Archive
Pulse Archive
Browse past Pulse rankings and see what the pickleball community was talking about. All articles are fully indexed for search engines to help players discover trending topics.
Browse past Pulse rankings and see what the pickleball community was talking about. All articles are fully indexed for search engines to help players discover trending topics.
A Utah man was arrested for assaulting a female pickleball player, allegedly because he disapproved of her 'revealing clothing' during a game at a St. George park. The incident highlights concerning safety issues and inappropriate behavior toward women in recreational sports settings.
Read articleMajor League Pickleball is expanding its footprint with upcoming events in Austin (with new title sponsor Waterdrop Filter) and its first-ever tournament in St. Petersburg. The St. Louis Shock recently dominated their home event, while teams continue making roster moves through trade windows and waiver periods.
Read articleThe Carvana PPA Tour's 2026 spring season produced record-breaking growth across all key business areas, culminating with the Toys 'R' Us PPA Finals in San Clemente. This surge demonstrates pickleball's continued commercial momentum and mainstream appeal at the professional level.
Read articleDozens of local and regional tournaments are scheduled across the US this weekend, from Pride Pickleball in West Hollywood to charity events like 'Dink for Cause.' This grassroots tournament activity shows the sport's community-level growth and diverse participation.
Multiple detailed instructional articles are being published covering advanced techniques from topspin drops to anticipation skills and dinking patterns. This content surge reflects players' hunger for improvement and the sport's technical sophistication at higher levels.
Hollywood A-lister Angelina Jolie was photographed playing pickleball with her children, wearing a satin top and flats that caught fans' attention. Celebrity participation continues to boost pickleball's mainstream visibility and cultural cachet.
The PPA Tour's reality docuseries 'PARTNERS' has been nominated for 'Best Episodic Series' at Tribeca X, marking a milestone for pickleball's entertainment crossover. The show offers behind-the-scenes access to professional pickleball, helping legitimize the sport in mainstream media.
USA Pickleball has quietly removed several paddle models from their approved equipment list without public announcement. This regulatory move could impact players and manufacturers, raising questions about equipment standards and transparency in the sport's governing decisions.
The Professional Pickleball Association announced PPA Spain as its newest international expansion, continuing the tour's global growth strategy. This follows earlier international moves and signals pickleball's push beyond North American markets.
A Pennsylvania man was arrested for causing over $46,000 in damage to pickleball courts in the Slate Belt area. The incident highlights infrastructure challenges and maintenance costs as communities invest heavily in new pickleball facilities.
Multiple comprehensive training resources are emerging, from stretching routines to offensive transition zone strategies, targeting time-limited recreational players. This content explosion reflects the sport's maturation from casual recreation to serious athletic pursuit requiring structured improvement.
Read articleAngelina Jolie and son Pax participated in a celebrity charity pickleball event, adding A-list legitimacy to the sport's celebrity appeal. High-profile participation like this accelerates mainstream acceptance and attracts new demographics to pickleball.
Read articleFrom Cedar Falls drawing players from 9 states to numerous charity events, grassroots pickleball tournaments are exploding nationwide. This organic growth at the community level provides the foundation for the sport's professional success and long-term sustainability.
Read articleDolly Parton's Dollar General line and a Charlotte mom's brand reaching Target shelves show pickleball merchandise hitting mainstream retail. This retail presence normalizes the sport and makes entry-level participation more accessible to casual consumers.
The PPA Tour's PARTNERS docuseries has been nominated for 'Best Episodic Series' at Tribeca X, marking a significant milestone for pickleball's media presence. This recognition validates the sport's growing entertainment value and mainstream appeal beyond just competitive play.
Major League Pickleball announced full match schedules for its New York (June 25-28) and St. Petersburg (June 17-21) events. The structured scheduling demonstrates MLP's operational maturity and commitment to consistent fan experiences across major markets.
The Professional Pickleball Association announced PPA Spain as its newest international expansion, continuing the sport's aggressive global growth strategy. This move signals pickleball's evolution from American phenomenon to worldwide competitive sport.
Major League Pickleball's second trade and waiver period is actively reshaping team rosters ahead of upcoming events. These mid-season moves demonstrate the league's maturation into a dynamic professional sports organization with real player movement strategies.
The 2026 Carvana PPA Tour spring season delivered record-breaking growth across all key business metrics, culminating with the Toys 'R' Us PPA Finals. This performance validates investor confidence and positions pickleball as one of the fastest-growing professional sports.
Apollo Sports Capital's $225 million investment in Pickleball Inc. and family offices betting on pickleball leagues demonstrate serious institutional money backing the sport. This capital influx will accelerate facility development and professional league growth.
Major League Pickleball's 2026 season features a revamped competition format and active waiver period as teams make strategic roster adjustments. The league has released match schedules for New York and St. Petersburg events, with the season already generating significant buzz around team compositions and player movement.
Read articleAnna Leigh Waters capped off another stellar season with impressive championship wins alongside Ben Johns' continued dominance. The statistical wrap-up reveals both players' exceptional versatility, with several athletes finishing in the top 10 across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles categories.
Read articleSeveral communities are experiencing conflicts over pickleball court construction, from flooding concerns in Riverside to ongoing opposition to beach courts in Fort Lauderdale. These disputes highlight the growing pains of pickleball's rapid expansion as municipalities balance player demand with neighborhood concerns.
Read articlePickleball is gaining ground in South Korea as it transitions from niche hobby to public courts, while communities like West Hollywood host specialized tournaments for Pride celebrations. This global and inclusive expansion shows the sport's universal appeal across different cultures and demographics.
Amazon reported a 55% surge in pickleball paddle sales reaching $44 million in 2025, while new products from Tesla and other brands enter the market. The equipment boom reflects the sport's mainstream adoption, with retailers from Target to specialty shops expanding their pickleball offerings significantly.
Tennis legend John McEnroe has publicly pointed out what he sees as a major negative aspect of pickleball's growth. His critique adds to the ongoing debate about pickleball's impact on traditional racquet sports and court usage, coming from one of tennis's most recognizable voices.
The Dink and other platforms are producing extensive strategy content for competitive players, covering everything from serve placement to 4.0+ doubles tactics. This educational content boom reflects pickleball's maturation as players seek advanced techniques to elevate their games beyond recreational play.
Madison has emerged as the leader in outdoor pickleball court availability across the United States, with officials already looking at what sport might be next. This milestone reflects the city's commitment to recreational infrastructure and could serve as a model for other municipalities planning pickleball expansion.
Apollo Sports Capital has led a landmark $225 million investment in Pickleball Inc., the new parent company of both PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball. This massive funding round signals institutional confidence in professional pickleball's growth trajectory and could accelerate the sport's expansion into new markets and media deals.
The Professional Pickleball Association announced PPA Spain as its newest international expansion, marking another step in the tour's global growth strategy. This follows record-breaking growth across all business areas in the 2026 spring season, positioning the PPA as the dominant force in professional pickleball worldwide.
Major League Pickleball's 2026 season opens in Dallas with 11 teams competing and a revamped format. New Jersey and St. Louis lead preseason power rankings, while the league continues expanding with massive investments from Apollo Sports Capital's $225M funding round.
Read articleEducational content focusing on senior play and beating younger opponents is surging, reflecting the sport's diverse age demographics. Technique guides covering everything from topspin to dead dink attacks show how players are getting more sophisticated about strategy.
Read articleUrban India has embraced pickleball as a weekend obsession, creating a $50 million market that represents significant international growth. This expansion beyond the US demonstrates pickleball's global potential and diversification opportunities for equipment manufacturers and tour operators.
Read articleA man was arrested for cutting court nets because his 'summer was ruined,' highlighting rising tensions between pickleball players and other recreational users. These incidents reflect the sport's rapid growth outpacing infrastructure and community planning.
New details emerged about the devastating plane crash that killed five members of a pickleball team traveling to a Texas tournament. The aircraft reportedly broke apart midair, shocking the tight-knit pickleball community and highlighting the sport's growing travel tournament culture.
The Carvana PPA Tour concluded its most successful season ever with record growth across all business metrics. Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns dominated the championships, with comprehensive stats revealing the tour's explosive momentum heading into the 2026-27 schedule.
Equipment manufacturers are pushing boundaries with breakthrough technologies like Mizuno's adjustable weight system and Selkirk's new Omni paddle. From Diamond Tough technology to foam core innovations, brands are racing to capture the $44M Amazon paddle market that surged 55% in 2025.
The sport's first reality docuseries 'Partners' launched, offering behind-the-scenes access to professional pickleball drama and relationships. The show arrives as pickleball competes with other trendy activities for Hollywood's attention, with some claiming the sport is already 'passé.'
14-year-old Kelly Goodnow signed with the PPA Tour and rocketed into the world's top 100 in her first month as a pro, while 15-year-old Cailyn Campbell earned her first PPA medal. These young talents are accelerating the sport's evolution and attracting new audiences.
New facilities are opening nationwide, from Stamford's Cove Island Park courts to the region's largest indoor facility planned for a former big-box store. The infrastructure expansion signals pickleball's transition from fad to permanent fixture in American recreation.
Strategy articles on poaching, resetting, serving, and communication are dominating pickleball media, reflecting the sport's learning curve. The focus on skill development content shows how rapidly the player base is trying to improve beyond recreational level.
Read articleCupertino took steps to limit pickleball noise, highlighting the ongoing tension between the sport's explosive growth and community concerns. Court usage disputes and noise complaints are becoming common challenges for municipalities nationwide.
Read articleMultiple pickleball tournaments are supporting causes from Make-A-Wish to mental health awareness and student scholarships. These events demonstrate how the sport is becoming a vehicle for community building and charitable giving beyond just competition.
Read articleA plane carrying pickleball players to a Texas tournament broke apart midair, killing all five team members aboard. Preliminary findings have been released on the crash investigation, marking a tragic loss for the pickleball community.
The PPA Tour launched its first reality docuseries 'PARTNERS' featuring six episodes of behind-the-scenes professional pickleball action. The show promises to reveal rivalries and drama, potentially bringing mainstream entertainment value to the sport.
Apollo Sports Capital led a massive $225 million investment in Pickleball Inc., the new parent company of both PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball. This landmark investment signals institutional confidence in pickleball's rapid growth and mainstream potential.
The sport's top seeds completed near-perfect spring seasons with clean sweeps at the Toys 'R' Us PPA Finals in San Clemente. Their dominance continues to raise questions about competitive balance at the sport's highest level.
Major League Pickleball announced match schedules for New York (June 25-28) and St. Petersburg (June 17-21), plus launched the first waiver period for team roster swaps. The league's 20-team format expansion continues to reshape professional pickleball.
Multiple teenagers are breaking through on the professional circuit, including 15-year-old Cailyn Campbell earning her first PPA medal and 14-year-old Kelly Goodnow eyeing pro status. These young phenoms are reshaping age expectations in competitive pickleball.
Major paddle manufacturer Selkirk Sport announced the acquisition of boutique brand Bread & Butter Pickleball Company. The move reflects ongoing consolidation in the equipment space as larger players absorb niche brands.
Multiple comprehensive guides covering advanced strategy, footwork drills, and court positioning have emerged as players seek to improve their games. The surge in educational content reflects the sport's maturation and players' increasing focus on technical development beyond recreational play.
Read articleThe first-ever reality docuseries inside professional pickleball launched on the PPA Tour's YouTube channel, offering behind-the-scenes access to player rivalries and drama. Early reviews suggest the six-episode series could bring new mainstream attention to the sport by showcasing the personalities behind the paddles.
Read articleCharity pickleball tournaments are proliferating across the country, supporting causes from youth sports to water safety and disaster relief. This trend demonstrates pickleball's growing role as a community organizing tool and its potential to drive social impact beyond recreation.
Read articleThe PPA Tour's Asian expansion gained momentum with local professionals competing in Vietnam, while India sets ambitious goals for PPA Tour supremacy within two years. This international growth demonstrates pickleball's global appeal and potential to become a truly worldwide sport.
Apollo Sports Capital led a massive $225 million investment in Pickleball Inc., the new parent company of both PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball. This landmark deal signals major institutional confidence in professional pickleball's growth trajectory and could accelerate the sport's mainstream adoption through increased resources and strategic backing.
The Toys 'R' Us PPA Finals presented by JOOLA kicked off May 6-10 as the season-ending championship featuring the tour's top players across all divisions. The tournament determines the 2026 tour champions and represents the culmination of a full season of professional competition with significant ranking points and prize money at stake.
Tama Shimabukuro emerged as pickleball's newest superstar with a stunning run at the Atlanta Championships that changed his career trajectory. His performance highlights the sport's evolving talent pool and the opportunities for rising players to make their mark on the professional scene.
Major League Pickleball announced match schedules for upcoming events in Columbus, St. Louis, and Austin, while introducing the first-ever Paddletek One Point Challenge at the Edward Jones Mid-Season Tournament. The expansion demonstrates MLP's aggressive growth strategy and innovation in tournament formats to engage fans.
Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns claimed the mixed doubles title at the Veolia Atlanta Championships, continuing their dominant partnership. Waters' consistent performance across multiple divisions reinforces her status as the sport's most dominant female player.
Medical reports show pickleball injuries are increasing nationwide as the sport's explosive growth brings more players to courts. The trend highlights the need for better education about proper conditioning, technique, and injury prevention as the sport attracts players of all ages and fitness levels.
Five pickleball players died in a horrific plane crash in Texas while traveling to a tournament. The tragedy has shaken the tight-knit pickleball community and highlights the dedication of players who travel extensively for competitions. The victims have been identified and the community is mourning the loss.
Read articleMultiple pickleball tournaments are raising significant funds for charitable causes, including over $11,000 for The Contenders and events benefiting Utah County Children's Justice Center and Shriners Children's. These fundraising efforts show how pickleball's growing popularity is being leveraged for community impact beyond just recreation and competition.
Read articleApollo Sports Capital led a landmark $225 million investment in Pickleball Inc., the new parent company of PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball. This represents the largest investment in pickleball history, signaling the sport's evolution from recreational fad to serious business opportunity. The deal consolidates two major professional leagues under one umbrella with significant institutional backing.
Read articleThe Veolia Atlanta Pickleball Championships is currently underway as one of the biggest events on the 2026 PPA Tour calendar. The tournament features top storylines, professional draws across five divisions, and serves as a crucial qualifying event for the PPA Tour Finals. Fans can watch the action live via streaming platforms.
Major League Pickleball has announced match schedules for four upcoming events: Dallas (May 22), Columbus (May 28-31), St. Louis (June 4-7), and Austin (June 11-14). The packed summer schedule shows MLP's aggressive expansion strategy and commitment to bringing professional team pickleball to major markets across America.
Former President Trump's visit to a Florida retirement community has created controversy, mixing pickleball and politics in unexpected ways. The visit highlights pickleball's popularity among seniors and retirees, but also shows how the sport can become entangled in broader cultural and political debates. The incident demonstrates pickleball's mainstream cultural penetration.
Educational content covering everything from fourth shot strategy to backhand punch improvement is proliferating across pickleball media. These instructional pieces address the growing demand from recreational players looking to improve their game. The focus on technique refinement shows the sport is moving beyond basic recreational play toward more sophisticated skill development.
The Fasenra Sacramento Open delivered the longest rally in any PPA Tour final since 2022 with an incredible 122-shot exchange. The marathon point occurred during the men's final and showcases the athleticism and endurance required at the highest levels of professional pickleball. Such extended rallies highlight how the sport has evolved beyond quick put-aways.
The United Pickleball Association of America released its first official rulebook specifically for professional play, which will govern both PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball matches. This standardization represents a major step toward legitimizing pickleball as a professional sport with consistent rules across all major competitions.
Life Time's LT Pro 48 Pickleball has been named the official ball of Major League Pickleball for the 2026 season starting with the Dallas event. This partnership represents another step in MLP's professionalization and standardization efforts. Equipment partnerships like this signal the league's commitment to consistency and quality across all venues.
A new plan to separate Seattle's pickleball and tennis courts is drawing fierce opposition from players who prefer shared facilities. The controversy highlights growing tensions between sports communities as pickleball's popularity creates infrastructure challenges nationwide.
Read articleProton paddles are back in pro play after resolving their contract dispute with the United Pickleball Association. The controversy had sidelined a major equipment brand, but players can now use Proton gear in PPA Tour and MLP events again.
Read articleNew expert analysis examines pickleball's surprising impact on neighborhoods, from property values to community dynamics. As courts proliferate nationwide, understanding these effects becomes crucial for city planning and community development.
Read articleMajor League Pickleball dropped match schedules for four upcoming events: Dallas, Columbus, St. Louis, and Austin spanning May-June 2026. The coordinated release signals MLP's aggressive expansion and gives fans concrete dates to plan around the league's growing footprint.
15-year-old Cailyn Campbell continues her rapid ascent in pro pickleball after over a year on tour, while 14-year-old Phoenix native Kelly Goodnow joins the fast track to professional play. These young stars represent the sport's incredible youth movement and future talent pipeline.
Equipment coverage is heating up with reviews of the under-the-radar FLiK F1 "most powerful paddle," budget-friendly options under $100-150, and the stability-focused Boomstik Widebody. The diverse coverage reflects players' varied needs across skill levels and budgets.
The Veolia Atlanta Pickleball Championships kicks off April 27th with draws revealed across all divisions. Meanwhile, Sacramento delivered drama with a record 122-shot rally - the longest in any PPA final since 2022 - showcasing the sport's incredible athleticism.
The Dink published a comprehensive series on advanced pickleball tactics, covering everything from beating bangers to manipulating momentum and 90-day training plans. This educational push reflects players' hunger for sophisticated strategy content as the sport matures.
A wave of charity pickleball tournaments is spreading across the country, from Husker Pantry fundraisers to Habitat for Humanity events. These grassroots tournaments show how pickleball is becoming the go-to sport for community fundraising and social impact.
A cautionary tale surfaces as someone's $30,000 pickleball court investment faces declining business amid the sport's hype. Meanwhile, facility bankruptcies like Bounce Pickleball Delaware show the gap between pickleball's popularity and sustainable business models.
The PPA Tour is launching 'Partners,' the first reality docuseries inside professional pickleball, premiering May 5th. This marks a major push to bring pro pickleball drama to mainstream audiences, potentially changing how the sport is perceived and consumed by casual fans.
Read articleMilwaukee Brewers coaches are using pickleball to maintain their competitive edge and hand-eye coordination during the baseball season. This crossover training approach shows how pickleball is being integrated into other professional sports.
Read articleThe 10th annual US Open Pickleball Championships concluded in Naples with epic finals and international success stories, including Indian players taking gold and silver. The event showcased the sport's growing global appeal and competitive depth.
Read articlePro player technique discussions are heating up around the two-handed backhand counter as a reliable kitchen line weapon. The debate reflects the sport's ongoing evolution in playing styles and strategy at the highest levels.
New facilities are opening nationwide, from Boston's first outdoor padel courts to Spokane's Badgers marking a new era for the Lilac City. The infrastructure boom shows pickleball's geographic spread accelerating rapidly.
Major League Pickleball announced their complete 2026 schedule featuring expanded playoffs, regular season events in team markets, and new group draw formats. With tickets now on sale and detailed match schedules released, MLP is positioning for their biggest season yet.
The PPA Tour's Sacramento Open is missing several notable players, creating opportunities for others to break through. The tournament runs April 13-19 with draws and storylines already generating buzz about potential upsets.
Amazon paddle sales surged 55% to $44 million in 2025, while new companies are solving long-standing paddle problems with innovative designs. The gear arms race is heating up as players demand better equipment at every price point.
Engine becomes official travel partner for PPA and MLP, while 02 Sports Insurance and Park Place Technologies sign major deals. These partnerships signal the sport's maturation into a serious business with professional infrastructure needs.
The normally dominant Johnson duo has had an uncharacteristically down year in mixed doubles by their high standards. This analysis of their step back highlights how competitive the pro scene has become in 2026.
The Carvana PPA Tour is launching 'Partners,' the first reality docuseries inside professional pickleball, premiering May 5th via Shutterstock Studios. The show promises to expose real rivalries and high stakes beyond just scores, potentially bringing mainstream attention to pro pickleball through drama-driven storytelling.
The Fasenra Sacramento Open presented by Zimmer Biomet begins April 13th with professional draws revealed and key storylines emerging. This PPA Tour event is crucial for the Race to the Finals standings with only two events left to earn points for the May Finals in San Clemente.
Read articleJOOLA Pickleball filed a major patent infringement lawsuit against 11 competitor paddle manufacturers this week. This legal action could reshape the paddle industry and affect equipment availability, marking a significant escalation in intellectual property battles within the sport's booming gear market.
Read articleThe 2026 US Open Pickleball Championships are taking place this week in Naples, featuring some of the sport's biggest stars. Indian players Aditya and Arjun made headlines by stunning Americans to clinch U-18 gold, highlighting the tournament's international competitive depth.
Multiple charity pickleball tournaments are taking place across the country, including events supporting shelter projects, CASA organizations, and the Tarver Braddock Foundation. This trend demonstrates pickleball's growing role as a fundraising vehicle for community causes, expanding the sport's social impact beyond recreation.
MLP announced their complete May-August 2026 schedule featuring expanded playoffs, regular season events in team markets, and group draws for upcoming events. The 20-team format includes partnerships with senior leagues and new venue updates, with tickets now on sale through major platforms.
The Carvana PPA Tour announced the Veolia Pickleball National Championships will be held in Cary, North Carolina as the ultimate weeklong celebration combining pro and amateur competition. This represents a major consolidation event for the sport, bringing together different competitive levels in one marquee destination.
Anna Leigh Waters has dominated women's singles for over 675 days without a loss, prompting analysis of which players might finally challenge her supremacy. Her continued dominance raises questions about competitive balance in women's pro pickleball and who could emerge as legitimate threats.
Kittery is closing Emery Field pickleball courts due to noise complaints from residents, highlighting the ongoing tension between pickleball's growth and community concerns. This closure represents broader challenges facing municipalities trying to balance recreational demand with neighbor relations.
Pro pickleball player James Ignatowich discussed his PPA Tour termination at the end of 2025 and his work building RPM from China on the PBallers podcast. His candid interview sheds light on behind-the-scenes tensions in professional pickleball and player-tour relationships.
Tennis maverick Nick Kyrgios shared his thoughts on whether pickleball poses a real threat to tennis, adding star power to the ongoing debate between the sports. His comments highlight the growing cultural conversation about pickleball's rapid rise and its impact on traditional racquet sports.
Read articleThe 19-year-old pickleball queen competed in her first overseas tournament at the PPA Tour Asia MB Hanoi Cup in Vietnam, marking a significant expansion of her global presence. Her participation signals the sport's growing international reach and the marketability of its biggest stars abroad.
Read articleThe PPA Tour announces groundbreaking partnerships with JOMA Sport for footwear and O2 Sports Insurance for comprehensive coverage. These deals represent the sport's maturation into a major professional enterprise, providing players with enhanced support and legitimizing pickleball's commercial viability.
Read articleThe PPA issued a memo confirming that Proton paddles have been banned from professional competition, creating controversy around equipment regulations. This decision highlights ongoing tensions between innovation and fairness in professional pickleball, potentially affecting player sponsorships and tournament dynamics.
Communities nationwide are investing millions in new pickleball facilities, from Rocklin's $2.9M court expansion to new 10-court clubs in Fremont. This infrastructure boom reflects pickleball's sustained growth and municipalities' recognition of the sport's economic and community benefits.
Major League Pickleball introduces Minor League Pickleball (MiLP) Regional Showdowns, creating a direct pathway for amateur players to compete at MLP Pro Events. This represents the sport's most significant grassroots expansion, potentially democratizing access to professional pickleball for recreational players nationwide.
New analysis reveals 11 high-performance pickleball paddles priced under $150, challenging the notion that premium equipment requires premium prices. This development could democratize competitive play by making quality gear accessible to recreational players without breaking the bank.
Major League Pickleball completed its 2026 draft and second trade window, with significant player movement across the 20-team format. These roster changes will dramatically impact team dynamics and competitive balance heading into the new season.
Pickleball tournaments are increasingly being organized for charitable causes, with events raising thousands for soup kitchens, domestic violence prevention, and community organizations. This trend demonstrates the sport's community-minded culture and its potential as a fundraising vehicle.
Major League Pickleball announces partnership with Champions Series Pickleball (CSP) for senior professional play, addressing the growing 50+ demographic. This expansion recognizes pickleball's unique appeal to older athletes and creates new competitive opportunities in an underserved market.
Proton paddles have been officially banned from professional pickleball competition after failing to resolve outstanding debts with the United Pickleball Association (UPA). This marks a significant disruption for players who relied on the brand and highlights ongoing financial instability in the paddle manufacturing sector.
Read articleAn Alabama church painted murals of biblical figures playing sports, including 'Pickleball Paul' alongside 'Air Moses.' The creative approach demonstrates pickleball's cultural penetration into religious communities and its use as a tool for community engagement.
Read articleThe PPA Tour concluded its inaugural event at Black Desert Resort with the Greater Zion Cup tournament. The new venue in Utah's southern desert received praise from players and spectators, marking another successful expansion of professional pickleball into premium resort destinations.
Read articleDhiren Patel was named PPR India Coach of the Year, marking a historic first for Indian pickleball development. This recognition signals the sport's growing international presence and the establishment of formal coaching structures in emerging markets.
Major League Pickleball launched Minor League Pickleball (MiLP) Regional Showdowns to create new pathways for amateur players to reach the professional level. The initiative will take place at select 2026 MLP Pro Events and represents a significant investment in grassroots player development.
Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns maintained their mixed doubles supremacy by winning the Veolia Texas Open, defeating Anna Bright and Hayden Patriquin in the final. Their continued partnership solidifies their position as the sport's premier mixed doubles team heading into the 2026 season.
Major League Pickleball announced a strategic partnership with Champions Series Pickleball (CSP) to develop professional opportunities for senior players. This collaboration addresses the growing 50+ demographic in pickleball and creates a structured pathway for older competitive players.
Multiple charity pickleball tournaments are raising significant funds for causes including breast cancer detection and Alzheimer's research. These events showcase the sport's potential as a fundraising vehicle and its growing role in community health initiatives.
Jeff Webb, mentor to conservative personality Charlie Kirk, died following a freak pickleball accident. The incident has drawn attention to court safety concerns and highlights the sport's reach across diverse communities, including high-profile political circles.
The pickleball paddle industry faces increased scrutiny with debates over USAP approval processes and new foam core technologies like EPP vs. MPP. Recent reviews suggest some paddles are pushing the boundaries of what should be legal, creating tension between innovation and fair play.