Billionaire all in on Pickleball

Wake up!

It’s Sunday… and you know what that means?

It’s DINKING time!

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The PPA has better distribution than Walter White

Right off the heels of inking a deal with CBS and ESPN, the PPA came outta nowhere this week (seemingly) that they’ll be streaming on Amazon Prime for this weekend’s Atlanta Open. Hype video, here.

Can we all pile in Jeff Bezos’s backyard for the Sunday finals?

Fad, Schmad…

Gary Vee says pickleball is here to stay. What do you think?

Can pickleball sustain growth and fill stadiums one day?

Billionaire Pickleball Club has a ring to it

Billionaire and co-owner of The Lions (w/ tennis star James Blake) Marc Lasry is betting on Pickleball.

Although his investment in pickleball is not a huge one for a billionaire, Marc believes Pickleball could pay out major dividends. Even more than his recent return from selling his 25% share in the Milwaukee Bucks.

When he and James Blake bought the Lions, it was worth $100k. Today he says it’s worth $10M.

Who else is bullish on Pickleball?

The Clap-Back

Travis Rettenmaier issued a rebuttal to the Washington Post writer who decided it was a good idea to write an article about how “bad” pickleball is.

Don’t talk smack about pickleball…😡

Ain’t no party, like a pickleball party

• Drew Brees is throwing a pickleball festival in New Orleans, August 10-13

• The USA Pickleball National Championships are moving to Dallas this November. Based on the commercials running during this weekend’s tournament, it looks like food, music and a whole lot of pickleball. Who’s got my media pass?

Bag Check

What do we think about this bag?

I was recently served an ad for this bag on Instagram.

Although I love the effort, is the bag trying “too hard”.

Here are my thoughts on what makes a perfect bag:

• Heat protected compartment for paddles

• Main storage area for towel and extra clothes

• Water bottle pocket

• Small pockets for accessories like lead tape and grips

• Dedicated storage for balls

• Dedicated shoe compartment (that doesn’t take too much space away from the main storage)

Does anyone make a pickleball bag that fits everything you need? I’m on the hunt.

Pickle-Pong. In or Out?

Personally, I’m out. But, if you buy one of these tables, please invite me over so I can experience the hype.

Worth Watching

Check out the recent interview with 25 year old owner of pickleball paddle brand, Vatic Pro with Building Pickleball.

Pickleball Needs Fan Experiences

Be sure to tune into this weeks podcast where I talk about the types of fan experiences pickleball needs to grow their fan-base while creating new marketing opportunities for itself.

Watch the pros

• The PPA will be on Amazon Prime today for Championship Sunday

• The APP will be in New York for the New York City Open next weekend

Alright folks, I’m out. It’s time to play some pickleball.

If you enjoyed this week’s newsletter, share it with someone you’re dinking with later. Or better yet, send it to your entire group. Please?

Until next week…

– “Downtown” Logan Brown