Good morning pickleballers!
The week motors on and we have all the latest pickleball news for you this morning.
Joe James investigated the announcement of India's GoRally getting $750K in funding to continue their expansion - find out what all that is about here.
Yesterday, I announced that we have one of pickleball's biggest YouTube stars lined up to do an interview for March's World Pickleball Magazine, which is going to have a big World Pickleball League theme following the success of the tournament in Mumbai.
Today I can tell you that we will also be interviewing one of the co-founders of the league.
And with that, we can move on to today's PKLBulletin.
The Dink's Minor League Pickleball Takes Root in China
Minor League Pickleball (MiLP) is expanding into China, marking a significant step in the globalization of the sport. This initiative, led by Full Send Pickleball and Track Ops Media in partnership with DUPR and The Dink, introduces a structured competition format based on skill level rather than age, a first for the Chinese pickleball community.
The launch of The Dink MiLP in Zhuhai in October 2024 featured a press conference and exhibition match with Ernesto Fajardo, a seven-time Canadian pickleball champion, and Mr. Yujie Huang, Director of the People’s Livelihood Affairs Bureau Hengqin-Guangdong-Macao Deep Cooperation Zone.
Despite launching with only two months left in 2024, more than 30 events were organized across major Chinese cities such as Tianjin, Shenzhen, Hengqin, Chongqing, Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu. A key component of this expansion is a WeChat Mini-Program called “DUPR赛事” (“DUPR Events” in Chinese), developed by Full Send founder Yuki Chen. This program simplifies event registration and automatically creates DUPR accounts for new players. The app also allows players to track team and individual points, rankings, ratings, and results, serving as China’s first dedicated pickleball tournament management software.
The ease of access provided by the WeChat program has led to an increase in DUPR user registrations in China. In 2025, over 300 MiLP China events are planned across 15 cities.
Bangor Gears Up for the Return of the Welsh Pickleball Festival This Summer
The Welsh Pickleball Festival is set to make a splash in Bangor this summer, running from August 29th to 31st. This event promises a blend of competition and camaraderie, with registration now open at £70 per person.
The festival is designed to cater to players of all levels, featuring both open and graded play. For those looking to sharpen their skills, free clinics will be available. Beyond the competition, attendees can enjoy the services of an on-site sports massage therapist for an additional fee. Trade stands will also be present, offering the latest in pickleball equipment and gear.
The social highlight of the festival is the Saturday night celebration, which includes a buffet and live music. For those seeking convenient accommodation, en-suite single rooms are available on site for an additional £50 per person per night, although the exact fee is still to be confirmed.
Given the limited number of places, prospective participants are encouraged to register their interest early. Initial expressions of interest will be acknowledged via email, followed by the issuance of payment details. Those seeking additional information or wishing to reserve a spot can contact angleseypb@gmail.com.
Carrie Dunn reports that this event is priced at £70 per person, which includes open and graded play, free clinics, and a Saturday night celebration. En-suite single accommodation is available for an additional £50 per person per night.
Bermuda Aims to Host Caribbean Pickleball Championships in 2026
Bermuda is setting its sights on hosting the Caribbean Pickleball Championships in 2026, a move that could further solidify its status as a regional leader in the sport.
Gavin Manders, the national pickleball director, revealed the island's ambition, emphasizing that hosting the event hinges on securing key agreements with the government and airlines. According to Ross Clarke, these arrangements include solidifying details related to airlines and ensuring that the Miami flight is in action.
Manders noted Bermuda's success at the Caribbean Pickleball Championships, where the team won gold, with juniors Jaden Jones and Owen Stewart securing gold and silver in the junior division. Myra Virgil, Marie-Helene Pare, George Thomas, and Mical Russell also reached the podium.
Manders highlighted the significance of showcasing pathways for the next generation. He included Jaden Jones on the team to provide him with experience. Manders also emphasized development, growth, and the positive impact pickleball can have on young lives. He sees competing as a way to inspire and share his passion.
According to Clarke, Manders is pleased with the wide range of ages on the team, from juniors to seniors. He believes that open communication is key to handling any issues that arise, keeping the focus on competition. Manders played through a pectoral muscle injury to support the team, prioritizing the team's success over individual accolades. He even wore a T-shirt honouring his grandmother and mother during the victory. He sees his role as inspiring the next generation, teaching them how to compete and handle pressure.
Frazier Finds Success with JOOLA After Paddle Switch at Tucson Open
Dylan Frazier's decision to switch to a JOOLA paddle at the Proton Tucson Open has proven fruitful, marking a new chapter in his professional pickleball career. According to Will Daughton, Frazier's transition to the JOOLA Magnus 3S paddle coincided with his earning bronze medals in both men’s singles and mixed doubles.
Frazier, who had been representing Selkirk since 2022, became a free agent, giving him the liberty to choose his paddle. The change appears to have paid off swiftly.
In singles, Frazier showcased his prowess by defeating No. 2 seed Connor Garnett in the quarterfinals and eventually securing a bronze medal by defeating Jack Sock. This win was particularly significant, as Sock had defeated him just weeks prior at the Masters.
However, his performance in mixed doubles was particularly noteworthy. Partnering with Kate Fahey, the duo, seeded No. 16, achieved victories over higher-ranked opponents, including No. 3 seeds Catherine Parenteau and Federico Staksrud, No. 9 seeds Jade Kawamoto and James Ignatowich, and No. 5 seeds Maggie Brascia and JW Johnson. This was Fahey’s first mixed doubles medal and Frazier’s fifth. According to Daughton, mixed doubles is considered Frazier’s "least impressive event," which makes these wins all the more notable.
Daughton reports that Selkirk's decision to initially certify only one paddle, the 008, for UPAA certification led to player backlash, prompting them to certify more paddles. Most players then chose to use their older models instead of the 008.
Frazier’s success with the JOOLA paddle raises questions about whether he will continue using it at the Carvana Mesa Cup, where he is scheduled to compete in singles, mixed doubles with Fahey, and men’s doubles with Pablo Tellez.
ABC's The Golden Bachelor Courts Pickleball Players in Nationwide Search for Love
ABC’s The Golden Bachelor is actively seeking its next star on pickleball courts across the nation, tapping into the sport's growing popularity among the "golden years" demographic. Casting directors have taken to Facebook, reaching out to various pickleball clubs and leagues in search of the next extraordinary gentleman.
Casting director Alexa Zappia stated, "I'm reaching out to you because I have a feeling our next Golden Bachelor could be a pickleball player". This approach highlights the show's interest in finding someone active, healthy, and community-oriented.
The show's connection to pickleball isn't new. The first Golden Bachelor, Gerry Turner, was an avid player. He even had a pickleball date during the show and attended the 2023 Biofreeze USA Pickleball National Championships. According to Victoria Radnothy, Gerry Turner's passion for pickleball may have contributed to his quick divorce, as his final pick may not have been as enthusiastic about the sport.
Pickleball's broad appeal makes it an ideal location for casting. As Radnothy notes, the sport attracts a variety of people in the "golden years" demographic and demonstrates that the bachelor is active, healthy, enjoys community, and is an excellent communicator with his doubles partner.
Radnothy suggests that the Golden Bachelor could easily "weed out the non-pickleball playing women" and even partner with DUPR to rate the ladies on a group date. She emphasizes that if the next Golden Bachelor isn’t a serious pickleball player, she’s going to be extremely disappointed.
Parkinson's Patients Find Relief and Community on the Pickleball Court in Hertfordshire
Pickleball is emerging as a therapeutic and social outlet for individuals with Parkinson's disease in Hertfordshire. According to Carrie Dunn, new sessions are launching to help those with Parkinson's experience the benefits of pickleball.
Murray Allan, the Hertfordshire County representative for Pickleball England, was inspired by his brother's experience with Parkinson's table tennis. Allan observed that players' symptoms seemed to diminish during the game. This led him to research the connection between Parkinson's and sport, discovering successful Parkinson's pickleball programs in the USA.
Seeing a void in the UK, Allan contacted Parkinson's UK and proposed a Parkinson pickleball open day at his club in Hoddesdon. Parkinson's UK supported the idea with sponsorship funding. According to Dunn, Allan notes that while Parkinson's does not disappear during exercise, players may feel as though it does. He believes regular physical activity may slow the disease's progression.
Allan's initiative received a boost from Kirsty Jones of Everyone Active, who proposed expanding Parkinson's pickleball into St Albans, Stevenage, and North Herts leisure centres. Sessions are scheduled to begin on February 25th. According to Dunn, sessions will run at Stevenage Arts and Leisure Centre on Mondays from 10.30am, Batchwood Golf and Sports Centre in St Albans on Mondays at 1pm, and North Herts Leisure Centre in Letchworth on Tuesdays from 11.30am.
Allan hopes that other venues will offer similar sessions and that individuals with other neurological diseases will also benefit. He emphasizes the social aspect of these sessions, encouraging players to stay for tea and cake afterwards. For many, pickleball is about community and connection as much as competition.
Pickleball Apparel Market Soars, Projected to Reach $1.2 Billion by 2032
The pickleball apparel market is experiencing substantial growth and is projected to reach USD 1,214.1 million by 2032, from an estimated value of USD 626.6 million in 2025. According to Coherent Market Insights Pvt. Ltd., this represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.9% from 2025 to 2032.
Several factors are driving this expansion. The rising popularity of pickleball as a social and recreational activity, particularly among baby boomers and millennials, is a key driver. The increasing health awareness and fitness trends among millennials are also boosting the demand for specialized apparel. The growing number of pickleball tournaments and professional events presents significant opportunities for apparel manufacturers. Furthermore, the increasing online sales of pickleball apparel and equipment, driven by convenience and changing consumer preferences, especially among younger demographics, are contributing to market growth.
The pickleball apparel market is segmented by material type, product type, and distribution channel. Material types include cotton, polyester, nylon, spandex, blends, and moisture-wicking fabrics. Product types consist of tops, t-shirts, shorts, jackets, and caps. Distribution channels are divided into online and offline sales.
Key players in the pickleball apparel market include Adidas AG, ANTA Sports Products Ltd., Babolat, and Fila Holdings Corp. These companies are focusing on product innovation by using advanced fabrics and sport-specific designs. Apparel and equipment designed specifically for female players is also a focus, given the increasing participation of women in pickleball. Expansion in the Asia-Pacific region, driven by rising health awareness and increasing disposable incomes, is another key strategy. There is also consideration of specialized cold-weather apparel and eco-friendly materials.
Pickleball Franchise The Picklr Announces New Seattle Location
The Picklr, a rapidly expanding pickleball franchise, is set to open a new location in Seattle's Fremont neighbourhood, taking over the former Theo's Chocolate space. According to Rob Smith, the Utah-based chain plans to launch its new complex this fall.
The Fremont location, occupying 27,000 square feet, will feature 10 courts, a pro shop, and a private event space. Members will have the flexibility to play at any Picklr club nationwide.
Rajiv Khatri, the owner of Picklr Fremont, describes the new club as a "game-changer" for the neighbourhood. Khatri notes Washington state's historical significance as the "birthplace of pickleball". He emphasizes that The Picklr aims to foster a thriving pickleball community in Fremont.
The Seattle area currently has around 250 pickleball courts, often shared with tennis courts. The opening of The Picklr will add to the growing pickleball scene, which includes the upcoming Picklewood restaurant in SODO, featuring both indoor and outdoor courts, a beer garden, and dining options.
Pickleball was invented in Washington state six decades ago, and it gained official recognition three years ago when former Gov. Jay Inslee designated it as the official state sport. The arrival of The Picklr underscores the sport's continued growth and popularity in its place of origin. The Picklr operates more than 475 locations across the United States, with plans to double that count in coming years.
Major League Pickleball (MLP) Teams Face Tough Decisions as Player Drop Deadline Looms
Major League Pickleball (MLP) teams are bracing for critical decisions as the February 16th player drop deadline approaches. According to Todd Boss, each of the 16 Premier Level teams must drop at least one player into the waiver pool before the early March draft.
Several factors add complexity to these decisions. Waiver pick-ups from last year are ineligible for retention, but trade acquisitions are eligible if the player was originally drafted in 2024. There is no salary cap for 2025, so the financial implications of retaining higher-priced players will be a key consideration. Furthermore, all players must be signed to a UPA deal by the drop deadline to be eligible for the March 2nd draft.
Trades ahead of the transaction window have further influenced team strategies. For example, DC traded Vivian Glozman for Jackie Kawamoto, while Phoenix traded Dylan Frazier and Lacy Schneemann to Orlando for Tyson McGuffin and Meghan Dizon. According to Boss, such trades impact predictions about player drops.
With limited information about individual player contracts and team strategies, predicting player drops is challenging. Boss notes that top women are scarce on the waiver wire, making it easier to replace a secondary male player. The scarcity of top female players will likely influence decisions.
For specific teams, the choices vary. The defending champion Dallas Flash, for instance, may have to drop Augustus Ge, despite his performance in the 2024 finals. The DC Pickleball Team faces a tough choice between Ignatowich and Bar, while the LA Mad Drops must consider Wilson's health issues and Hunter Johnson's doubles experience. Newly promoted teams like the Chicago Slice face even greater challenges, potentially needing to rebuild their rosters entirely.
The upcoming player drop and subsequent draft will significantly reshape team compositions and strategies for the 2025 MLP season.