The Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) and The Tennis Channel are joining forces to amplify the reach and popularity of pickleball. The Tennis Channel will hold the rights to produce and air a majority of the matches on its platforms, and is set to launch a 24/7 free, ad-supported streaming channel, pickleballtv, dedicated exclusively to the sport. This collaboration coincides with the merger of the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball, marking a significant step in bringing pickleball to a wider audience and enhancing the viewing experience for fans.

Sources tell The Dink that tennis' all-time winning doubles team and global ambassadors, Bob and Mike Bryan, are in serious talks to sign a long-term deal with Major League Pickleball (MLP) and the Pro Pickleball Association Tour (PPA Tour).

In a rare display of bipartisan unity, U.S. senators are laying down their legislative swords for pickleball paddles. The Senate pickleball caucus, including senators Thom Tillis, Shelley Moore Capito, and Joni Ernst, meets weekly to engage in the sport, setting aside political differences and fostering human connections. Amid the pressing concerns of federal spending and potential government shutdown, the pickleball court emerges as a haven of camaraderie and interpersonal communication, transcending party lines and promoting physical activity within the legislative community.

In response to the rising noise complaints surrounding pickleball, USA Pickleball is introducing a "quiet category" to promote and advance quieter equipment. Despite its booming popularity, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, the sport's noise level, which is about twice as loud as tennis, has led to neighborhood disputes and court closures. This initiative by USA Pickleball aims to address these concerns by working collaboratively with manufacturers and facilities to develop solutions that will support the sport's continued growth while maintaining harmony in communities.

A devastating fire has obliterated the pickleball equipment storage facility in Memorial Park, Santa Monica, leaving the community in dismay. The blaze, which consumed all the equipment including nets, paddles, and balls, has rendered the popular pickleball location nonoperational. The authorities, while having extinguished the fire promptly, are in the midst of an investigation, considering arson as a potential cause. The incident has left many residents without a place to play, highlighting the significant impact on the community and the sport's growth in the region.

Austin welcomes the Other Racquet Social Club, a members-only pickleball facility that marries the charm of country clubs with the rapidly growing sport of pickleball. The club boasts three tournament-standard courts, luxurious cabanas, a clubhouse, and a private dining area. As pickleball's popularity surges in the U.S., this club, opening its doors on Friday, offers a unique blend of exclusivity and sport, catering to the city's enthusiastic pickleball community.

This year, I’ve surfed on some unexpected surfaces. Sure, I checked off the usual water, but I also surfed on concrete with a surfskate, in an ice rink with a pair of blades under a board, and off a dirt hill on a mountainboard. In June, I was surfskating in Santa Monica when I skidded into ESPN’s airing of the Teqball tournament final. A cross between soccer, volleyball and table tennis, Teqball is played on a curved table that can cost more than $3,000.

In the dynamic world of pickleball, agility is your best ally, and the right pair of shoes can significantly enhance your performance on the court. Enter the Skechers Viper Court Pro, a shoe that promises not only to boost your speed but also to provide the balance needed to excel in the game. Retailing at $115, it features a Goodyear Gold rubber compound outsole, a TPU-based foam midsole, and a webbed mesh upper. The shoe is available in a variety of colors, catering to both men and women. Designed for aggressive movers in need of moderate stability and dedicated players seeking a durable, long-lasting shoe, it stands as a promising choice for pickleball enthusiasts.

Larks Entertainment is betting big on shuffleboard as the next 'eatertainment' sensation, with plans to open a sprawling 25,000 square feet venue in Fairview Town Center, near U.S. 75. The Southlake-based company is venturing into a market where pickleball has been reigning supreme, to test the waters for shuffleboard's potential success. Slated to open in December, the venue will house a cocktail bar, restaurant, shuffleboard courts, and other nostalgic games, offering a fresh addition to the community's entertainment landscape. The initiative is backed by Woodmont Co., which facilitated the lease negotiation for the space located at 351 Town Place.

In the ever-evolving world of racquet sports, a new contender is vying for the hearts of enthusiasts in the U.S. — padel. This sport, which originated in Mexico and has been a staple in Spain for decades, is making waves in the U.S., promising an athletically challenging and dynamic experience. As I step onto the court for the first time, the "BOOM" sound that resonates from the paddle striking the ball is both surprising and exhilarating, a departure from the familiar sounds of ping-pong or pickleball.

Pickleball enthusiasts, mark your calendars for a three-day pickleball extravaganza at the National Mall from September 28 to September 30. The Trust for the National Mall, in collaboration with healthcare company Humana, is setting up nine pickleball courts at the JFK Hockey Fields for free gameplay and clinics. Starting September 14, at 12 PM, players can reserve a spot to enjoy the sport that has rapidly grown to become a favorite in the nation. The event promises not only games but also clinics guided by pros from the DC Pickleball Team, catering to beginners as well as advanced players.

Pickleball players, there's good news for those suffering from the dreaded tennis elbow, a condition characterized by pain, weakness, and inflammation or degeneration of the wrist-extensor tendon that connects to the elbow. Researchers from the Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma at Lenox Hill Hospital have discovered a cost-effective treatment using a simple rubber bar. This low-tech solution, priced under $20, was found to significantly reduce elbow pain and increase strength in a group of individuals who engaged in a specially designed exercise regimen using the bar.

After a period of uncertainty and a falling out that threatened to derail their initial agreement, Major League Pickleball (MLP) and the PPA Tour have decided to merge. This development, which aims to unify the sport and foster robust business opportunities, is supported by a substantial $50 million investment spearheaded by SC Holdings, PPA Tour owner Tom Dundon, and several MLP owners. The merger promises to bring clarity and consistency to the rapidly growing professional pickleball landscape, offering both players and fans a unified organization that encompasses the strengths of both leagues.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has voiced concerns over the name of the newly formed National Collegiate Pickleball Association (NCPA), citing potential trademark infringement. The NCPA, founded by 22-year-old Noah Suemnick, aims to unify pickleball and college sports, planning its inaugural tournament in San Diego this March. The NCAA, which hasn't sanctioned pickleball as an official sport, fears the similarity between the acronyms could foster confusion and unfair competition.

Pickleball, the sport that has been sweeping the nation for the past five years, is not just a game; it's a booming market with a promising future for investors. The sport has seen an unprecedented surge in popularity, with over 48 million U.S. adults trying their hand at pickleball in the last year. This surge has brought forth a plethora of opportunities in various sectors, including equipment manufacturing, apparel production, and e-commerce platforms. Here, we delve into three stocks that stand to benefit significantly from the pickleball boom.

In a pivotal move, Eugenie Bouchard, the former world No. 5 tennis player, has signed with the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour for the 2024 season. This marks a significant milestone in the 29-year-old Canadian athlete's career, which saw her reach the pinnacle during the 2014 season with a Wimbledon final appearance.

Could pickleball be the answer to America’s big-box retail crisis? In Santa Monica, it may be a start.

Pickle Pop, an indoor pickleball venue where players can reserve court time, opened its doors on Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade, one of the city’s popular shopping areas, on Saturday. Part sports club, part clothing retailer, part restaurant, Pickle Pop positions itself as an inviting space for serious athletes and social picklers alike, offering a relatively affordable alternative to waiting in line to play at public parks.

In a bid to address the rising noise complaints from residents living near pickleball courts, the city of Long Beach is taking decisive steps to enhance the pickleball infrastructure in the region. The Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine Department has announced the construction of 16 new pickleball courts, strategically located away from residential areas to mitigate noise disturbances.

In recent years, pickleball has evolved from a recreational activity to a lifestyle, influencing not just the sports industry but the retail landscape at large. This transformation is vividly seen in the shopping habits of enthusiasts like Kinsey Watkins, who has invested around $1000 in just three months on pickleball gear, including stylish tennis dresses and skirts to look "cute and stylish" while playing.