Mpower Events Sell Out, MLP Waiver Drama, Picklr Expands to Japan

Good morning once more, pickleballers!

You know the drill - it's Thursday.

Before we get going with the pickleball news from the last 24 hours, June's World Pickleball Magazine is OUT NOW.

125 pages of pure pickleball goodness, you really should check it out - we've been told it's easily the best pickleball magazine on the market. Click on the cover below to see what is in this month's issue.

Mollie Knaggs' Mpower Events: Empowering Women, Selling Out in Minutes, and Redefining Pickleball's Spirit

West London, UK – Top player Mollie Knaggs continues to champion women's pickleball through her highly successful Mpower events, which she describes as "incredibly special". Her latest all-female gathering, a collaboration with ONE Pickleball at West London Pickleball Club, brought together forty women aged from 13 to 76, representing various playing levels, for a day of intensive coaching, valuable networking, and ample court time. Participants also received specially curated gift bags from Knaggs herself, who extended gratitude to colleagues Sabine Brezina and Anty Giuliano for their unwavering support and dedication to the initiative.

Knaggs emphasises that these events embody her personal mission: "inspiring and uplifting other girls and women, building their confidence and making them realise their own self-worth". The demand for Mpower events is evident, as the coaching spots for the next event in Southampton on July 20th sold out in a remarkable five minutes. Knaggs is now actively exploring ways to expand coaching availability throughout the day to accommodate the overwhelming interest. For Knaggs, the empowerment is reciprocal; she states that these events empower her just as much as she aims to empower attendees, highlighting the profound impact these gatherings have on the pickleball community. The Mpower initiative stands as a testament to the growing spirit of camaraderie and support within the sport, especially among female players.

MLP Meltdown: Collin Johns and Judit Castillo Benched in Stunner Waiver Period, Sparking Roster Outrage

USA – The Major League Pickleball (MLP) 2025 season's second and final waiver period has sent shockwaves through the league, as several prominent players, including Collin Johns and Judit Castillo, were unexpectedly listed as bench players and made available for other teams to claim. The decisions by the Carolina Hogs and SoCal Hard Eights have prompted significant discussion and raised questions about team strategy and player management.

The Carolina Hogs, currently holding a 2-12 record, controversially listed Collin Johns as their third male player, despite him having started every match he was available for this season. This move meant protecting Brandon French, who has yet to play a single MLP match this season. One analyst suggested that Johns' "bad energy for MLP" might deter other teams from claiming him, calling the decision to protect French over Johns an illogical one if the goal is winning.

Similarly, the SoCal Hard Eights, also with a 2-12 record, placed Judit Castillo, a consistent presence in every match this season, on their bench. They opted to protect Irina Tereschenko, who is recovering from a lower-body injury, and Jalina Ingram. Adding to the controversy, SoCal also exposed Roscoe Bellamy to the waiver pool instead of Ryan Fu, a move deemed illogical by analysts, given Bellamy's superior performance. Teams have until Monday to submit waiver requests for these newly available players.

APP's Global Grand Slam: Uniting Continents Through Pickleball with India & England Partnerships

Florida, USA – The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) is significantly expanding its international footprint in 2025, forging new alliances and reinforcing existing ones to foster the global growth of pickleball and enhance player opportunities worldwide. A landmark new partnership sees the APP teaming up with Global Sports in India, promising shared events and a joint player pool where top APP Tour players can participate in Global Sports tournaments across India, Dubai, and Vietnam. Conversely, high-ranking Global Sports players will compete in APP's U.S. events, culminating in the APP Tour Championships. Notably, the top 12 male and female APP players will also be entered into the auction for the Global Sports Pro League.

In a testament to enduring collaboration, the APP is continuing its partnership with Pickleball England for a fourth consecutive year, serving as an associate partner for the English Open. Slated for August 6-10, 2025, at the Telford International Centre, the English Open is anticipated to attract over 2,000 players from nearly 50 countries, with the APP supporting its operation, marketing, and live broadcasts. APP Founder Ken Herrmann stated that uniting with Global Sports and Pickleball England is "monumental for the growth of pickleball worldwide". Furthermore, the 2025 Monsoon Pickleball Championship in Mumbai, India, from July 29 to August 3, will also welcome top APP Tour players, marking a comprehensive effort to globalise the sport and create unprecedented career paths for athletes.

The Picklr's Audacious Japan Play: Why the World's Largest Indoor Franchise is Betting on Tokyo Over Traditional Asian Hubs

Tokyo, Japan – The Picklr, already recognised as the world's largest indoor pickleball franchise with over 500 locations, is making a bold and somewhat surprising move by announcing ambitious plans to open 20 pickleball facilities across Japan within the next five years. This expansion will kick off in Tokyo, followed by new locations in Kanagawa, Osaka, and Aichi. The decision stands out because The Picklr has opted to prioritize Japan over established pickleball hubs in Asia like India, Malaysia, and Vietnam.

The Picklr Co-Founder and CEO Jorge Barragan, in a recent PicklePod podcast, explained the strategic choice, calling Japan a "great launch pad for the Asian markets". Barragan highlighted Japan's already strong racquet sports culture and existing infrastructure, particularly numerous tennis facilities, as key indicators that pickleball is poised for significant growth in the country. He also credited the "tireless efforts" of Picklr Japan CEO Kenton Stehr in cultivating the sport's presence there as a major factor in the franchise's aggressive expansion strategy. Barragan believes that with the inherent innovation of Tokyo and the existing cultural emphasis on wellness and community, Japan is "primed" for a pickleball explosion, akin to Vietnam's rapid growth. This audacious bet signals a new chapter in pickleball's global phenomenon.

Asia's Next Pickleball Powerhouse: Vietnam Readies for Zocker Cup as Major Hub Alongside India and Malaysia

Quang Nam, Vietnam – Vietnam is rapidly solidifying its position as a major pickleball hub in Asia, standing alongside established nations like India and Malaysia. This burgeoning status is further underscored by the announcement of the 2025 Zocker Cup D-Pickleball Quang Nam Open Tournament, set to ignite the courts from June 20-22, 2025, at the state-of-the-art D-Pickleball Sports Complex in Quang Nam.

The tournament is expected to draw a significant crowd, with approximately 500 domestic and international pickleball players slated to compete. Adding to the excitement, organisers have confirmed the participation of some of Vietnam's top tennis players, including Phuc Huynh, Truong Vinh Hien, Do Minh Quan, and Sophia Huynh Tran, whose presence is sure to elevate the level of competition and fan interest. Quang Nam province itself boasts over 100 youth pickleball players, making the Zocker Cup a crucial opportunity for these emerging talents to gain invaluable experience and hone their skills against high-level competition. The decision to host such a prominent event is a significant coup for Quang Nam, enabling the scenic coastal province to meet the escalating demand for high-level pickleball action and foster the sport's continued meteoric rise across the region.

Prairie Pronghorns' Strategic Strike: Championship Veteran Mark Gottfried Joins for Crucial CNPL Western Split

Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada – The Prairie Pronghorns in the Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL) have announced a significant roster change ahead of the highly anticipated CNPL III Western Split. Jacob Bolkowy is stepping down from the team, citing a scheduling conflict with the 2025 APP Next Kansas City event, which coincidentally falls on the same weekend.

In a strategic move to bolster their lineup, the Pronghorns have immediately welcomed Mark Gottfried, a seasoned CNPL veteran with two years of league experience and a CNPL Championship title already to his name. Gottfried is renowned for his "clutch performances" during high-pressure matches, making him an ideal replacement for the versatile and energetic Bolkowy, who recently played in the CNPL III Eastern Split. The team expressed gratitude to Bolkowy for his contributions and extended best wishes for his APP event in Kansas City. The Pronghorns' leadership expressed excitement about Gottfried's addition, emphasising that his experience, leadership, and steady style of play are expected to significantly enhance the team's chances of success against tough opponents at the Western Split. The upcoming CNPL III Western Split, scheduled for July 19-20 at IPOP in Burnaby, British Columbia, will undoubtedly be a key test for the new-look Prairie Pronghorns, with all the action broadcast live on Game+ Network.

Unexpected Game-Changer: Wilson Vesper Power 14mm Paddle Stuns Reviewers with 'Blown Away' Control and Spin

USA – The Wilson Vesper Power 14 mm paddle is rapidly making a name for itself in the pickleball world, surprising even seasoned reviewers with its exceptional performance, despite Wilson not being a traditional powerhouse in the sport. Paddle reviewer Kip, who admittedly had no prior experience with Wilson paddles and initially found its appearance "cheap" and "gimmicky," was "blown away" from his very first hit.

Despite being marketed as a power paddle, Kip discovered that its true standout features were its "game-changing control and spin". He praised its ability to "park [the ball] on a dime" with impressive accuracy and consistency. The paddle's carbon fibre surface with fibreglass underneath, combined with a 14mm polypropylene core and a flexible open throat (Free Flex Tech), contributes to its strong spin capabilities, making the ball "take a bite" upon contact. Weighing in at 8.2 ounces, the Vesper Power 14 mm also offers excellent feel and feedback, a large sweet spot, and seamless transitions between defensive and offensive play. Its narrow width ensures quick reactions at the net without compromising the hitting area. Though priced at $249, Kip firmly believes it is "worth trying," highlighting its surprising quality and performance that defy initial expectations.

Who's Serving Looks? Fans Vote on Pickleball's 'Hottest Male Pros' in New Viral Ranking

Online – A new fan-favorite ranking has emerged, spotlighting the "hottest male pickleball pros" who are turning heads both on and off the court with their combination of talent, charm, and style. This exciting new list invites fans to cast their votes to determine who truly deserves the top spot based on looks and personality.

The star-studded lineup features a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, many of whom transitioned from successful tennis careers. Headlining the list is Roscoe Bellamy, a former UCLA tennis star who quickly ascended to become a top PPA Tour player after switching to pickleball in 2023. Other notable names include Spain's Jaume Martinez Vich, Augustus "Augie" Ge, and California's Gabriel Joseph. The list also highlights players like Dylan Frazier, who remarkably became a top player without a tennis background, and former professional tennis players such as Michael Loyd, Tyson McGuffin, Christian Alshon, Hunter Johnson, Connor Garnett, and Federico Staksrud. International flair is added by Noé Khlif (France), Pablo Tellez (Colombia), and Mohanad Alhouni (Libya). Even famous crossover athletes like Jack Sock, a former top-ranked ATP player with Grand Slam and Olympic medals, and Rafa Hewett are featured. The ranking promises to keep fans engaged as they decide which pickleball heartthrob truly serves up the best combination of skill and charisma.