NYC Showdowns, MLP Austin, Selkirk Lab, Youth Push
What's the Score?
Pickleball in the United States is experiencing a dynamic period of growth and development across multiple fronts. Recent events highlight intense professional competition, significant investment in advanced technology, expanded media accessibility, and crucial initiatives aimed at fostering the sport among youth. From thrilling pro tour victories in New York City to the strategic business moves of paddle manufacturers and governing bodies, the energy surrounding pickleball in the USA is palpable.
Hit it deeper!
The competitive pickleball scene in the USA was recently showcased at the 2025 Zimmer Biomet APP New York City Open held in Queens, NY, from May 20-25. This tournament was a key stop on the APP Tour and a coveted USA Pickleball Golden Ticket event, offering players a direct path to the 2025 USA Pickleball National Championships. With $150,000 in prize money on the line, the event attracted over 1100 players competing across singles and doubles divisions. The Men's Pro Singles quarterfinals on May 21 saw several hard-fought matches. Chris Haworth advanced by defeating Purple Jesus Manthou in two close games (15-13, 15-12). In a three-set thriller, Alexander Crum staged a comeback after losing the first game, ultimately defeating Richard Livornese Jr. (10-15, 15-9, 16-14) to secure his semifinal spot. India's Armaan Bhatia also moved to the semifinals with a two-game win over Brandon Lane (15-12, 16-14), while Ronan Camron dominated Grayson Goldin with a straight-sets victory (15-13, 15-1). Women's and Mixed Pro Doubles quarterfinals also took place, featuring top players battling for advancement. The pressure of the Golden Ticket added significant stakes to each match, motivating players aiming for the national stage.
Beyond the APP Tour, Major League Pickleball (MLP) returned to its roots in Austin, Texas, for the third event of its 2025 season. Hosted by the Texas Ranchers at Austin Pickle Ranch on two new outdoor courts, the event featured both Premier Level teams (Dallas, Miami, New Jersey, Texas, Orlando) and Challenger Level teams (Nashville, California, Bay Area, D.C., Florida, Las Vegas) competing in a round robin format. Fans could catch the action on PickleballTV and its app, as well as through local TV broadcasts on networks like FanDuel Sports Network Florida and Tennis Channel. Marquee matchups like the Dallas Flash vs. Texas Ranchers and New Jersey 5s vs. Dallas Flash highlighted the intensity of the team format.
Off the court, the sport is seeing significant infrastructure and technology investment. Selkirk Sport, a leading paddle manufacturer, has invested over $1 million in a state-of-the-art paddle testing lab at its headquarters in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. This lab is equipped with advanced technology such as robotic arms, 3D printers, a CT scanner, and a ball-cannon. This allows Selkirk to rigorously test paddle durability and performance, speeding up the prototyping process from months to potentially as little as a week. The lab ensures paddles meet the requirements set by both USA Pickleball and the United Pickleball Association of America, reflecting a serious commitment to product quality and innovation in the industry. Selkirk's revenue has seen remarkable growth, increasing 1,900% since 2019.
Expanding the sport's reach to viewers, Pickleballtv, the streaming network from Tennis Channel, recently launched on Apple TV. This expands the availability of round-the-clock pickleball coverage, including major professional events from the PPA and MLP. The channel also features original programming like Pickleball Weekly and The Tyson McGuffin Show. Pickleballtv is already accessible on numerous other platforms, including Amazon Freevee, Plex, The Roku Channel, Samsung TV Plus, Fubo, Local Now, and Fire TV, making it easier than ever for fans to watch the sport.
Crucially, efforts are being made to cultivate the next generation of players. USA Pickleball is now offering its full Youth Pickleball Provider (YPP) resource centre for free to all its members. This digital toolkit is designed to support anyone teaching pickleball to kids aged 8 to 18 in schools, camps, and communities nationwide. The toolkit includes valuable resources such as 20 lesson plans tailored for different age groups, a six-part video guide, and a playbook titled "Let’s Play Pickleball". Additional materials like printable game cards and access to Pickleball Magazine are also included. This initiative is timed perfectly for summer camp and after-school program planning and aims to remove cost barriers for organisations wanting to introduce the sport to young players. According to Hana Papaco, USA Pickleball's Director of Recreational and Collegiate Engagement, these free resources will help leaders provide "high-quality, fun, and safe pickleball experiences for kids".
The World Pickleball Verdict
The confluence of these recent developments paint a clear picture: pickleball in the USA is in a phase of aggressive expansion and maturation. The APP Tour and MLP events demonstrate a thriving professional landscape with high stakes and growing prize pools, attracting both established pros and rising stars. Simultaneously, the sport's infrastructure is advancing significantly, exemplified by Selkirk's major investment in R&D, signalling a commitment to innovation and quality that could elevate equipment standards across the industry. Increased media availability through platforms like Apple TV means the sport is becoming more accessible to a wider audience, crucial for building a larger fanbase. Perhaps most importantly for long-term sustainability, USA Pickleball's decision to provide the youth toolkit for free directly addresses the need to grow the sport from the ground up, making it easier for schools and communities to introduce pickleball to young players and build a robust pipeline for the future. Together, these moves showcase a sport that is rapidly professionalising, innovating, and investing in its future at all levels.