National Pickleball League, LLC

Today’s edition of The Dink Pickleball LinkedIn Newsletter explores how Chris Olson swapped solving puzzles for testing paddles and built his reputation as a trusted voice in the pickleball space. The stage is set for the DUPR Collegiate National Championship, with Utah Tech leading as a favorite. This year marks the third championship and the first time it's held in Dallas at the United Pickleball Association World Championships. The Boca Raton Picklers clinched the National Pickleball League, LLC Championship title and a $48,000 prize, topping the NPL standings after season two. Let's wrap up by breaking down how to hit better put away shots! #pickleball #thedinkpickleball #sports #upyourgame

The National Pickleball League is making headlines! Check out this great feature in Forbes, highlighting the DreamCloud NPL Championship weekend and the Boca Raton Picklers becoming 2024 champions. The article examines the origins of the NPL, its growth through its first two seasons, and what is in store going into its third season next year. Read more 🔗

The DreamCloud NPL Championship weekend was one for the books! With three thrilling days of intense pickleball action at The Pickle Lodge in Cincinnati, our Champions Pros battled it out for the ultimate title. The Boca Raton Picklers emerged victorious, claiming first place with grit, determination, and stellar teamwork. The competition was intense, with the Columbus Hotshots earning a well-deserved second place, and the Houston Hammers taking third. From fast-paced rallies to incredible moments of sportsmanship, the weekend was filled with excitement. The Pickle Lodge provided the perfect atmosphere, with fans experiencing an up-close look at the camaraderie that makes the National Pickleball League so special. 2024 was truly unforgettable and we can't wait to see what 2025 has in store.

Exciting partnership announcement! We’re thrilled to share that DreamCloud has joined us as the Title Partner for our Championship event! The DreamCloud NPL Championship kicks off this weekend in Cincinnati, OH, and the thrilling action will air as a two-hour special on CBS Sports Network on Tuesday, December 3rd at 7:00 PM ET. Whether you’re joining us at The Pickle Lodge this weekend or tuning in to the broadcast, be sure to mark your calendars for this unforgettable event. Read more at nplpickleball.com.

Your favorite Wedding Crasher, Dodgeballer, and Swinger is now your favorite pickleballer. A member of the Hollywood comedy elite — Vince Vaughn — purchased a pickleball team. News broke last month that Vaughn acquired a majority stake in the Coachella Valley Scorpions. The Scorpions are an expansion team in the professional league for players aged 50 and over — the National Pickleball League, LLC. Vaughn shared the courts with pro player and Scorpions owner Kim Jagd and had this to say: “I have always enjoyed the game and in meeting Kim I was impressed with her, not only as a player, but her passion and style of coaching. I’m excited to support her and the Scorpions on their journey.” Vaughn is a significant addition to the ownership of the league, both in terms of financing and credibility. Will he bring friends like Owen Wilson, Jon Favreau, and Will Ferrell into the mix as well? If a pickleball movie ever hits the big screen, you have to hope it’s in the hands of the new owner of the Scorpions. This segment is proudly brought to you by The Dink Pickleball Newsletter.

Ready for more competition? We’re thrilled to announce our plans to expand! The National Pickleball League (NPL) is adding at least two new teams for the 2025 season, bringing our league to a minimum of 14 nationwide. The NPL is currently evaluating ownership groups and reviewing indoor pickleball facilities across the country as we continue our exciting growth. Unlike its competitors, the NPL holds tournaments exclusively in indoor venues, ensuring a better competitive experience and mitigating the risks posed by inclement weather. This expansion will create more opportunities for elite players and strengthen our position as the nation’s premier professional 50+ pickleball league! “Adding two new teams for a second consecutive year demonstrates the great momentum our league is experiencing,” said Michael E. Chen, Co-Founder of the National Pickleball League. “With pickleball growing at an unprecedented pace nationwide, our decision to open a process to determine new expansion teams, owners, and host facilities for 2025 reinforces the NPL’s status as a premier destination for professional pickleball.” Interested in learning more? Visit https://lnkd.in/eJXDp9cS to submit an inquiry or view the full release here https://lnkd.in/ee9g3F-i

We're #hiring a new Sports Marketing Intern in New Canaan, Connecticut. Apply today or share this post with your network.

We are thrilled to announce that Sonia Burda has been appointed Chief Financial Officer of the NPL! Sonia B. brings varied leadership experiences to her work as the NPL’s CFO, which includes supporting the league's main strategic objectives of team expansion and audience development. Her background includes successful work in entertainment, digital media, esports, and talent representation, including her most recent role with eOne/Lionsgate. “We are pleased to have a proven leader in finance join the league at this pivotal moment,” said NPL CEO Paul Bamundo. “Sonia’s vast experience leading financial operations, coupled with her passion for pickleball, makes her an ideal fit to lead this important aspect of our business as we continue our rapid growth.” Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Sonia and check out the full release on NPLpickleball.com.

We have a Hollywood Icon in the NPL! Award-winning actor Vince Vaughn has acquired a majority stake in the Coachella Valley Scorpions, one of 12 teams competing in our 50+ pickleball league, says Scorpions’ co-owner Kim Jagd. Well-known for his hit films "Swingers,” “Wedding Crashers,” “Old School,” and “Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story,” among countless other favorites, Vaughn has added pickleball to his list of passions in recent years. “We are thrilled to have an icon like Vince Vaughn illustrate his passion for the game of pickleball by acquiring a majority stake in the Coachella Valley Scorpions,” said NPL CEO Paul Bamundo. “The league has experienced unprecedented growth over the first two seasons, and to have Vaughn’s investment in our league really underscores the surging interest of the sport in California and across the country.” The Scorpions’ co-owner Kim Jagd, who is also a member of the team, will remain with the team as a minority owner following the transaction. Other co-owners include Rob Zwemmer, Ruth Ann Poppa, and Don Zuker. Check out the full release now. #pickleball #pickleballnews #nationalpickleballleague #NPL

Ready to hear how our league will change the future of #Pickleball? NPL™ CEO, Paul Bamundo, and Team Owner, Rommie Maxey, of the Houston Hammers joined Paul Olson for a fantastic conversation about The Future of Pickleball on Selkirk Sport - We are Pickleball TV. Check it out now!