Cayman Blackwater Cup, Brisbane Indoor Hub, DUPR Italy, Mumford Match

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.

Here's the latest pickleball news.

Caribbean Clash: 16 Pickleball Pros Invade Cayman for Epic Team Cup!

George Town, Cayman Islands – Pickleball Cayman is currently abuzz as it hosts the inaugural BLACKwater Team Cup, a groundbreaking event featuring 16 top professional players from the Association of Pickleball Players (APP). Kicking off on Friday, June 13, and continuing through Sunday, June 15, this unique team-style competition is the first of its kind for the island, drawing international attention to the local pickleball scene.

The tournament began with a special pro-amateur event, allowing local Pickleball Cayman members to bid for the opportunity to team up with pros such as Megan Fudge, Jack Munro, and Ryler DeHeart. This innovative format guarantees all participants at least five matches and fosters a direct connection between elite players and the community.

Throughout the weekend, matches are being played under rally scoring to 21 points, promising fast-paced and exciting action. Spectator entry remains free, inviting locals to witness elite-level play firsthand. For those unable to attend, all matches are conveniently livestreamed on Pickleball Cayman’s YouTube channel, ensuring a global audience can follow the competition.

With pros split into four teams led by local captains, the event promises high-stakes drama, culminating in semi-finals at 1:00 p.m. and the championship match at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. Organisers hope the BLACKwater Team Cup will inspire increased enthusiasm within the local community and pave the way for more high-profile tournaments in the future, marking a significant moment for pickleball in the Cayman Islands.

Brisbane's Indoor Pickleball Dream: All-Weather Hub Promises Year-Round Play

Brisbane, Australia – A significant step towards bolstering Brisbane’s rapidly expanding pickleball community is underway, with a development application submitted for the city's first all-weather indoor pickleball facility. Proposed for 66–74 Granard Road in Archerfield, the project aims to transform vacant land into a premier sports centre, providing year-round access for players of all skill levels.

Designed by CVA Design, the proposed hub will feature four state-of-the-art indoor pickleball courts, all housed under a single roof, encompassing a total building size of 1,202 square meters. The facility also includes 12 dedicated parking spaces to accommodate visitors.

Despite the land being in a flood-prone area, planners from Plan A Town Planning assert that the sports centre is a safe and practical solution. They highlight that while the site is challenging for residential development, an indoor sports facility can operate safely and be quickly restored following any flood events, making it a smart and low-impact use of the land.

This ambitious project seeks to fill a critical gap in local recreation, offering Brisbane’s pickleball enthusiasts a reliable indoor option, particularly crucial during periods of inclement weather. If approved, this facility is poised to become a vital hub for the sport in the city, supporting its continued growth and offering a consistent venue for practice, games, and social play.

Bella Pickleball! Italy Adopts DUPR as Official Rating System, Propelling Sport to Global Stage

Rome, Italy – In a landmark move for European pickleball, DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) has been officially named the rating partner of the Federazione Italiana Tennis e Padel (FITP). This strategic partnership establishes DUPR as the standard for all sanctioned pickleball activities across Italy, connecting thousands of Italian players to a trusted, global skill-tracking system.

Italy has quickly emerged as one of Europe's leading pickleball communities, with new clubs forming monthly. The adoption of DUPR provides a fair and reliable method for measuring player progress, offering live updates, match history, and transparent rankings. From beginners to top professionals, all players under FITP will now use DUPR to seed tournaments and rank games, fostering structured competition and talent development.

Mortada Stitou, Vice-President of Commercial at DUPR, emphasised that FITP's leadership is building a "true ecosystem" by choosing DUPR as its foundation, granting every Italian player access to the same globally trusted rating system used by pros and amateurs worldwide. Giulia Soresina from FITP echoed this sentiment, stating that DUPR brings "fair and transparent competition" that is "reliable, easy to use, and trusted internationally," marking a significant step forward for the Italian pickleball community.

This collaboration integrates Italy into a global network that will empower clubs to organise superior tournaments and cultivate talent more effectively. As more European nations explore pickleball, Italy's robust commitment through this partnership could position it as a trailblazer in setting international standards for the sport across the continent.

Mumford & Sons Trades Microphones for Paddles in Epic IU Pickleball Battle

Carmel, Indiana – Fans of both music and sports are in for a rare treat this Monday, June 16, 2025, as GRAMMY-winning band Mumford & Sons is set to face off against the Indiana University pickleball team in a celebrity showdown at Pickle on Penn in Carmel, Indiana. The unique event, scheduled from noon to 3 p.m., precedes the band's concert in Noblesville and promises an afternoon of "light-hearted competition, community connection, and paddle-powered fun".

This star-studded pop-up match also marks a significant milestone for Pickle on Penn, as it officially launches as the IU pickleball team’s new summer training home. This collaboration highlights the venue’s dedication to nurturing young and emerging talent in the sport.

For spectators eager to catch the action, The Kitchen, the venue's second-floor restaurant and bar, will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This allows visitors to enjoy lunch and drinks while watching the high-profile match from the mezzanine overlooking the courts. Given the anticipated excitement and limited seating, organisers are encouraging fans to arrive early to ensure the best viewing experience. This blend of celebrity entertainment and collegiate sports is set to create an unforgettable afternoon unique to Pickle on Penn.