APP Partners with MUEV, Quang Duong Speaks Out, PXG Launches Pickleball Gear

In this week's episode, Chris and Gordon are joined by Australian pickleball star Sarah Burr.

They talk PPA and MLP Australia, reviewing the highlights and main talking points from last weekend across the singles, gender and mixed brackets plus the team MLP event where we had a new champion for the first time this season.

The big tournament in Rota, Spain gets mentioned and Sarah talks more about her experiences playing in Dubai, Vietnam and more - whilst giving an exclusive on why she has chosen to move to Franklin moving forwards, plus the dangers of the new breed of super paddle.

If you want to listen to today's world pickleball news deep dive, you can.

Pickleball Gets a Style Upgrade: APP Tees Up Partnership with Premium Apparel Brand MUEV

NEW YORK, UNITED STATES – The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) announced a significant new partnership with MUEV, a premium lifestyle pickleball apparel brand, on June 12, 2025. This multi-year agreement designates MUEV as an official partner and the exclusive staff apparel sponsor of the APP Tour through 2026, commencing in May 2025.

Under the terms of the partnership, APP staff members participating in tournaments nationwide will be exclusively outfitted in MUEV apparel. MUEV, founded in 2024 by former Ralph Lauren and Carter’s executive Chris Rork, has quickly gained recognition for its versatile, high-quality garments and a fresh take on the sport's aesthetic. The brand's mission is to create apparel that caters to the dynamic needs of all pickleball players, from elite competitors to casual enthusiasts.

Ryan McSpadden, Chief Revenue Officer of the APP, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration. "As a brand rooted in pickleball, MUEV delivers a rare combination of technical performance and style that makes it a natural fit for our organisation," McSpadden stated, highlighting MUEV’s commitment to quality, comfort, and design, which mirrors the APP's own standards.

Chris Rork, Founder of MUEV, echoed this sentiment, noting his brand's excitement to partner with an organisation instrumental in growing pickleball across the country. Rork emphasised that MUEV's products offer "uncompromising performance," aligning perfectly with the professionalism and energy the APP brings to every tournament. This partnership, covering all APP Tour events nationwide from May 2025 through December 2026, represents a shared vision to elevate pickleball's presentation and expand its reach with a bold, unified look.

Beyond the Court: Biscuit Brand Sets Up Pickleball Play in Malaysian Mall

SUNWAY PYRAMID, MALAYSIA – In a unique marketing move, Julie’s Biscuits, a leading Malaysian pastry brand, is hosting an innovative four-day brand activation event titled #WhereFlavourMeetsYourGame. Kicking off on June 12, 2025, and running until June 15, 2025, the event is transforming the Blue Concourse of Sunway Pyramid mall into an interactive pickleball hub.

The primary goal of the activation is to introduce Julie’s Biscuits' two new exciting flavours—sweet chilli cheese and sour cream and onion—to the Malaysian public. However, the brand has gone a step further by setting up a dedicated pickleball court right inside the mall. This allows shoppers to not only sample the new delectable treats but also immediately pick up a paddle and engage in the world's fastest-rising sport.

Tzy Horng Sai, Director of Julie’s Biscuits, explained the strategic thinking behind this unconventional approach. He shared that the company aimed to translate the bold new biscuit flavours into a playful, tangible experience, finding pickleball to be the "perfect fit." Sai highlighted pickleball’s vibrant, fast-growing, and inclusive nature across all age groups, calling the combination "a little unexpected—just like the flavours themselves".

The immersive setup includes not just the court, but also photo-worthy installations, flavour-inspired activities, and exciting giveaways, creating a space for people to "play, engage, and experience the Julie’s brand in a whole new way". The brand activation continues to draw crowds until its conclusion on Sunday, June 15, 2025, perfectly leveraging pickleball's immense appeal to connect with consumers.

Quang Duong Breaks Silence On "Contract Breach"

UNITED STATES – Vietnamese pickleball sensation Quang Duong has addressed his recent suspension from the PPA Tour and a substantial USD $50,000 fine, which followed a violation of his exclusivity contract. The 19-year-old professional player incurred the punishment after participating in a non-PPA professional tournament during a vacation in Vietnam in May.

The penalty, one of the largest in the tour’s history, includes a suspension from one PPA Tour tournament and one MLP (Major League Pickleball) competition. This incident has raised concerns about the management of Duong’s burgeoning stardom, with suggestions that his team may be on a "steep learning curve" in navigating the complexities of professional sports contracts. There are worries that the controversy could have long-term implications for his career if not handled with precise focus on his commitments to the US PPA Tour.

Despite the setback, Duong took to social media to share a message of resilience and positivity, aiming to reassure his fans that he remains in a strong mental state. In his powerful statement, Duong reflected on facing tough times when "everything seems against you," drawing inspiration from an old friend now ranked in the ATP Top 100. He expressed a profound belief that "God arranged the best thing for us," and that even when things appear bleak, "something better to show up tomorrow. Have faith God will do his power".

Duong is no stranger to overcoming challenges in his career, having consistently met adversity with grace and grit. This latest storm, while a definite setback, is viewed by many as an opportunity for the young star to leverage his fighting spirit and positive outlook, potentially transforming this episode into a springboard for even greater achievements in his budding career.

From Fairway to Forehand: Golf Giant PXG Swings Big into Pickleball with New Paddles

SCOTTSDALE, UNITED STATES – Parsons Extreme Golf (PXG), a renowned golf equipment and apparel brand, is making a significant move into the booming world of pickleball. The company, founded in 2014 by Bob Parsons with a passion for technical innovation in golf, is now applying its performance-first philosophy to pickleball equipment, launching two new paddles: the PXG XP1 and the PXG XP2.

The PXG XP1 paddle is designed for players of all skill levels, featuring a larger sweet spot for enhanced playability. For more experienced and professional players, the PXG XP2 offers an elongated design, engineered for "enhanced reach, power, and ball speed". PXG executives stated that this expansion into pickleball is a "natural extension" of their golf business, noting that both sports share key attributes such as precision, performance, and fun. The development process involved consulting with experienced pickleball players and immersing the engineering team deeply in the sport itself.

PXG's foray follows a broader trend of golf industry giants embracing pickleball. Troon, the world’s largest golf management company, partnered with Selkirk Sport nearly four years ago to elevate the sport. Similarly, Invited, an owner and operator of private golf clubs, views pickleball as a "massive growth category," demonstrating this by converting two tennis courts into eight pickleball courts in Austin, Texas, which attracted 145 members in just one month.

While the entry of other major golf brands like Titleist remains speculative for now, the increasing anecdotal evidence of crossover interest between golf and pickleball players suggests a growing synergy between the two sports. PXG’s commitment signals a bold new chapter for the brand and the continuing convergence of golf and pickleball.

Future of the Dink: Is an AI Pickleball Referee Coming to a Court Near You?

TECHNOLOGY TRENDS, GLOBAL – The future of sports officiating may be heading towards a technological revolution, with the mention of an "AI Pickleball Referee" sparking interest in the pickleball community. While specific details about this development remain scarce in the provided sources, the news item, noted as "PNA AI Pickleball Referee" on January 14, 2025, points to a growing trend of integrating artificial intelligence into competitive sports.

The very idea of an AI-powered referee suggests a potential shift towards greater accuracy, consistency, and impartiality in calls, addressing challenges that sometimes arise with human officiating. This concept emerges amidst broader discussions within the professional pickleball circuit, including considerations on how the sport can learn from established leagues like professional golf to enhance viewership and overall appeal. The introduction of advanced technology, such as AI officiating, could be a part of such strategic developments, aiming to streamline gameplay and reduce controversial calls.

While the current information only highlights the existence of this news item, without delving into the specifics of its functionality or the entities developing it, its appearance signifies a forward-thinking direction for pickleball. It raises questions about how AI could assist or even replace human officials, ensuring fair play and enhancing the spectator experience. The concept of an AI referee stands in contrast to the dedicated efforts of human officials, such as Pickleball Ref John Ng, who has made significant sacrifices to grow the sport in Asia.

As pickleball continues its rapid global expansion, embracing technological innovations like AI could play a crucial role in its professional evolution, offering a glimpse into how technology might shape the game's future. Further details on the "AI Pickleball Referee" will be keenly anticipated by players and fans alike.