• PickleBrief
  • Posts
  • Pickleball's Global Surge: From Maccabiah Games to Your Backyard 🌍🏓

Pickleball's Global Surge: From Maccabiah Games to Your Backyard 🌍🏓

Pickleball's Going Global: From Backyard to World Stage 🌍🏓

TL;DR:

Pickleball's hitting the big leagues, folks. It's making its debut at the 2025 Maccabiah Games in Israel. Talk about a glow-up.

  • Pickleball's joining the party at the 2025 Maccabiah Games. First time ever. Big deal.

  • 48 million Americans are playing pickleball now. That's insane growth.

  • Israel's catching the pickleball bug too. New courts popping up thanks to the Israel Pickleball Association.

  • This Maccabiah Games appearance could be a stepping stone to the Olympics. Fingers crossed.

Why this matters:

Look, pickleball's not just a backyard game anymore. It's going global, and fast. This Maccabiah Games debut? It's huge. Shows how far we've come and where we're headed.

48 million players in the U.S. alone? That's no joke. And now it's spreading overseas. Israel's building courts, people are picking up paddles... it's happening.

The Maccabiah Games are a big deal. It's like the Jewish Olympics. Pickleball being there puts us on the world stage. It's not just about the sport - it's about bringing people together. That's what pickleball does best.

And let's talk Olympics. This Maccabiah appearance? It could be our ticket in. Olympic recognition would be game-changing for pickleball. More exposure, more players, more opportunities for everyone in the sport.

Zane Navratil Backs MLP, Calls for Constructive Feedback 🤜🤛

TL;DR:

Now, switching gears. Zane Navratil's weighing in on the MLP drama. Here's the deal:

  • Zane's responding to Collin Johns' email about MLP conditions. Drama central, I know.

  • He's actually praising MLP's format. Says it mixes things up, keeps it exciting for players and fans.

  • Zane's big on MLP's scoring system. Keeps everyone in the game, adds some spice.

  • He's calling for constructive feedback. Wants to make the sport better for everyone.

Why it matters:

Zane's take is important. MLP's still figuring itself out, and player feedback is crucial.

I've played MLP. It's a different beast. The format, the scoring - it's all designed to keep things intense. Zane's right about that. It's not perfect, but it's pushing the sport forward.

What Zane's saying about constructive feedback? That's key. We can't just complain. We need to offer solutions. It's about finding that sweet spot between what's good for players and what's exciting for fans.

The sport's growing fast. MLP, the PPA, APP - they're all part of that growth. We need to be thinking about how to make pickleball better, more exciting, more sustainable. That's what Zane's getting at.

It's an exciting time for pickleball, folks. From the Maccabiah Games to MLP drama, we're seeing the sport evolve right before our eyes.

Jack Sock's back in KC, this time playing pickle! 🏓

Selkirk sponsored athlete, Jack Sock returns to KC

TL;DR:

Former tennis star Jack Sock is back in Kansas City, diving into the pickleball scene with two pro events at his old training grounds. He's repping the New York Hustlers in MLP and pumping up the local pickleball community for the PPA tournament.

  • Jack Sock, ex-tennis pro, is all in on pickleball now and bringing his game back to KC

  • Two big pickleball events are going down at Sock's former training spot

  • Sock's playing for the New York Hustlers in MLP, aiming to boost pickleball's profile in KC

Why this matters:

Sock switching from tennis to pickleball isn't just about one dude changing sports - it's a sign of pickleball's growing clout in the sports world. His KC connections are stirring up local pride and getting more folks interested in the game. It's a reminder that KC's got a legacy of breeding top-notch athletes and fostering a tight-knit sports community.

Pickleball Pro Juggles Med School and Military Duty 🏓📚🎖️

Selkirk sponsored athlete, Rachel Summers

TL;DR:

Rachel Summers is crushing it in pickleball while juggling med school and military service. Talk about a triple threat.

  • Bay Area Breakers previously snagged Rachel in the MLP draft. She's already bagged back-to-back MLP Challenger titles.

  • Third-year med student aiming to dive into forensic pathology. Somehow making it all work with her military commitments.

  • Rachel's showing us you can chase multiple dreams at once. Pretty damn inspiring if you ask me.

Why this matters:

Rachel's journey is a straight-up masterclass in chasing your passions. She's proving you can ball out on the pickleball court, hit the books, and serve your country all at the same time. It's a reminder that we don't have to pick just one path in life. You can go all-in on multiple fronts and still excel.

So next time you're feeling stretched thin or wondering if you can take on that extra challenge, think of Rachel. She's out there putting in work on multiple fronts, showing us what's possible when you refuse to limit yourself.

The Picklr's Colorado takeover! 🏓

Yates at a Picklr Location

TL;DR:

Colorado Pickleball ADA LLC, co-owned by the original 🐐 of pickleball Kyle Yates, is dropping 15 new Picklr franchises along the Front Range, aiming to make Colorado a pickleball paradise and get more people in on the action.

  • Colorado Pickleball ADA LLC's adding 15 new Picklr locations from Cheyenne to Castle Rock

  • They're looking to meet the surging pickleball demand and making the sport more accessible

  • This expansion's turning Colorado into a major pickleball hub

  • It's not just about courts - it's about building a pickleball community and getting everyone involved

Why this matters:

This Picklr expansion shows Colorado's going all-in on pickleball, which is great for public health and community vibes. As pickleball fever spreads, these new spots will make it easier for everyone to get in on the fun, regardless of age or skill level. It's a smart move that'll likely pay off in healthier, more connected communities.

Chandler's pickleball court bonanza! 🏓

TL;DR:

Chandler, Arizona's dropping $1.8 million to add 18 new pickleball courts, bumping their total to 28. They're aiming to have the new digs ready by next fall, complete with fancy LED lighting. Arizona local governments have long been investing in pickleball, the rest of the country needs to take notice.

  • Chandler's adding 18 new pickleball courts, bringing their total to 28

  • City Council's approved $1.8 million for the project, meeting the growing pickleball demand

  • New courts will have LED lighting and should be ready to roll by next fall

  • While they're at it, the City Council's also tackling some environmental issues

Why this matters:

Chandler's big investment in pickleball shows they're serious about community health and recreation. It's not just about keeping up with trends - it's about making the city a more attractive place to live and play. This proactive approach to urban development and community wellness could set a example for other cities looking to up their game.

Glendale's new pickleball paradise! 🎾

TL;DR:

Keeping the Arizona trend of opening new pickleball courts continues as Center Court Pickleball Club is opening a sweet new facility in Glendale, Arizona this September. We're talking 16 top-notch courts and a bunch of programs to get people hooked on pickleball.

  • Center Court Pickleball Club's new 47k sq ft spot in Glendale's opening in September

  • They're packing in 16 high-end courts and offering all sorts of training and competition programs

  • The goal? Make Glendale a pickleball hotspot and get people living that healthy pickleball life

  • They've got founders membership options at $129 and open for families and newbies, trying to build a real pickleball community

Why this matters:

This new Center Court Pickleball Club isn't just about riding the pickleball wave - it's about creating a hub for community engagement, wellness, and social interaction. By offering a top-notch facility and diverse programs, Glendale's positioning itself as a key player in the pickleball scene. It's a smart move that could pay off big time in terms of community health and local pride.

Until next time, keep those paddles swinging! 🏓

Reply

or to participate.