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New Global PickleBall Tour Will Offer $15 Million in Prize Money.
The Times Group, the India-based multi-billion dollar media conglomerate, has funded the launch of Pickleball World Rankings (PWR), the Pickleball World Series, and the PWR World Tour.
The Times Group, also known as Bennett Coleman & Company Limited (BCCL), is a family-owned Indian media conglomerate that was founded in 1838.
The group is headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, and has a presence across all media platforms, including newspapers, magazines, books, TV, radio, the internet, event management, outdoor display, music, and movies.
The Times Group, the India-based multi-billion dollar media conglomerate, has funded the launch of Pickleball World Rankings (PWR), the Pickleball World Series, and the PWR World Tour.
The Times Group, also known as Bennett Coleman & Company Limited (BCCL), is a family-owned Indian media conglomerate that was founded in 1838.
The group is headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, and has a presence across all media platforms, including newspapers, magazines, books, TV, radio, the internet, event management, outdoor display, music, and movies.
** Latest Joola vs USA PickleBall Lawsuit Update **
USAP has filed a motion to dismiss (MTD), which is available here. I will review USAP's motion later today and offer my thoughts, if anyone is interested.
USAP has retained Bryan Cave, a respected firm.
The drafting of the motion comes at considerable expense to USAP, which tells me a settlement is not on the immediate horizon, as some have predicted.
Edit: Joola's Opposition will be due in August, with a hearing likely set for September. Discovery will commence in the meantime.
Expect a ruling in September or October.
USAP has retained Bryan Cave, a respected firm.
The drafting of the motion comes at considerable expense to USAP, which tells me a settlement is not on the immediate horizon, as some have predicted.
Edit: Joola's Opposition will be due in August, with a hearing likely set for September. Discovery will commence in the meantime.
Expect a ruling in September or October.
JOOLA has filed a lawsuit against USA Pickleball (USAP) to address the de-listing of their Gen 3 paddles from the USAP approved paddle list.
According to a press release, JOOLA filed the lawsuit on June 12, 2024 in the United States District Court for Maryland.
"We firmly believe our Gen3 paddles are compliant with all applicable published rules (as evidenced by their prior approval) and should not have been removed from the Approved Paddle List," the statement says.
"We are disappointed that we were forced to resort to legal measures, but after pursuing multiple avenues in attempts to reach a mutually acceptable resolution, we believe the filing of this suit was both warranted and necessary."
JOOLA says they will continue to prioritize the needs of their customers who have been impacted by the de-listing. The company have offered refunds for paddles affected by the decision.
According to a press release, JOOLA filed the lawsuit on June 12, 2024 in the United States District Court for Maryland.
"We firmly believe our Gen3 paddles are compliant with all applicable published rules (as evidenced by their prior approval) and should not have been removed from the Approved Paddle List," the statement says.
"We are disappointed that we were forced to resort to legal measures, but after pursuing multiple avenues in attempts to reach a mutually acceptable resolution, we believe the filing of this suit was both warranted and necessary."
JOOLA says they will continue to prioritize the needs of their customers who have been impacted by the de-listing. The company have offered refunds for paddles affected by the decision.
A Montgomery County-based pickleball equipment company is the center of a prospective class-action lawsuit, with JOOLA standing accused of making paddles that were not approved by the sport’s governing body.
The plaintiffs are seeking refunds and compensatory damages and costs for “economic loss, restitution and disgorgement of all profits.”
The case was filed June 5 in U.S. District Court in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Gregory Matus, a Fort Lauderdale resident, said in the lawsuit that Sport Squad, Inc., which does business as JOOLA, marketed and sold pickleball paddles as if USA Pickleball had approved them.
The plaintiffs are seeking refunds and compensatory damages and costs for “economic loss, restitution and disgorgement of all profits.”
The case was filed June 5 in U.S. District Court in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Gregory Matus, a Fort Lauderdale resident, said in the lawsuit that Sport Squad, Inc., which does business as JOOLA, marketed and sold pickleball paddles as if USA Pickleball had approved them.
DALLAS, TX - As if there weren’t already enough acronyms in pickleball, there’s now a new one to keep track of: UPA.
That stands for United Pickleball Association, which was announced as the name of the merged organization housing both the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball.
That stands for United Pickleball Association, which was announced as the name of the merged organization housing both the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball.
Will Daughton
Mar 27, 2024
Mar 27, 2024
FORBES.com Jan 25, 2024
We’re deep into the pickleball craze in the United States, with participation numbers continuing to swell and demand rising for courts nationwide.
At the same time, we’re seeing opportunistic operators take over abandoned shopping malls and move into spaces once occupied by big-box stores that are falling on hard times.
One of the biggest names in the pickleball-goes-to-the-mall trend is none other than the Major League Pickleball founder Steve Kuhn, with his appropriately named “Pickle mall” concept; he’s already making nationwide plans for construction.
But Kuhn is by no means the only player in the market, and we’ve already seen dozens of indoor facilities open around the country.
At the same time, we’re seeing opportunistic operators take over abandoned shopping malls and move into spaces once occupied by big-box stores that are falling on hard times.
One of the biggest names in the pickleball-goes-to-the-mall trend is none other than the Major League Pickleball founder Steve Kuhn, with his appropriately named “Pickle mall” concept; he’s already making nationwide plans for construction.
But Kuhn is by no means the only player in the market, and we’ve already seen dozens of indoor facilities open around the country.
WhatNowCharleston.com Lisa Hay Dec. 5, 2023
Pickleball Kingdom, a leading name in the world of pickleball, announced a partnership with Kelly and Christopher Ogden, CEO of RT2 Holdings and past franchisees with Orangetheory Fitness, Restore Hyper Wellness & Cryotherapy, and Tony Roma’s Restaurant. This couple is set to bring indoor pickleball to the Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, and Charleston Metro areas through a significant 6-club deal.
“Pickleball is the fastest-growing sports in the United States, and we believe that the Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, and Charleston Metro areas are ripe for the growth of indoor pickleball facilities,” said Ace Rodrigues, CEO of Pickleball Kingdom in a statement.
“Pickleball is the fastest-growing sports in the United States, and we believe that the Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, and Charleston Metro areas are ripe for the growth of indoor pickleball facilities,” said Ace Rodrigues, CEO of Pickleball Kingdom in a statement.
Major League Pickleball in an email sent to players is requesting that they "consent to compensation reductions” of 40% in return for a "reduction of work obligation,” according to Jessica Golden of CNBC.com. The league’s proposal asks players to "reduce their number of annual work days from 200 to 120" and indicates it would "cut their salaries proportionally."
The warring pro tours (the Professional Pickleball Association and Major League Pickleball) released press releases to journalists and on their respective websites simultaneously at 9:30am on 9/13/23 announcing a “Full Merger to create a Unified Professional Pickleball Organization.” The two tours have apparently agreed to “merge under a unified and definitive professional pickleball holding company” which will be led by a board of directors that will oversee the independently operating entities.
The make-up of the Board of Directors of the new parent company seems to be pretty important to the future of decision making for the merged entities. Only five names were announced:
Stein presumably has the spot to oversee his firm’s $50M investment, but he is aligned with the SpringHill company (the investment arm of LeBron James/Maverick Carter, who owns a piece of the New York MLP team. Tylis and Kuhn are obviously in the MLP camp. Levine is the former CEO of MLP. So at first glance, unless there’s more PPA-centric members of this board left unannounced, this group seems heavily weighted towards MLP’s vision of the sport moving forward.
- Jason Stein from SC Holdings
- D.C. Pickleball Team owner Al Tylis
- PPA Tour owner Tom Dundon
- MLP founder Steve Kuhn
- Goldman Sachs Partner Brian Levine.
Stein presumably has the spot to oversee his firm’s $50M investment, but he is aligned with the SpringHill company (the investment arm of LeBron James/Maverick Carter, who owns a piece of the New York MLP team. Tylis and Kuhn are obviously in the MLP camp. Levine is the former CEO of MLP. So at first glance, unless there’s more PPA-centric members of this board left unannounced, this group seems heavily weighted towards MLP’s vision of the sport moving forward.
The major forces in professional U.S. pickleball are finally coming together. Again.
Major League Pickleball is merging with the PPA Tour with a new $50 million investment to fuel the new entity.
The brands will remain distinct, but the merger aims to eliminate schedule conflicts and competition over players. The funding round was led by SC Holdings and MLP team owner Al Tylis, with participation from PPA Tour owner Tom Dundon and other MLP team owners.
“The holding company unifying the PPA Tour and MLP will create a streamlined sport for fans and add more meaningful opportunities for player competition, broadcasting rights, and sponsorship throughout the professional pickleball calendar,” said Dundon.
Major League Pickleball is merging with the PPA Tour with a new $50 million investment to fuel the new entity.
The brands will remain distinct, but the merger aims to eliminate schedule conflicts and competition over players. The funding round was led by SC Holdings and MLP team owner Al Tylis, with participation from PPA Tour owner Tom Dundon and other MLP team owners.
“The holding company unifying the PPA Tour and MLP will create a streamlined sport for fans and add more meaningful opportunities for player competition, broadcasting rights, and sponsorship throughout the professional pickleball calendar,” said Dundon.
On Thursday, the Pro Pickleball Association (PPA) announced that FanDuel Sportsbook would immediately start taking bets on its matches in 10 U.S. states and one Canadian province (Ontario), marking the first time legal pickleball wagering will occur on North American soil.
The PPA has been methodically laying the groundwork for wagering on the sport since it struck a deal granting exclusive data rights to Genius Sports back in June 2021. The states where FanDuel account holders will be able to wager on PPA matches — starting with the Vulcan Kansas City Open, which runs from this Thursday through Sunday — are Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Oregon, Tennessee, Washington, and Wyoming.
The PPA has been methodically laying the groundwork for wagering on the sport since it struck a deal granting exclusive data rights to Genius Sports back in June 2021. The states where FanDuel account holders will be able to wager on PPA matches — starting with the Vulcan Kansas City Open, which runs from this Thursday through Sunday — are Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Oregon, Tennessee, Washington, and Wyoming.
SC Resorts and Hotels are Picking up Pickleball as New Business Priority
Jul 1, 2023
The popular court sport game is reshaping how visitor industry destinations are approaching their activity programs, including the hiring of professional “picklers.”
Some visitors choose resorts for the spa, pool, restaurant or view.And there are others who are drawn to the court — the pickleball court, that is.
The popular court sport game is reshaping how visitor industry destinations are approaching their activity programs, including the hiring of teaching professionals.
Jul 1, 2023
The popular court sport game is reshaping how visitor industry destinations are approaching their activity programs, including the hiring of professional “picklers.”
Some visitors choose resorts for the spa, pool, restaurant or view.And there are others who are drawn to the court — the pickleball court, that is.
The popular court sport game is reshaping how visitor industry destinations are approaching their activity programs, including the hiring of teaching professionals.
By Tony Aiello @ CBS New York
Court space is at such a premium, the YMCA in New Rochelle put temporary PickleBall setups on its basketball court.
"Demand is there. Demand is absolutely there," said Marcelo Verdesoto of the New Rochelle YMCA.
Which is why a group of local entrepreneurs is repurposing the old Saks Off Fifth space at the Stamford Town Center to create PickleBall America. With 28 courts, it will be the largest indoor PickleBall center in the United States.
"We're looking forward to just uniting all walks of people and inspiring them to play pickle," said Mia Schipani, one of the principals behind PickleBall America.
The family that owns Safavieh Furnishings bought the Stamford Town Center three years ago and says indoor PickleBall will help position the mall as a regional wellness and entertainment center.
Court space is at such a premium, the YMCA in New Rochelle put temporary PickleBall setups on its basketball court.
"Demand is there. Demand is absolutely there," said Marcelo Verdesoto of the New Rochelle YMCA.
Which is why a group of local entrepreneurs is repurposing the old Saks Off Fifth space at the Stamford Town Center to create PickleBall America. With 28 courts, it will be the largest indoor PickleBall center in the United States.
"We're looking forward to just uniting all walks of people and inspiring them to play pickle," said Mia Schipani, one of the principals behind PickleBall America.
The family that owns Safavieh Furnishings bought the Stamford Town Center three years ago and says indoor PickleBall will help position the mall as a regional wellness and entertainment center.
A new PickleBall-centric food and entertainment concept backed by NFL stars including Rob Gronkowski is headed to Orlando.
South Carolina-based Crush Yard Pickleball Club & Restaurant, a new chain set to open its first location in the Charleston, South Carolina area, has signed a lease to occupy a 50,000-square-foot space at 7840 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway/U.S. Highway 192 in Kissimmee, Orlando Business Journal has learned.
South Carolina-based Crush Yard Pickleball Club & Restaurant, a new chain set to open its first location in the Charleston, South Carolina area, has signed a lease to occupy a 50,000-square-foot space at 7840 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway/U.S. Highway 192 in Kissimmee, Orlando Business Journal has learned.
New York CNN — Pop. Pop. Pop. Pop.
The sound and disruption from pickleball, America’s fastest-growing sport, is driving some neighbors, tennis players, parents of young children, and others crazy.
Homeowners groups and local residents in dozens of towns and cities have rallied to limit pickleball play and block the development of new courts. They are circulating petitions, filing lawsuits, and speaking out at council and town hall meetings to slow the audible spread of pickleball frenzy across the country.
The number of people playing pickleball grew by 159% over three years to 8.9 million in 2022, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, a trade group.
The sound and disruption from pickleball, America’s fastest-growing sport, is driving some neighbors, tennis players, parents of young children, and others crazy.
Homeowners groups and local residents in dozens of towns and cities have rallied to limit pickleball play and block the development of new courts. They are circulating petitions, filing lawsuits, and speaking out at council and town hall meetings to slow the audible spread of pickleball frenzy across the country.
The number of people playing pickleball grew by 159% over three years to 8.9 million in 2022, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, a trade group.
New Estimated Growth Study
CNBC News
Jan 5th, 2023
CNBC News
Jan 5th, 2023
Pro PickleBall Merger
Nov 9, 2022
Major League PickleBall & VIBE / PPA
release a mutual intention statement.
Fake News ??!??
Nov 9, 2022
Major League PickleBall & VIBE / PPA
release a mutual intention statement.
Fake News ??!??
Entrepreneurs Invest $180 Million for 15 Indoor Private Pickleball Clubs in Florida
SARASOTA, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Commercial real estate entrepreneurs Brian and Valerie McCarthy, along with business partner Matthew Gordon, have set their sights on Florida for deploying more than $180 million to build at least 15 indoor private pickleball clubs. The first venture, under construction now is The Pickleball Club’s Sarasota location, by Lakewood Ranch. This, and all locations will be members only, privately-owned, for-profit sports clubs, fulfilling the niche for indoor amenity based pickleball play.
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New Yorker
7/05/2022
7/05/2022
NY Times
6/16/2022
6/16/2022
Lucky Shots
Charleston Daily 6/14/2022
New York POST 6/2/2022
Scott Mannetta @ LTP Daniel Island SC
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Selkirk Sport Celebrates National PickleBall Month (April)
Announces Plans to Donate 1,000 Paddles Through “Selkirk Growth Program”
To celebrate National Pickleball Month (April), Selkirk Sport, the leading Pickleball paddle and accessories brand, today announced the “Selkirk Growth Program,” a promotional initiative whereby the Company will donate 1,000 paddles to schools and youth organizations, first responders and charitable organizations – to further support the growth of Pickleball at the grassroots level.
To kick off the campaign, Selkirk Sport donated 300 paddles to the USA Pickleball Association’s Junior Program and equipped the Los Angeles Bell Fire Station with a collection of paddles for their new pickleball court on-site at the station.
Pickleball, an exciting sport that combines elements of Tennis, Badminton, and Ping Pong, today has more than 3.3 million players and is one of the fastest growing sports in the USA. As part of the “Selkirk Growth Program,” Tyson McGuffin, the No 1 ranked professional Pickleball player in the world, alongside Selkirk Sport Co-founders, Rob and Mike Barnes, will distribute paddles to philanthropic organizations in conjunction with select professional tournaments throughout the season.
In executing the paddle giveaway promotion, Selkirk Sport is once again taking a leadership position in driving the sport of Pickleball to new heights, as this news comes on the heels of the Company increasing its professional prize pool to $300,000 in 2019, a 50-percent increase from 2018. To complement Selkirk’s support of National Pickleball Month, special events and promotions are being implemented by the USA Pickleball Association’s ambassadors and partner organizations to further increase awareness of Pickleball in local markets across the USA.
“Donating 1,000 paddles is a strong statement that reinforces our commitment to helping drive the surging growth and popularity of pickleball nationwide,” said Rob Barnes, Co-founder, Selkirk Sport. “In addition to supporting the growth of the professional game, it’s important to give back, and through this program individuals from all backgrounds will have an opportunity to experience the game of Pickleball in communities across the country.”
About Selkirk Sport
Selkirk Sport, based in Hayden, Idaho offers a full line-up of paddles for players of all skill levels, highlighted by the innovative AMPED Series, currently used by many top professional players, including 30-year old Tyson McGuffin, the No.1 ranked singles player in the world; Kaitlyn Christian, a 27-year old Professional Tennis Player ranked 38 in the world in Doubles by the WTA; JoAnne Russell, 1977 Wimbledon Doubles Champion; Cammy MacGregor, former Top 75 Professional Tennis Player, 2018 US Open Senior Pickleball Singles Champion and winner of the 2018 USA Pickleball National Championships in Senior Singles and Doubles, among others.
For more information on the “Selkirk Growth Program” please visit selkirk.com/growth-program.
Announces Plans to Donate 1,000 Paddles Through “Selkirk Growth Program”
To celebrate National Pickleball Month (April), Selkirk Sport, the leading Pickleball paddle and accessories brand, today announced the “Selkirk Growth Program,” a promotional initiative whereby the Company will donate 1,000 paddles to schools and youth organizations, first responders and charitable organizations – to further support the growth of Pickleball at the grassroots level.
To kick off the campaign, Selkirk Sport donated 300 paddles to the USA Pickleball Association’s Junior Program and equipped the Los Angeles Bell Fire Station with a collection of paddles for their new pickleball court on-site at the station.
Pickleball, an exciting sport that combines elements of Tennis, Badminton, and Ping Pong, today has more than 3.3 million players and is one of the fastest growing sports in the USA. As part of the “Selkirk Growth Program,” Tyson McGuffin, the No 1 ranked professional Pickleball player in the world, alongside Selkirk Sport Co-founders, Rob and Mike Barnes, will distribute paddles to philanthropic organizations in conjunction with select professional tournaments throughout the season.
In executing the paddle giveaway promotion, Selkirk Sport is once again taking a leadership position in driving the sport of Pickleball to new heights, as this news comes on the heels of the Company increasing its professional prize pool to $300,000 in 2019, a 50-percent increase from 2018. To complement Selkirk’s support of National Pickleball Month, special events and promotions are being implemented by the USA Pickleball Association’s ambassadors and partner organizations to further increase awareness of Pickleball in local markets across the USA.
“Donating 1,000 paddles is a strong statement that reinforces our commitment to helping drive the surging growth and popularity of pickleball nationwide,” said Rob Barnes, Co-founder, Selkirk Sport. “In addition to supporting the growth of the professional game, it’s important to give back, and through this program individuals from all backgrounds will have an opportunity to experience the game of Pickleball in communities across the country.”
About Selkirk Sport
Selkirk Sport, based in Hayden, Idaho offers a full line-up of paddles for players of all skill levels, highlighted by the innovative AMPED Series, currently used by many top professional players, including 30-year old Tyson McGuffin, the No.1 ranked singles player in the world; Kaitlyn Christian, a 27-year old Professional Tennis Player ranked 38 in the world in Doubles by the WTA; JoAnne Russell, 1977 Wimbledon Doubles Champion; Cammy MacGregor, former Top 75 Professional Tennis Player, 2018 US Open Senior Pickleball Singles Champion and winner of the 2018 USA Pickleball National Championships in Senior Singles and Doubles, among others.
For more information on the “Selkirk Growth Program” please visit selkirk.com/growth-program.
NBC April 2019
Charleston 2018
Scott Eisberg ABC Channel 4 SPORTS
Charleston SC
June 2018
Charleston SC
June 2018
