APP wine deal, PPA $1.7m ticket sales, Panas Cup success and more
Good morning, pickleballers!
Wednesday already - is anyone else noticing how these weeks are disappearing quicker and quicker?
The world pickleball news seems to have picked up pace again, so we are here with your daily dose of everything you need to know from across the globe.
But, as I said - it is Wednesday. And Wednesday is recording day for the World Pickleball Podcast where Gordon Watson and I will get together and talk about the beautiful game for 30 minutes or so.
If you've not checked it out yet, last week, Gordo and I talked about the week's biggest global pickleball news - which this time out does include ALW and CP parting ways, all the latest from MLP and PPA Australia, our thoughts on Malaysia moving to #3 in the pickleball world and more.
You can find the World Pickleball Podcast on Apple, Spotify and Deezer or you can get your fix immediately below.
This month, we released the latest World Pickleball Magazine, already considered by many (and not just from my pickleball club) to be the most comprehensive magazine for pickleball in the world (what a nice thing to say).
In the April magazine, we have feature interviews with all the people putting on the main pickleball leagues, tournaments and tours in Europe, lots of chat from Asia, a new section with Fail 1st Podcast (one of the best other pickleball podcasts out there) and more. Click below to get your digital copy.
Anyway, on with today's pickleball news.
Wine Meets Dink: Charles Smith Wines Corks Multi-Year Partnership with APP Pickleball
Fort Lauderdale, USA – April 15, 2025 – The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) has announced a significant multi-year partnership that blends the worlds of fine wine and fast-paced pickleball. Charles Smith Wines has become the official wine partner of the APP Tour and The Fort, the APP’s global headquarters located in Fort Lauderdale. This marks the first venture into sports sponsorships for the Washington State-based wine brand.
The collaboration aims to enhance the experience for pickleball players and fans while supporting the growth of the sport. Ryan McSpadden, APP Chief Revenue Officer, expressed his honour in welcoming Charles Smith Wines to the APP. Brandon Ackley, CEO of Ackley Brands, highlighted the natural fit between the energy of the APP Tour and their wines.
As part of the partnership, Charles Smith Wines will gain unprecedented visibility through the 12 nationally televised events and over 55 hours of broadcast coverage featured in the 2025 APP Tour calendar. Their award-winning selections will also be available in VIP and premium seating areas at APP Tour events nationwide. Furthermore, Charles Smith Wines will be an associate partner of the 2025 APP Women’s Open presented by The James at Ohio State, a key event for women’s pickleball. The Fort, with its 43 courts and the world’s first pickleball stadium, will also feature the partnership prominently.
PPA Tour Smashing Ticket Sales Records with $1.7 Million in Revenue
USA – April 15, 2025 – The Carvana PPA Tour is experiencing unprecedented popularity, with gross ticket revenue for the first seven tournaments of the 2025 season topping $1.7 million. This remarkable figure represents a 29% increase over 2024 and a staggering 147% increase compared to 2023.
Connor Pardoe, Founder and CEO of the PPA Tour, expressed his enthusiasm, stating that the start to 2025 has been "absolutely electric," with records being broken at nearly every event. He highlighted the growing fanbase attending these premier pickleball competitions.
The surge in ticket sales is matched by a significant rise in attendance. So far this year, 104,011 fans have attended PPA Tour events, marking a 16% increase over the same period in 2024. Notably, the 2025 season has already witnessed the top three highest-grossing events in the tour's history: the Carvana Mesa Cup, the Veolia North Carolina Open, and the Veolia Cape Coral Open. The PPA Tour is now looking ahead to its next major event, the Veolia Atlanta Pickleball Championships in May.
Atlanta Slam Showdown: Can Anyone Stop the Johns-Waters Dynasty?
Atlanta, USA – April 15, 2025 – The upcoming PPA Tour Atlanta Pickleball Championships, the second Slam of the 2025 season, is shaping up to be a pivotal event, with many wondering if the long-dominant mixed doubles team of Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters can maintain their reign. Despite their historical success, the pair has faced multiple defeats this season, hinting at a potential shift in the competitive landscape.
The Atlanta Slam offers a significant 2,000 ranking points to the winners, adding high stakes to every match. For Waters, this tournament marks her first without Catherine Parenteau as her partner; she will now team up with Anna Bright, a partnership expected to continue for the rest of the season. Johns also has personal stakes, aiming to reclaim the top spot in the men's doubles rankings.
However, it's the mixed doubles division where the spotlight intensifies. While Johns and Waters have experienced close calls and even losses, formidable teams like Jorja Johnson and JW Johnson, who have already secured two gold medals this season, including a victory over Johns and Waters at the North Carolina Open, pose a significant threat. With Waters' recent split from Parenteau after two losses, pressure is mounting on the Johns-Waters partnership to prove their continued dominance. The Atlanta Championships will be a crucial test of their dynasty.
Johns on the Hunt: Can He Reclaim King of the Men's Doubles Court in Atlanta?
Atlanta, USA – April 15, 2025 – Ben Johns, a dominant force in professional pickleball, heads into the PPA Tour Atlanta Pickleball Championships with a clear mission: to regain his top spot in the men's doubles rankings. Currently, Johns trails Federico Staksrud by 1,100 points in "The Rank" (the 52-week rolling total) and Andrei Daescu by 500 points in "The Race" (the 2025 season-long total).
The Atlanta Slam, the second Slam event of the year, offers a significant 2,000 ranking points to the winners, making it a crucial tournament for Johns' aspirations. While he has teamed up with Gabe Tardio and secured two recent victories at the Texas Open and the North Carolina Open after a silver at the Mesa Cup, the competition in Atlanta will be fierce.
Formidable pairings such as Andrei Daescu/Christian Alshon, who have already claimed three titles this season, and Federico Staksrud/Hayden Patriquin, who have reached three finals, stand in Johns' path. Even CJ Klinger/JW Johnson have consistently reached the quarterfinals. The outcome in Atlanta will determine if Johns can once again assert his dominance in the men's doubles division.
New Power Pairs Eye Atlanta Pickleball Crown: Bar/Frazier, Daescu/Alshon, Johns/Tardio, Staksrud/Patriquin Headline Men's Doubles
Atlanta, USA – April 15, 2025 – The upcoming PPA Tour Atlanta Pickleball Championships, the second Slam of the season, is generating excitement in the men's doubles division with several formidable pairings vying for the crown. Among the top contenders are Dekel Bar and Dylan Frazier, who previously reached the semifinals at the Red Rock Open. They are aiming to surpass that performance in Atlanta.
Another powerhouse team to watch is Andrei Daescu and Christian Alshon, who have already secured three titles this season, positioning them as strong favourites. Daescu currently leads the 2025 season-long standings ("The Race") in men's doubles. Meanwhile, Ben Johns, eager to reclaim the top spot in the men's doubles rankings, has found success with his new partner Gabe Tardio, winning their last two tournaments after securing a silver medal in their debut event together.
Finally, Federico Staksrud and Hayden Patriquin have proven to be consistent finalists, reaching three championship matches this year, although they are still seeking their first title. Staksrud currently holds the lead in the 52-week rolling point total ("The Rank") in men's doubles. The Atlanta Pickleball Championships, offering significant 2,000 ranking points, promises intense matchups as these top teams battle for supremacy.
Waters & Bright: Can the Reignited Duo Dominate Atlanta Women's Doubles?
Atlanta, USA – April 15, 2025 – All eyes will be on the women's doubles division at the upcoming PPA Tour Atlanta Pickleball Championships as the newly reformed partnership of Anna Leigh Waters and Anna Bright takes centre stage. After Waters' recent split with Catherine Parenteau following a loss at the North Carolina Open, she is teaming up with Anna Bright for the remainder of the 2025 season.
This reunion sparks considerable anticipation as Waters and Bright previously dominated the court in 2023, winning all seven tournaments they played together, establishing them as clear favourites heading into the Atlanta Slam. For Waters, Atlanta presents an opportunity to reaffirm her position as a top player after a four-tournament "drought" without a triple crown win, a significant period by her standards.
The Atlanta Championships, a Slam event offering crucial 2,000 ranking points, will be the first test of this reignited duo against a competitive field where other top players like Catherine Parenteau are currently without a confirmed partner. The pickleball world is eager to see if Waters and Bright can recapture their прежнюю dominance and make a resounding statement in Atlanta.
Local TV Deal Amplifies MLP Action for Atlanta Bouncers, Carolina Hogs, Columbus Sliders, and St. Louis Shock
USA – April 15, 2025 – Major League Pickleball (MLP) and Gray Media have announced a series of local media partnerships that will significantly expand broadcast coverage for several teams starting with the MLP Orlando event (Apr. 24-27) and MLP Columbus (May 1-4). This exciting development will allow fans in the home markets and surrounding areas of the Atlanta Bouncers, Carolina Hogs, Columbus Sliders, and St. Louis Shock to enjoy more matches throughout the 2025 season.
Atlanta Bouncers matches will be broadcast on the Peachtree Sports Network. Carolina Hogs games can be seen on the Palmetto Entertainment and Sports Network. Fans of the Columbus Sliders can tune into the Rock Entertainment Sports Network. Finally, St. Louis Shock matches will be available on Matrix Midwest.
Samin Odhwani, UPA Chief Strategy Officer, highlighted the incredible growth of pickleball and the enthusiasm for bringing Major League Pickleball to a wider audience through these local partnerships. This increased visibility complements the full event coverage already available on Pickleballtv and the Pickleballtv App.
Electric Pickle Sparks Luxury Pickleball Entertainment Revolution in Katy, Texas
Katy, USA – April 15, 2025 – A new premium entertainment venue, Electric Pickle, is set to open in Katy by 2026, adding to the trend of upscale sports entertainment destinations west of Houston. Located at 22590 Grand Circle Blvd. in the Katy Grand development, Electric Pickle will feature nine technologically advanced pickleball courts.
More than just pickleball, the facility will offer golf simulators, bocce ball courts, table tennis, various gaming options, and a performance area for musicians, creating a comprehensive social and recreational experience. Food will be a significant part of the experience, with an 8,000-square-foot outdoor dining space and a diverse menu ranging from Asian to Mexican and Italian cuisine, including sushi and tacos. Craft beers, wines, cocktails, and other beverages will also be available.
Electric Pickle is expanding across the Southwest, with its first location having recently opened in Tempe, Arizona, and future sites planned for Las Vegas and Roseville, California. The Katy location aims to blend the fast-paced action of pickleball with upscale culinary offerings in a vibrant social atmosphere.
Malaysia's Pickleball Moment: Panas Cup Ignites Passion and Skill on Global Stage
Malaysia – April 15, 2025 – The Panas Cup 2025 has been hailed as a defining moment for pickleball in Malaysia, showcasing both the growing passion for the sport and the rising skill level of its players. Driven by Vincent Siow, whose vision included building the impressive 9 Pickle court arena with 10 courts, including the country's largest covered stadium, the tournament brought together around 1,000 pickleball enthusiasts for a six-day festival.
A major highlight was the presence of world number 6 and Asian number 1, Quang Duong, who ran clinics and played exhibition matches, coinciding with the tournament. While Duong's exhibition singles matches revealed that the top Malaysian players still have ground to cover to reach the level of elites from countries like Vietnam, Thailand, and India, his father noted the significant development in the standard of play over the past year.
The event witnessed spirited competition, with Faizal Othman and Razlan Rawi winning the men’s 35+ open. Notably, young talents like Ithan and Irfan Kamil, aged 12 and 15, impressed by reaching the last 16 in the men’s doubles open. The Panas Cup underscored the strong community spirit within Malaysian pickleball and is seen as a pivotal event marking its progress on the global stage.
Pickleball Pro Takes Center Stage in Lori Vallow Daybell Murder Trial
Arizona, USA – April 15, 2025 – The ongoing murder trial of Lori Vallow Daybell, already convicted in Idaho for the murder of her two children, took an unexpected turn with the testimony of her brother, Adam Cox. Cox, who identified himself as a senior pro and coach, stated in court, “I’m a pro pickleball player and instructor”. He is the Head Pickleball Pro at Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa, a regular stop for the PPA Tour, and boasts a 5.1 DUPR rating, having competed in several PPA tournaments.
The trial in Arizona concerns the conspiracy to murder Vallow Daybell’s fourth husband, Charles Vallow, in 2019. Cox’s profession sparked considerable online discussion, with commenters on Reddit expressing surprise and even derision at the mention of pickleball in such a serious trial. Some insinuated Cox was trying to influence the jury through his pickleball career. Despite the unusual intersection of professional pickleball and a high-profile murder trial, it is important to remember that Adam Cox is not the one on trial. His testimony has nonetheless added an intriguing element to the widely followed proceedings.
"No Ball Worth a Fall": Doctor Sounds Alarm on Rising Pickleball Injuries Among Seniors
USA – April 16, 2025 – As pickleball continues its meteoric rise in popularity, Dr. Tom Haney, co-founder of the Tallahassee Orthopedic Clinic, is raising concerns about a surge in injuries, particularly among senior players. Dr. Haney, 82, who also plays pickleball, has coined the safety slogan: “No ball worth a fall,” to emphasize the risks for players aged 60 and over.
According to the Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP), nearly 50 million adults have tried pickleball in the past year. While easy to learn and social, this growth has led to increased injuries. Research from the 2024 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons indicates that fractures in the arm, wrist, and hand, along with muscle strains and sprains, are the most common injuries, with players aged 60-69 being most vulnerable. Dr. Haney notes that 85% of all pickleball injuries occur in players over 60, with sprains and strains accounting for 28% and fractures for 27%. He advises seniors to start slowly, stretch before playing, and stay within their physical limits, stressing that competing with higher-level players can increase the risk of injury. Former NFL player Blair Williams's Achilles tendon tear highlights these risks.
Global Coaching Revolution: GPF Launches Program to Elevate Pickleball Instruction Worldwide
Global – April 15, 2025 – The Global Pickleball Federation (GPF), representing 63 member countries, has announced the launch of a groundbreaking Coaching Endorsement Program designed to revolutionize pickleball instruction worldwide. This initiative, spearheaded by leaders from Canada, Australia, Ireland, Egypt, and the United States, aims to establish high standards for coach training and ensure quality, affordable, and sustainable coaching for players of all skill levels.
The program sets strict criteria for coach training organizations, including offering worldwide certification, focusing on beginner and grassroots levels, providing education both online and in person, and teaching skills, safety, and inclusive coaching methods. The GPF has already endorsed four major organizations that meet these standards: International Foundation of Players Academy (IFPA), Pickleball Coaching International (PCI), Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR), and Racket Professional Organization (RPO).
Endorsed coaches will benefit from a listing in the GPF global coach network and recognition as global-level instructors. GPF President Javier Regalado emphasized that this program will champion the development of more coaches in more places globally, ultimately supporting the growth and enjoyment of pickleball worldwide.
Paddle Power Under Pressure: UPA-A Introduces "Destructive Testing" to Level the Playing Field
USA – April 15, 2025 – The United Pickleball Association of America (UPA-A), the governing body for the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball, is introducing a new "destructive testing" process to its paddle testing procedures. Known as the "Accelerated Break In Standard" (ABI), this test aims to determine how a paddle's performance changes over time, particularly addressing the issue of paddles increasing in power after a "break-in" period.
The ABI test involves physically stressing the paddle using a vise and bending to simulate wear and tear. The resulting performance change is measured using a "Paddle Efficiency Factor" (PEF). Effective September 1st, all UPA-A approved paddles must have a PEF of no more than 0.385 when new and must not exceed 0.405 (a 5.2% increase) after the ABI process.
The UPA-A hopes this initiative will benefit manufacturers by creating a standardized benchmark, ensure fair play for players by identifying paddles that gain excessive power, and improve the competitive integrity of the sport. While acknowledging current variability in the human-operated process, the UPA-A is also developing an automated ABI process for improved efficiency and repeatability.
Legends Take the Court: Vancouver Rush Charity Challenge Promises Epic Pickleball and Star Power
Richmond, BC, Canada – April 15, 2025 – The Vancouver Rush pickleball team is set to participate in the Pickleball Charity Challenge: Celebrity Edition on June 7, 2025, hosted by the BC Lions Alumni Association. The event will take place at the Richmond Country Club and aims to raise funds for local charities.
The challenge will feature a mix of sports legends, pickleball players, and fans. In preparation, Vancouver Rush alumni held a practice session on April 9, 2025, joined by former players from the Canucks, BC Lions, and Whitecaps. Notable attendees included Nathan LaFayette, BJ MacDonald, Dean Moore, John Craighead, Mike Crumb, Sean Millington, Tommy Europe, Tanya Henderson, Bobby Lenarduzzi, and Carl Valentine.
The charity challenge on June 7th will feature exciting pickleball matchups and opportunities for attendees to play alongside celebrities. A special brunch will also be hosted for fans and sponsors to interact with the sports legends and professional pickleball players. The funds raised will support charities such as Canuck’s Place, Heads Up Guys, Rick’s Heart Foundation, and the Whitecaps’ charity of choice. The Vancouver Rush expressed pride in participating in an event that celebrates pickleball while supporting important community initiatives.