They’re in a league of their own, y’all. The National Pickleball League (NPL), launched with six pro pickleball teams less than a year ago, already has a full season of competing under its belt, traveling from coast-to-coast with standing-room only crowds cheering on their hometown favorites as if they were the local high school football team.
Since its 2021 launch, APA has experienced the expotential growth mirroring that pickleball's mass appeal. From 2022 to 2023, the tournament went from hosting 30 to 60 events nationwide, serving approximately 200 amateur players per tournament. APA's success can be attributed to its 'Player-first' approach, serving-up an increasing portfolio of amenities at its tournaments estimated to serve approximately 20,000 players across the U.S. in 2023.
There's good reason Jill and Denise, both from Santa Barbara, CA, are nicknamed "HAMMER & SHARK" - as doubles partners they live-up to the name and have fun while competing - end result: taking home GOLD!
Meet Leslie Maltz, the visionary Director & Owner of Warner Center Pickelball the largest #1 pickleball facility in southern California's prestigious San Fernando Valley. Leslie's understanding of the pickleball enthusiast mindset is unmatched - she's the founder who concepted the rooftop pickleball courts as well as designed the facility, paying attention to every detail, including coordinating her amazing athleisure wear with the courts!
Check-out the hottest segment of the fastest growing sport in the U.S. - Minor League Pickleball (MiLP) and you'll see why MiLP is taking off across the 18-36 player demographic. MiLP is more than a stepping stone to Major League Pickleball - MiLP is in a league all-of-its-own, led by the indomitable Commissioner Jake Hobaugh and Head of Operations Cesar Clemente with their talented, hands-on team, there's no stopping MiLP's momentum.
If you want the best of both worlds, watch women playing pickleball -- or better yet, if you're a woman, pick-up a pickleball paddle if you haven't already.
If there's a Pickleball Heaven, it was thriving at the Coachella Valley Pickleball Tournament hosted last month in the stunningly beautiful Indio desert.