Sam Howell are set to showcase their pickleball skills at the "Beat an NFL Quarterback" charity event on Wednesday at Camp North End's Tipsy Pickle. The North Carolina alumni will team up in a doubles format, allowing fans to challenge the duo. This event aims to benefit multiple local charities, including The Katie Blessing Foundation, The Agnes Weisiger Breast Health Center, and the Go Jen Go Foundation.
The participation of high-profile athletes like Osaka, Kyrgios, Maye, and Howell underscores pickleball's rising prominence and its potential as a platform for fundraising initiatives. From the tennis court to the gridiron, these stars are embracing the dink and serve to support important causes, further solidifying pickleball's place in the mainstream sports landscape.
'90s Style Serves Up Growth: Botanist & Prince Collection Launches Amid Pickleball Apparel Market Boom
The worlds of spirits and racquet sports have collided in a stylish serve as The Botanist, the official gin of pickleball, and Prince, a global racquet sports brand, debut their limited-edition "Dink & Sip" pickleball collection. This launch comes at a time when the pickleball clothing apparel market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by the sport's increasing popularity across all age groups. The "Dink & Sip" collection, featuring a custom tote, paddle, and balls, boasts an eye-catching, '90s-inspired design, perfectly timed for National Pickleball Month in April.
The collection's bold geometric patterns, vibrant colours, and layered textures aim to capture the energy of pickleball alongside the essence of The Botanist's botanicals. This collaboration highlights the growing appeal of pickleball as a lifestyle activity, extending beyond just the game itself. The pickleball clothing apparel market is fueled by the rising demand for specialized apparel that offers comfort, performance, and style. Players increasingly seek moisture-wicking, breathable, and flexible clothing to support the dynamic nature of the sport. With major athletic brands entering the market, the collaboration between The Botanist and Prince further underscores pickleball's mainstream ascent and its influence on related markets like apparel and accessories.
Hawai'i's Indoor Pickleball Wave Aims for World-Class Status as Mercer Island Expands Access
Pickleball fever continues to sweep the nation, with developments in Hawai'i and Mercer Island showcasing the sport's burgeoning growth and aspirations for top-tier facilities. Hawai'i is gearing up to host its largest indoor pickleball event, the Hawai'i Pacific Health ESPN Honolulu Open, from April 10-13 at the Hawai'i Convention Center. Boasting over 33 indoor courts, the event aims to attract players and spectators globally, with organizers hoping to establish it as an annual world-class destination.
Meanwhile, the Mercer Island Country Club (MICC) in Washington has significantly expanded pickleball access with the opening of its new air-inflated pickleball and tennis bubble on February 28, 2025. This new seasonal dome covers four of the club’s outdoor courts, allowing for year-round play regardless of weather conditions. MICC representatives emphasized the importance of this addition for the local community, providing a consistent place for practice and matches. Both initiatives, the large-scale indoor tournament in Hawai'i and the expanded covered courts on Mercer Island, underscore the increasing demand for quality pickleball venues and the dedication to fostering the sport's growth at both regional and potentially international levels.
Agassi & Graf's Million-Dollar Slam Fuels Texas Ranchers' Big Bet on Pickleball's Future
The recent million-dollar victory of tennis legends Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf at Pickleball Slam 3 has further amplified the buzz around professional pickleball, seemingly validating the large-scale investments being made in the sport's future. Among those betting big is Evan Floersch, CEO of the Major League Pickleball (MLP) team, the Texas Ranchers.
Floersch views the increasing visibility and financial stakes in events like the Pickleball Slam as a clear indicator that professional pickleball is on the rise. He believes that the best days of the sport are still to come, noting that even now, female professional pickleball players can earn more than WNBA players.
The Texas Ranchers are structured with a forward-thinking ownership model that includes athletes, celebrities like Lil Wayne, and industry leaders who actively contribute to the team's growth, not just financially. This approach reflects Floersch's belief in the sport's potential to become a major sports franchise in America. The success and attention generated by high-profile events such as the Pickleball Slam 3, where top tennis players compete for significant prize money, undoubtedly fuel the optimism and investment strategies of teams like the Texas Ranchers as they look to define the future of pickleball.
Iowa County Aces Fundraising for New Courts as National Pickleball Infrastructure Surges
Pickleball Iowa County is actively fundraising to build four new outdoor pickleball courts at the Williamsburg Community Recreation Center, aiming to raise $200,000 for the project. This local initiative aligns with the national surge in pickleball infrastructure, with 18,455 new courts built across the U.S. in 2024, bringing the total to 68,458.
Enthusiasm for pickleball has rapidly grown in Iowa County. Currently, players rely on limited indoor space, and the new outdoor courts would provide more flexible and accessible play. Mindi Slaymaker noted the desire for after-hours access, which outdoor courts would offer, and Mary Wetjen highlighted the sport's community-building benefits.
To reach their fundraising goal, Pickleball Iowa County is pursuing donations, grants, and hosting events like a Spring Dink Tournament on March 21st and a pizza fundraiser on April 25th. The Williamsburg City Council has approved the project, but community support is crucial. This effort mirrors the broader trend of expanding pickleball facilities seen elsewhere, such as the new pickleball and tennis bubble at the Mercer Island Country Club and Hawai'i's upcoming large indoor pickleball event. Local players are optimistic that the new courts will be highly utilized, further contributing to the sport's growth.