Good morning pickleballers!
Just a warning - it's a bit of a quiet news day today. But we'll get on to that.
Me, I am just still blown away by how many people are buying the World Pickleball Magazine. It's amazing that as many people have taken out annual or 4-month subscriptions as have bought single copies of the first issue. Thank you for putting your trust in what we are doing.
If you have bought a copy - please do tell all your friends, be that on social media, at your local pickleball club, your WhatsApp groups, whatever. They need to know!
And if you haven't bought a copy yet - you might just be missing out, so get yours here.
Anyway, enough of that - I'll stop talking about it soon and focus on the March issue!
Yesterday, Joe James looked a little deeper into the news that Gibraltar is now officially recognised as a pickleball-playing nation and the driving force behind it - click here to read all about that.
And I've got your PKLBulletin.
Frisco Pandas Serve Up a Surprise: MLP Team Relocates to Nashville, Promising a Fresh Brand
In a surprising move, the Frisco Pandas Major League Pickleball (MLP) team is relocating to Nashville, Tennessee, marking a significant shift for the franchise. This move, one of the first major operational changes led by The Kitchen Pickleball, signals a fresh start for the team. The Kitchen, now responsible for the team’s marketing, operations, and sponsorship sales, is looking to leverage Nashville’s vibrant culture to build a stronger, more engaged fanbase.
Jared Paul, General Manager and founder of The Kitchen, envisions a potential team rebrand, hinting at incorporating Nashville’s rich music heritage or culinary traditions. This rebranding effort aims to create a unique identity for the team, setting it apart in the competitive MLP landscape.
Adding to the excitement, the team will host open tryouts on February 19, 2025, offering a United Pickleball Association (UPA) contract to the winners. This unprecedented opportunity guarantees the chosen players eligibility for the March draft, along with endorsement deals from Proton Pickleball and DAPS.
The move to Nashville represents a strategic effort to increase the team's value and appeal, with Paul noting the potential for celebrity involvement and unique branding opportunities in the area. As the team bids farewell to Frisco, anticipation builds for the new chapter in Nashville, promising a revitalized brand and a deeper connection with fans.
Pickleball Dreamers, Grab Your Paddles: Nashville MLP Open Tryouts Guarantee UPA Contract and More!
Aspiring pickleball pros, here's your shot! The Nashville Major League Pickleball (MLP) team is hosting open tryouts on February 19, 2025, offering an unparalleled opportunity to break into the professional ranks. The stakes are high: the male and female winners will each be guaranteed a 2025 UPA player contract, immediately making them eligible for the March draft.
This groundbreaking initiative sets the Nashville franchise apart, providing a direct pathway for undiscovered talent to join the MLP. Beyond the UPA contract, winners will also receive a shoe deal from DAPS and a paddle/gear deal from Proton, significantly boosting their professional careers.
Jared Paul, General Manager and founder of The Kitchen, emphasizes that this is not a gimmick. With a track record of uncovering talent through "Kitchen Opens," the tryouts promise a fair shot for deserving players. Talent evaluators, including Caleb Potter and Wes Burrows, will assist in the draft, ensuring a marketable and fun team for 2025.
The tryouts, held at Proton HQ in Mesa, AZ, during the PPA’s Carvana Mesa Cup, are expected to draw significant competition. This initiative is a creative way to kick off the team's new rebrand and connect with the local market. Don't miss this chance to turn your pickleball dreams into reality!
Packers Legend Backs New Pickleball Venture: The Picklr Opens its First Wisconsin Location
Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame inductee Mark Tauscher is backing a new pickleball facility that just opened in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin. The Picklr, located at 2610 Holmgren Way, is the first of its kind in Wisconsin and the 28th in the country. This new club features seven courts with official measurements for pickleball tournaments and leagues.
According to club coordinator Tony VandeCastle, demand for pickleball courts has recently increased. The Picklr offers several membership options, starting with a 30-day trial for $30. Membership benefits include access to all Picklr locations nationwide, court reservations, unlimited club leagues, tournaments, competitive play, guest passes, and classes. A family plan costs $299 per month or $2,399 per year, a single plan is $119 per month or $1,249 per year, and a junior plan for ages 8 to 18 is $69 per month.
The facility includes a room available for events like corporate gatherings or birthday parties. The business also has a beer and wine license, offering beer cans and seltzers. While there is no food service, protein bars are available for purchase, and players can bring their own food or arrange catering. The Picklr is open seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Love on the Court: Pickle Lodge Offers Dream Wedding for Pickleball-Loving Couples
The Pickle Lodge in Butler County, OH, is offering pickleball-loving couples a chance to tie the knot with a unique Perfect Match Wedding Giveaway. Couples who share a passion for pickleball can enter the contest for a chance to win a free wedding, complete with a complimentary hotel stay for two nights.
Whether couples met on the court or simply love playing together, the contest invites them to creatively share how pickleball has played a key role in their love story. The winning couple will receive a full wedding experience, including venue space for up to 100 guests, custom pickleball wedding cake, pizza catering, craft beer, and a custom pickleball floral arrangement. A photographer, DJ, and officiant will also be provided, along with pickleball instructors to give guests lessons during the reception. The newlyweds will also receive custom pickleball shoes, paddles, and apparel.
To enter, couples must submit their pickleball love stories at ThePerfectMatchWedding.com by 11:59 p.m. on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2025. The Pickle Lodge co-founder Mitch Dunnsaid notes the sport’s unique ability to bring people together. The first wedding will be hosted on June 14, 2025.
Pickleball's Olympic Dreams in Malaysia Face Hurdles: Sukma 2026 Inclusion Uncertain
The inclusion of pickleball as a medal sport in the 2026 Malaysia Games (Sukma) faces uncertainty, according to Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh. While Selangor has announced its intention to introduce pickleball for Sukma 2026, participation from at least six states is required for the sport to be included.
Yeoh clarified that an appeal or application must be submitted for any sport to be considered, after which the games committee will review and vote on it. A sport could be dropped if it doesn't receive enough votes closer to the date, even after states have invested in training athletes.
Despite these hurdles, the ministry is taking steps to promote pickleball's accessibility. Pickleball courts are now available for rent at affordable rates in public community halls and multipurpose halls in Kuala Lumpur.
The Sukma committee will make the final determination regarding pickleball's inclusion at a later date. The requirement for support from at least six states will be a critical factor in the decision.