The short answer: The Kitchen’s Pickleball Power 50 countdown of the sport’s most influential figures in 2026 has reached ranks 41 to 45. This group controls much of the game’s infrastructure, technology and governance, and includes Major League Pickleball and DUPR founder Steve Kuhn at number 41, alongside paddle review and facility leaders.
What’s the score?
The Kitchen continues its countdown of the “Pickleball Power 50,” a ranking of the most influential figures shaping the sport in 2026. The latest reveal covers ranks 41 through 45, highlighting a group of innovators who control the infrastructure, technology, and governance of the modern game. This segment features key players from Major League Pickleball, paddle tech review giants, and facility magnates.
Hit it deeper!
This section of the list underscores that influence in pickleball is not limited to those swinging the paddle.
- #41 Steve Kuhn: The founder of Major League Pickleball (MLP) and DUPR remains a titan in the industry. He is credited as a central architect of the pro game and the creator of the global rating standard that unified player assessment.
- #42 John Kew: A testament to the power of digital media, Kew is a YouTube paddle reviewer whose data-driven testing methodology shifts markets. His detailed analysis directly impacts consumer purchasing and manufacturer design trends.
- #43 Zane Navratil: A triple threat pro player, podcaster, and now labour leader. Navratil ranks here for his role as president of the UPA Pro Player Committee, making him the central voice for player advocacy and contract negotiations.
- #44 Tim and Ashley Owens: The co-founders of Court Reserve hold the keys to the sport’s digital infrastructure. Their platform powers clubs and tournaments globally, professionalising how the sport is consumed and managed.
- #45 Jorge Barragan: As CEO of The Picklr, Barragan is leading the brick-and-mortar revolution. His influence spans massive indoor facility chains and ownership stakes in MLP teams, placing him at the intersection of real estate and pro sports.
The world Pickleball verdict
This specific cluster of the Power 50 reveals the maturity of the pickleball industry. We are seeing a shift where influence is defined by systems rating algorithms (DUPR), reservation software (Court Reserve), and organized labor (Navratil) rather than just star power. These are the figures building the “operating system” upon which the entire sport runs, making their impact perhaps more durable than any single tournament win.
