National Pickleball League Loses CEO to College Sports: Paul Bamundo Moves to RedBird Development Group
What's the Score?
Paul Bamundo has stepped down from his role as CEO of the National Pickleball League (NPL) to take on a new position as Senior Vice President (SVP) at RedBird Development Group, where he will focus on developing their college sports business. Bamundo, who had been CEO of the NPL since 2023, brings a wealth of experience from the sports industry to his new role. Following his departure, NPL Chairman Rod Davis will assume the additional responsibilities of CEO.
Hit it deeper!
Paul Bamundo, a recognized figure in the sports business, having been honored as an SBJ Forty Under 40 honoree in 2012, has joined RedBird Development Group, a subsidiary of RedBird Capital Partners. In his new role as SVP, Bamundo's primary focus will be on developing and expanding RedBird Development Group's involvement in the college sports sector.
Bamundo's tenure as CEO of the National Pickleball League began in 2023. During his time leading the NPL, he oversaw a period of growth and development for the burgeoning professional pickleball league. His departure comes as the sport continues to experience a surge in popularity and professionalisation across the United States. Prior to his leadership role at the NPL, Bamundo held positions at prominent organisations within the sports and related industries, including the NBA, Subway, and JMI. This diverse background provides him with a broad understanding of the sports business landscape, which will likely be valuable in his new role at RedBird Development Group.
According to the NPL's website, following Bamundo's departure, Chairman Rod Davis will be adding the responsibilities of Chief Executive Officer to his existing duties. This leadership change signals a new chapter for the NPL as it navigates the evolving landscape of professional pickleball and continues to build its brand and fan base.
RedBird Development Group is identified as a subset of RedBird Capital Partners, a private investment firm known for its strategic investments across various sectors, including sports, media, and entertainment. Bamundo's move to this organisation highlights the increasing intersection between established investment groups and the rapidly growing college sports market. His experience in leading a professional sports league will likely be beneficial in developing and executing RedBird's strategies within the college sports arena.
The World Pickleball Verdict
Paul Bamundo's departure from the CEO position at the National Pickleball League to join RedBird Development Group signifies a noteworthy shift in leadership for the NPL and a strategic move for Bamundo into the college sports sector. Bamundo's extensive experience in the sports industry, coupled with RedBird's focus on strategic investments, suggests a significant opportunity for growth within their college sports portfolio.
For the NPL, the transition to having Chairman Rod Davis assume CEO responsibilities could bring a period of continuity and potentially a renewed strategic direction under existing leadership. The long-term impact of this leadership change on the NPL's growth and competitive positioning within the professional pickleball landscape remains to be seen.
Bamundo's move also reflects the increasing professionalisation and business acumen being applied to both emerging sports like pickleball and established sectors like college sports. The exchange of experienced executives between these areas can bring fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to business development and growth. Ultimately, this transition marks a new phase for both Bamundo and the National Pickleball League as they continue to navigate their respective paths within the dynamic world of sports.