Big MLP rebrand, birds, tea, denim jackets and playlists - today's pickleball news

Good morning, pickleballers!

I trust you didn't get too done over by various pickleball-related April Fools.

Myself, I cannot tell you how disappointed I am to learn that I won't be partnering ALW in the UK's Young Persons Tournament in July. I'd already bought myself a Protek paddle so we could be paddle twins.

Bigger than April Fools Day, today is April Magazine Eve!

That's right - tomorrow will see our THIRD digital magazine hit the virtual shelves and you'll be able to dive into everything you could possibly want to know about the European Tour scene and more. Watch this space.

But for now, you'll have to settle for today's global pickleball news via the World Pickleball Report.

Carolina Pickleball Club Goes Hog Wild! Team Unveils Bold New Name and Logo

The Major League Pickleball team formerly known as the Carolina Pickleball Club has undergone a significant rebrand, announcing its new name as the Carolina Hogs. The team revealed its fresh logo on Monday evening via an Instagram post, showcasing a red, grey, black, and white hog forming the letter "C" in Carolina. The team's colours bear a resemblance to those of the Carolina Hurricanes, the NHL franchise also owned by Tom Dundon. While Major League Pickleball officials have confirmed to The Kitchen that this is not an April Fools' Day joke, the rebrand has been met with mixed reactions from fans on social media. The Carolina Hogs' current roster includes prominent players such as Kaitlyn Christian, Tamaryn Emmrich, Ben Johns, Collin Johns, Liz Truluck, and Brandon French.

Hogs Match Hurricanes: NHL Owner Tom Dundon's Pickleball Team Shares Colours

The newly rebranded Carolina Hogs, formerly the Carolina Pickleball Club, have unveiled a team identity closely linked to another of Tom Dundon's sports ventures. Dundon, who owns the Carolina Hurricanes of the National Hockey League, also owns the Carolina Hogs Major League Pickleball team. The Hogs' new colour scheme of red, grey, black, and white mirrors the colours of the Hurricanes. This alignment in team colours suggests a potential cross-promotional strategy and a unified sporting identity under Dundon's ownership in the Carolina region. The name and logo, featuring a hog forming the letter "C," were revealed on Instagram, marking a bold new chapter for the pickleball franchise.

April Fools? Carolina Hogs Rebrand Sparks Fan Frenzy and League Assurances

The announcement of the Carolina Pickleball Club's rebranding to the Carolina Hogs, complete with a new hog-themed logo, has ignited a flurry of reactions across social media. Given the timing of the reveal on Monday evening, some fans initially speculated whether the rebrand was an April Fools' Day prank. However, Major League Pickleball officials have stepped in to assure The Kitchen that the Carolina Hogs rebrand is indeed genuine and not a joke. Despite the league's confirmation, the new name and logo have garnered mixed reviews from the pickleball community online, highlighting the surprise and discussion surrounding the team's new identity.

Johns Brothers and More: Meet the Carolina Hogs' Star-Studded Roster

The newly christened Carolina Hogs, formerly the Carolina Pickleball Club, boasts a talented and well-known lineup of professional pickleball players. The roster includes the highly regarded Ben Johns and his brother Collin Johns, both prominent figures in the sport. Joining them are fellow professionals Kaitlyn Christian, Tamaryn Emmrich, Liz Truluck, and Brandon French. This experienced and skilled roster will represent the Carolina Hogs as they embark on their season with a new team name and logo. The team, owned by Tom Dundon, will aim to make a strong showing in Major League Pickleball with this competitive group of athletes.

Djokovic Serves Up a Smash Hit Idea: Tennis Legend Proposes Tri-Sport Tournament

Tennis icon Novak Djokovic has ventured into the realm of pickleball with an intriguing proposal. Djokovic suggested the creation of a Tri-Racket Tournament, a unique event that would combine elements of tennis, padel, and pickleball. This innovative idea aims to bridge the gap between the three racket sports and potentially attract a wider audience to each. The proposal, reported by The Kitchen, highlights the growing intersection between these sports and the increasing interest in pickleball from prominent figures in other racket sports. Further details about the format and feasibility of this Tri-Racket Tournament are yet to be announced.

Pickleball Under Fire: Seattle Noise Concerns Threaten Bird Sanctuaries

 Pickleball's surging popularity is facing a unique challenge in Seattle, where a wildlife group has urged city officials to halt planned pickleball court constructions. The group expresses concern that the noise generated by pickleball play could disturb local bird populations in nearby wildlife areas. This opposition highlights a growing issue as pickleball expands into more communities, raising questions about noise pollution and its impact on the environment and local wildlife. The debate in Seattle underscores the need for careful consideration of court placement and potential noise mitigation strategies as the sport continues its rapid growth.

Ben Johns Spills the Tea: Pickleball Champ's Boba Addiction Revealed 

Pickleball superstar Ben Johns has shared a personal tidbit with his fans, revealing his addiction to boba tea. This lighthearted revelation offers a glimpse into the off-court life and preferences of one of the sport's most dominant players. Johns' admission adds a relatable and humanizing touch to his public persona, connecting with fans over a popular beverage.

Catherine Parenteau's Soundtrack to Success: Music Playlist Hits Apple Charts

Professional pickleball player Catherine Parenteau has showcased her musical taste by being featured on Apple Music. Parenteau curated a playlist titled “Music That Moves Me,” which is described as being full of "major bops". This collaboration offers fans insight into Parenteau's personality beyond the court and highlights the growing crossover between sports and popular culture. Her playlist likely provides a soundtrack to her training and matches, offering a personal connection with her followers.

Viral Threads: Pickleball Star's Denim Jacket Earns People Magazine Feature

Professional pickleball player Camila Zilveti has gained attention beyond the pickleball court for her unique sense of style. A video of Zilveti showcasing her embroidered denim jacket went viral on TikTok, catching the eye of People magazine, which subsequently featured her. This unexpected recognition demonstrates the growing visibility of pickleball players in mainstream media and highlights the potential for personal branding within the sport. Zilveti's viral fashion moment underscores the diverse ways in which pickleball is entering popular culture.

Pickleball's New Runway: Pros Serve Up Style with Bubble Skirts and Tie Dye

The fashion trends extending beyond the court are now influencing what professional pickleball players wear during matches. Notable off-court fashion trends such as bubble skirts, butter yellow, and tie-dye are being incorporated into on-court attire by some pros. This fusion of fashion and sport demonstrates the growing appeal and cultural relevance of pickleball, with players expressing their individual styles while competing.

Dynamic Duo Debuts "Big D's": Frazier and Bar Sport Themed Shirts 

Professional pickleball players Dylan Frazier and Dekel Bar have formed a new men's doubles partnership. For their matches in Utah, the pair sported matching T-shirts emblazoned with "The Big D's". This playful display of team spirit and branding adds a fun and engaging element to their on-court presence.

Red Rock Rendezvous: Hiking Adventures and Pretended Treks Among Pros

During the Black Desert Resort Red Rock Open, some professional pickleball players took advantage of the scenic location to enjoy outdoor activities. Lucy Kovalova, Anna Leigh Waters, Stephen Waters, and many others went hiking in the Red Rock area. In a humorous twist, Genie Bouchard and Ryan Sherry reportedly only pretended to have gone hiking. This glimpse into the players' off-court activities reveals the social and recreational aspects of the professional pickleball tour.

Love on the Line? Pickleball Date Featured in "Find Me a Girlfriend" Series 

The growing popularity of pickleball has even made its way into the world of dating and online content. Content creator Brady Shepherd featured a pickleball date on his YouTube series “Find me a Girlfriend”. This inclusion of pickleball in a dating context highlights its appeal as a social activity and its increasing presence in various aspects of popular culture.

"Flickwizard" Forever: JW Johnson's Iconic Jersey Now Available 

Fans of professional pickleball player JW Johnson now have the opportunity to own a piece of his signature style. The Dallas Flash team has released JW Johnson’s iconic “Flickwizard” jersey for purchase. This merchandise offering allows fans to show their support for Johnson and own a jersey associated with one of his well-known nicknames.

Johns Sidelined: Top Player Withdraws from Veolia North Carolina Open Singles

A significant change has occurred in the lineup for the Veolia North Carolina Open. Ben Johns, a top-ranked professional pickleball player, has withdrawn from the men's singles competition. While Johns will still participate in men's doubles and mixed doubles, his absence from singles opens up the field and alters the seedings for the event. This withdrawal follows his participation in events in Asia.

Staksrud Steps Up: Red Rock Silver Medalist Leads Men's Singles Seedings

With the withdrawal of Ben Johns from the men's singles at the Veolia North Carolina Open, the seedings have been adjusted. Federico Staksrud, who won a silver medal in men's doubles at the Red Rock Open, now holds the top seed in men's singles. Red Rock singles champion Hunter Johnson is seeded second, followed by Connor Garnett at third. Staksrud will be looking for his first men's singles title since January.

Dynamic Duo Returns: Johns and Waters Aim for Mixed Doubles Dominance

The highly successful mixed doubles partnership of Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters is set to reunite at the Veolia North Carolina Open. After Johns' trip to Asia, they are back together and hold the top seed in the mixed doubles draw. Johns and Waters recently secured victories at the CIBC Texas Open and Cape Coral Open, and they will be aiming for their third consecutive title together in North Carolina. Siblings Jorja Johnson and JW Johnson are seeded second and are expected to be a strong challenge.

Waters and Parenteau Reign: Top Seeds in Women's Doubles Eye Another Final

The formidable women's doubles team of Anna Leigh Waters and Catherine Parenteau will enter the Veolia North Carolina Open as the top seeds. They are likely anticipating a rematch of their rivalry with the second-seeded team of Anna Bright and Rachel Rohrabacher. Bright is back with Rohrabacher after returning from a trip to Asia. The third seed in the women's doubles draw is Tyra Black and Jorja Johnson, who could present an obstacle to the anticipated final.

Singles Shake-Up: Waters and Parenteau Among Big Names Out of North Carolina Draw

The women's singles draw at the Veolia North Carolina Open has seen significant changes due to late withdrawals. Top-ranked player Anna Leigh Waters, who was seeded first, and Catherine Parenteau, who was seeded seventh, have both withdrawn from the singles competition. Despite this, both players are still scheduled to compete in mixed doubles and women's doubles later in the week. Waters recently won her 50th singles title at the Red Rock Open. Their absence opens up the women's singles field for other contenders.

Domino Effect: Christian, Duong, and Koller Join North Carolina Singles Withdrawal List

Following the withdrawals of Anna Leigh Waters and Catherine Parenteau, several other players have also pulled out of the women's and men's singles competitions at the Veolia North Carolina Open. Kaitlyn Christian, Quang Duong, and AJ Koller have all withdrawn from singles play on Wednesday. These late changes further impact the singles draws and create new opportunities for other players in the tournament.

150 or Bust? Waters Eyes Career Milestone After Singles Exit

Despite withdrawing from the women's singles competition at the Veolia North Carolina Open, Anna Leigh Waters is still in contention for a significant career milestone. Last April, at the same event (then called the Fanatics Sportsbook North Carolina Cup), Waters won her 100th career title. This year, she is aiming for her 150th title. Since she has withdrawn from singles, she will need to secure victories in both women's doubles and mixed doubles to reach this impressive mark.

Pickleball Powerhouse India Returns: GlobalSports League Announces Season 2 with Big Prize Money

The GlobalSports Pro and Challenger Pickleball League in India is set to return for its second season in December 2025. Following a successful inaugural season in February 2025, the league will feature a draft in July/August to select 75 Pro and 75 Challenger players. The league boasts a significant prize pool, with each Pro team receiving USD $62,500 and Challenger teams receiving USD $12,500. This reinforces the league's commitment to developing pickleball talent in India.

Grand Slam on the Horizon: India's GlobalSports League Elevates Pickleball Presence

In addition to the return of its Pro and Challenger League, GlobalSports is introducing an exciting new element to the Indian pickleball landscape. The league is planning a Grand Slam of Pickleball, further enhancing the sport's presence and prestige in India. Season 2 of the GlobalSports Pro & Challenger League will take place from December 16th to 23rd, solidifying its position as a premier event in the rapidly growing Indian pickleball scene. Shashank Khaitan of Global Sports emphasized the league's role in creating a world-class platform for Indian athletes.

DUPR Dates: Swipe Right for a Wicked Dink? Pickleball Dating App Revealed as April Fool's Prank

Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) caused a stir on April 1st with an announcement that turned out to be a humorous hoax. DUPR posted on Instagram about a partnership with Bumble to launch DUPR Dates, supposedly the world’s first pickleball-only dating app, backed by a fictional $50 million funding round. The post jokingly suggested finding love through pickleball skills. However, the announcement concluded with the reveal: “APRIL FOOLS 👀—But seriously, who wouldn’t swipe right on a good dink?”. The prank played on the rapid growth and social nature of pickleball.

Bike Park Biked Over: Canada's Largest Indoor Cycling Mecca to Become Pickleball Paradise

In a surprising development announced on April 1st, Canada’s largest indoor bike park, Joyride 150 in Markham, Ontario, is set to close this fall and be demolished. Developers plan to transform the space into “Canada’s premier indoor pickleball destination,” featuring 47 pickleball courts, a juice bar, and a lounge zone. This decision, driven by perceived market trends favouring pickleball, marks the end of an era for mountain bikers and BMXers who have frequented the park since its opening in 2009. While some local racquet sports enthusiasts are happy, the news has been met with disappointment and frustration from the cycling community.

Pickleball for Prevention: APP and American Cancer Society Launch Nationwide Fundraiser

The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) and the American Cancer Society (ACS) have joined forces to launch the APP National Pickleball Challenge, a nationwide fundraiser promoting cancer prevention. Officially launched on April 1st, the challenge encourages participants to play pickleball ten times during April and track their active minutes. Participants can compete on a national leaderboard and raise donations via theapp.global/give. APP pros like Megan Fudge and Ryler DeHeart are participating, and fundraisers generating $25 or more will receive a free “Strength & Hope” t-shirt, with top fundraisers earning an OWL Sport paddle. The initiative aims to engage the pickleball community in supporting the ACS.

Ten Games to Fight Cancer: APP Challenge Calls for Active April on the Courts

The APP National Pickleball Challenge, a partnership between the Association of Pickleball Players (APP) and the American Cancer Society, is underway throughout April. The challenge calls on pickleball enthusiasts to play at least ten times during the month, with any pickleball-related activity counting towards the goal. Participants track their activity and can fundraise to support cancer prevention efforts. The challenge uses the Stridekick mobile app for tracking or allows manual input. By participating, individuals contribute to the American Cancer Society while engaging in their favourite sport.

"Dreambreaker" Nets Major Streaming Deal: Pickleball Documentary Heads to truTV and Max

A new documentary offering a "humorous look into the serious business of our country’s fastest-growing sport," titled "Dreambreaker: A Pickleball Story," has been acquired by Turner Sports’ truTV and Max. Produced and directed by Ashley Underwood and written and produced by Craig Coyne, the film is set to premiere on truTV on Friday, April 11th, followed by additional airings and streaming on Max. "Dreambreaker" promises an inside view of pickleball's rapid rise, featuring pro players, investors, and even celebrity involvement. The documentary aims to flip the perception of pickleball as just a folksy sport.

Tennis Ace Trades Baseline for Kitchen Line: Aiava's Shock Pickleball Switch Stuns Community

Australia's Destanee Aiava, a 24-year-old tennis player who notably reached the second round of the 2025 Australian Open after a significant victory, has announced a surprising career change. In a social media post on Tuesday, April 1st, Aiava revealed that she has switched from professional tennis to pickleball. This announcement has left the tennis community in shock, considering Aiava's recent success and promising career. While the trend of tennis players transitioning to pickleball is growing, the timing of Aiava's announcement on April Fool's Day led some to question its validity.

UK's Pickleball Boom Fights Isolation: Scottish Highlands Club Enters League Play

Pickleball, recognized as the UK's fastest-growing sport, is making a positive impact in the Scottish Highlands by helping combat social isolation. Pickleball Inverness, a club founded in August 2023, has quickly grown to over 100 members and has now entered the inaugural Scottish league under Pickleball Scotland. The club provides accessible sessions for all ages and abilities, fostering new friendships and social connections, particularly for those who have lost partners or felt isolated. Pickleball Inverness won their opening league fixture, highlighting both the club's and the sport's growth in the region.

Weather Watch: North Carolina Open Braces for Potential Thursday Showers and Allergy Alert

The Veolia PPA North Carolina Open, taking place April 1st through April 6th in Cary, North Carolina, faces a potential weather disruption. The current forecast indicates a risk of precipitation on Thursday, which is the day for mixed doubles matches. Organizers note that this is the most opportune day for showers due to the fewer number of pro matches scheduled. Additionally, there are reports of a significant tree pollen and allergy situation in Cary, which could affect players and spectators. Semifinal Saturday and Championship Sunday are expected to have favourable weather for pickleball.