Former NBA Agent Chris Patrick Takes Key Deputy Commissioner Role, "Leading the Charge" at PPA Tour
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Chris Patrick, who previously built a successful career as an NBA agent known for finding opportunities for overlooked players, has transitioned into a prominent leadership position within professional pickleball, now serving as the Deputy Commissioner for the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour. He is described as being "leading the charge" in the sport's rapid expansion.
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Chris Patrick, 41, embarked on his professional journey with the initial intention of becoming a criminal attorney after attending law school at Western New England University. However, his career took a different path, leading him through years as an NBA agent. In this role, Patrick developed a reputation for representing overlooked players. His start in the agent world came unexpectedly when a former junior college basketball teammate needed help with a professional contract in Mexico. This led him to represent NBA journeymen like Andre Brown and later work with Happy Walters, who was impressed by Patrick's confidence and vision. Patrick's niche became focusing on international players transitioning to the U.S. and "under-the-radar guys" such as Jimmy Butler and Robert Covington, for whom he negotiated significant contracts. He negotiated over $120 million in NBA contracts and assisted on more than $250 million.
Patrick's entry into pickleball was accidental; he got hooked after watching people play at a gym in 2019. His dedication grew quickly, and by late 2020, he became a pro player himself. His background as an agent proved immediately valuable in the pickleball world. Players began reaching out to him on social media for contract advice. He quickly became known as the sport's first dealmaker. One notable success story was helping top PPA player Riley Newman increase his sponsorships significantly, from around $2,000 a month to high-six figures within a year. PPA Tour CEO Connor Pardoe acknowledged Patrick as the first agent to recognise the potential in professional pickleball. Patrick noted that marketing opportunities in pickleball at the time were more accessible and potentially more lucrative for top players compared to the majority of NBA players not in the elite top 5%.
The PPA Tour initially sought to hire Patrick in a tour operations role in March 2022, but they ultimately settled on a Deputy Commissioner role, which initially allowed him to balance this with his NBA agent work. However, as discussions intensified regarding a merger between MLP and the PPA Tour in November 2022, Patrick was asked to also serve as General Counsel. This required him to stop representing both pickleball and NBA clients, with his final NBA deal being Garrison Mathews' four-year, $8.2 million contract. Mathews noted that Patrick has always been "ahead of the curve" and expressed no surprise at seeing him "leading the charge" in pickleball.
Since taking on the Deputy Commissioner role full-time, Patrick has been instrumental in key areas of the PPA Tour. His responsibilities include leading player and agent negotiations, overseeing contracts for sponsorships, venues, and the tour's expansion, both domestically and internationally. He also plays a significant role in the tour's overall growth and business development. His existing connections from the basketball world have proven beneficial, with figures like Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Mark Cuban, and Ryan DeVos investing in MLP teams. Patrick's impact on pickleball's growth has been such that NBA teams have reportedly reached out to his representatives about potential front-office positions, although he has declined these offers. He also served as the General Manager of MLP’s Las Vegas Night Owls in 2024. The PPA Tour has seen substantial growth since Patrick's hiring, expanding from 17 employees to over 250.
The World Pickleball Verdict
The transition of Chris Patrick from a successful NBA agent to a key Deputy Commissioner role at the PPA Tour represents a significant moment, symbolising the increasing influx of high-level sports business expertise into the world of professional pickleball. His background in player representation and contract negotiation makes him uniquely qualified to navigate the complexities of professionalising the sport, from managing player relations to securing major deals. Being described as "leading the charge" underscores his pivotal influence on the PPA Tour's strategic direction and rapid expansion. Patrick's ability to leverage his extensive connections from the basketball world further accelerates pickleball's integration into the broader sports industry landscape. His career trajectory highlights how the business side of professional pickleball is attracting seasoned professionals and rapidly maturing, moving beyond its initial grassroots origins.