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Today's Picks

How Long Does it Take to Develop a Pickleball Paddle?

A paddle developer reveals the hidden 9-18 month journey behind creating a pickleball paddle, from initial concept through multiple rounds of prototyping, regulatory testing, and production planning. This complex process of research, iteration, and approval challenges explains why genuinely innovative paddles command premium prices while catalog paddles that skip the R&D phase can sell for much less.

October 16, 2025

Guides

Reload CEO Blasts UPA-A as ‘Manipulative Authoritarian Organization’

In a scathing blog post titled "I volunteer as tribute," Reload founder Nick Bićanić publicly questions UPA-A's approach to paddle regulation.

October 1, 2025

Interviews

Who is Kyle Trenga?

The Making of Cupcake Destroyer, the Co-Host of the Pickleball Effect Podcast

October 15, 2025

Interviews

Articles

Major Brands Are Entering the Pickleball Market—And Smaller Brands Should Be Worried

After years of scrappy startups and specialty brands dominating the market, 2026 marks an inflection point: legacy sports giants are finally taking pickleball seriously. With their deep pockets, established distribution networks, and massive marketing budgets, these household names are poised to fundamentally reshape the competitive landscape. Not everyone will survive.

Guides

Selkirk lands $30m to fuel rapid Asia push; poised for acquisitions

First external investment deal values US sports brand at $200m as it seeks foothold in India, Malaysia, Vietnam and Philippines

Interviews

How 11SIX24 Signed Dekel Bar in 3 Weeks: Behind the Deal

How a chance connection, a last-minute paddle approval, and a founder's gut instinct came together in one of pickleball's most unconventional sponsorship deals

TODAY'S PICKS