Pro Streaks, New Mag, Events & Celebrity Stars

Good morning pickleballers!

We have LOADS for you this morning.

First, 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.

We also have the latest World Pickleball Podcast for you to enjoy.

If you want today's world pickleball news in audio, listen to the Deep Dive.

And if you love to read, we have all the global pickleball news for you in report form.

Unstoppable Shockwaves: St. Louis Chases Perfect Season as "Biggest-Ever" Scottish Nationals Crown Champions and $2,000 Prize Pools Await at APA Finals

In professional action, the St. Louis Shock are chasing a perfect season as the Major League Pickleball (MLP) hits its fifth stop in Daytona Beach, Florida, from June 5 to 8 at Pictona at Holly Hill. The Shock, holding an unbeaten 8-0 record and 23 points, face critical tests against the Los Angeles Mad Drops and Texas Ranchers. Their performance is crucial to matching the Dallas Flash's equally dominant run. Observers are watching closely, with expectations of a 6-0 sweep in Daytona Beach.

Across the Atlantic, the "biggest-ever" Scottish Nationals recently concluded, celebrating new champions. Fiona Hughes was a standout, securing gold in women's singles with a decisive 15-5 victory over Lucy Elliott, and earning two silver medals in women's and mixed doubles. Hughes expressed she's "still buzzing" from her achievements and plans to compete in the Scottish Pickleball Premier League and the Welsh Open in September.

Looking to the future, the American Pickleball Association (APA) has announced the 2025 APA National Championships at Pickleball Kingdom Nashville South from September 5 to 7. The event will offer a significant $2,000 prize pool in its Open Division for men's, women's, and mixed doubles. Early bird registration is open, guaranteeing each player at least six games and introducing the new PicklePerks rewards program.

Bold Moves & Unbeaten Streaks: Star Players Trade Teams, Yufei Long Chooses Pro Pickleball Over PhD, and Montreal Lions Dominate CNPL

In a recent Major League Pickleball (MLP) shake-up, the Chicago Slice acquired Vivian Glozman, while the Atlanta Bouncers gained Vivienne David in a straight player-for-player swap. Glozman, expected to bolster Chicago's women's and mixed doubles, as well as DreamBreaker rounds, joins after Atlanta's challenging 1-5 run at MLP Phoenix and reported team chemistry issues. David, meanwhile, will make her Atlanta debut at the Mid-Season Tournament in July.

Making a striking personal decision, China's Yufei Long has deferred her PhD studies to embark on a professional pickleball career. Long opted for the inaugural UPA Asia Trailblazers Program, an immersive experience at the Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa, Arizona, offering mentorship, coaching, and media training. With Olympic aspirations, Long has already medaled at the Baton Rouge PPA Challenger and Atlanta Slam.

Meanwhile, in the Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL), the Montreal Lions are showcasing remarkable dominance, leading the standings following the 2025 CNPL Central Split. The Lions hold a perfect 6-0 match record, maintaining a six-match winning streak and winning 19 games against just 6 losses, cementing their position as the team to beat.

Strategic Serves: DUPR Boosts Player Wellness, USA Pickleball Illuminates Courts, and Indian Gear Brand Secures Funding for Affordable Paddles

Washington, USA – Significant advancements are underway in the pickleball world, focusing on player well-being, enhanced facilities, and global accessibility. DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating), the premier global pickleball rating system, has officially partnered with Vita Bella. This collaboration designates Vita Bella as DUPR’s official health and wellness partner, aiming to provide peak performance and recovery tools to the sport’s growing community. DUPR+ members will gain access to specialised wellness options, including peptide, hormone, and anti-aging therapies, and virtual consultations.

Meanwhile, USA Pickleball, the sport's national governing body, has teamed up with Musco Sports Lighting. This strategic partnership is set to enhance player safety by ensuring access to safe, well-lit courts. Musco, with nearly 50 years of experience, will provide affordable LED lighting solutions and best practices, aiming to extend court usage and reduce light pollution.

Internationally, ServeClub, an emerging Indian pickleball gear brand, has successfully secured seed funding from notable investors. Launched in 2024, ServeClub's mission is to make USAPA-certified, high-quality paddles affordable for Indian players, priced at about half the cost of leading global brands. The company plans to expand its product line, strengthen partnerships with over 25 clubs, and boost community engagement to further popularise the sport across India.

Pickleball Goes Global & Glam: Las Vegas Plans "World Series," Paris Hotel Unveils Luxury Courts, and Philippine Malls Host Nationwide Tournaments

Las Vegas, USA – Agassi Sports Entertainment Corp. (AASP) has announced its acquisition of the trademark and all rights to the name "World Series of Pickleball". The company plans to develop a significant global event in Las Vegas, Nevada, the "entertainment capital of the world". This multi-day event is expected to showcase top players from across the globe, featuring prize money, entertainment, and grandeur. AASP aims to become a leader in growing pickleball worldwide through events, competition, media content, technology, wellness, and facilities.

In Paris, France, the luxurious Hôtel Barrière Fouquet’s Paris has launched an ephemeral Fouquet’s Pickleball Club in its Cour Miroir. Open to both hotel guests and the public since June 3, 2025, this exclusive court offers a refined pickleball experience, complete with branded equipment and access to spa changing rooms. This initiative positions sport within a global art of living, blending physical activity with hotel elegance.

Meanwhile, in the Philippines, Ayala Malls is driving the sport's growth with the launch of Picklemall Season 3, a nationwide tournament. Over 400 teams and 800 players are competing across nine malls, including locations in Metro Manila, Pampanga, Bacolod, and Mindanao. This follows Ayala Malls' pioneering effort in 2023 with the country’s first mall-based pickleball court. Additionally, in Baguio City, the John Hay Sports Pavilion at Camp John Hay recently opened, featuring four pickleball courts for residents and tourists, highlighting the sport's growing popularity across the provinces.

Tech, Theft, & True Love: $60K Pickleball Machine Stolen, Dating Feature Launched on DiNKR App, and Key Paddle Back on Approved List

Austin, USA – Near Austin, Texas, a $60,000 pickleball paddle testing machine, known as the Pickle Press, was mysteriously stolen from a moving truck between May 27 and 28, 2025. This crucial equipment, manufactured by Pickle Pro Labs, is used to test paddle deflection and ensure compliance with United Pickleball Association-Amateur (UPA-A) standards during professional events like the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball (MLP). Austin police are actively investigating the theft, while Pickle Pro Labs confirmed they have other machines to continue testing at upcoming tournaments.

In a move to foster connections beyond the court, DiNKR, the prominent pickleball scheduling app, has launched an "Open to Dating" feature. This optional profile tag allows users to signal their interest in romantic connections, aligning with the trend of meeting through shared passions. The feature prioritises privacy by only displaying the tag to other opt-in users and includes age and identity verification to ensure a safe environment.

Adding to the week's developments, USA Pickleball has officially relisted the ProKennex 11mm Black Ace LG paddle on its approved list as of June 3, 2025. Previously slated for delisting, the paddle successfully passed all required testing, including PBCoR, confirming its full legality for competitive play. USA Pickleball emphasised that the paddle's power comes from its build quality and 11mm profile, not from engineered "trampolining" effects.

Star-Studded Swings: NFL Hall of Famer Donald Driver Serves for Charity, Owen Wilson Brings Pickleball to Apple TV+, and Ambassadors Boost Local Community Spirit

Allouez, USA – NFL Hall of Famer Donald Driver is set to host and participate in the Donald Driver Foundation Pickleball Classic on Saturday, June 7, at the Four Seasons Tennis Club in Allouez, Wisconsin. All proceeds from the tournament, featuring around 200 players across 11 divisions, will benefit the Boys and Girls Club in Green Bay, supporting youth development. Driver, a co-owner of a Pickleball Kingdom facility, is also expanding the sport's footprint by planning another location in Green Bay by early 2026.

Adding star power to pop culture, actor Owen Wilson brings pickleball to the screen in the new Apple TV+ comedy series Stick, which premiered on Wednesday. Wilson, playing former golf star Pryce Cahill, features in a humorous doubles match that includes a witty "kitchen violation" argument and a winning smash. His appearance highlights the sport's growing popularity among celebrities.

Meanwhile, in the UK, Daniel Wren has taken on a new role as an ambassador for The PicklePad in Dorset. Wren, who appreciates PicklePad's community feel and facilities, including "Dinks and Drinks" sessions, aims to spread awareness about the venue and its welcoming atmosphere. His involvement underscores the importance of local champions in boosting the sport's community spirit.