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Pickleball Attracting Athletes & Malls | 4 Keys to Improve Your Game

Pickleball Attracting Athletes & Malls | 4 Keys to Improve Your Game

Malls are taking on pickleball, athletes are investing, and we got more tips to help you improve your game.

The Pickleball Clinic
May 17, 2023

Welcome back to The Pickleball Clinic newsletter!

Today we’re going to explore why so many pro athletes are investing in Pickleball, along with an array of training tips to help you improve your game.

Let’s dive in 👇

Is Owning a Pro Team Worth It?

There is a large percentage of athlete-celebrities with ownership in pro pickleball teams.

🏈 Tom Brady
🎾 Chris Evert
🎾 Kim Clijsters
🏀 Lebron James
🏊🏼 Michael Phelps
⚾ Justin Verlander

But are they good investments?

Most of the athletes bought teams when they were worth $1M — and expansion fees are now at $3M.

So far, so good…

But ultimately, monetary success will come down to TV rights and sponsorship.

In January, the APP agreed to TV deals with CBS Sports and ESPN. But that’s not the MLP (which is where all these team owners sit).
The PPA-MLP combo had one tournament appear on ABC and six air on Tennis Channel last year with plans to expand in 2023.

If the MLP can land a legit TV deal — teams will most likely hit a $7-10 million valuation.

Would you invest in a pro pickleball team?

Coming June 6th: The Next Evolution in JOOLA Paddle Innovation

If you’ve watched any pro pickleball recently, you’ve most likely seen Ben Johns and other JOOLA Pros swinging a new paddle. We’re excited to announce that coming up on June 6th, the JOOLA Perseus paddle will be set to launch to the public. The paddle is the result of countless hours of research and development including in depth testing with our JOOLA Pros. The next evolution of JOOLA paddle innovation is just around the corner and we can’t wait for you all to experience it!

Want to achieve high-level play?

Here are 4 fundamentals you MUST master:

Keep your paddle in the ready position between shots. The ready position is when your paddle is in front of your chest and in a neutral position so that you're prepared to hit any shot.
Eliminate your backswing on dinks and volleys.
Hold your ground at the kitchen line: only back up if you're lobbed or about to be attacked.
Keep your feet active!

Focus on these 4 fundamentals this week (and you’ll see instant improvement).

Yep 😂

Pickleball Is Coming to a Mall Near You

We finally figured out what the “beyond” in “Bed Bath & Beyond” stands for…

The “beyond” stands for pickleball courts.

No seriously!

Pickleball is coming to your local mall, replacing bankrupt retailers.

Pickleball America is taking over an 80,000-square-foot anchor space in a Stamford, Connecticut Saks 5th Avenue store
The Meadows at Lake Saint Louis plans to fill the space once occupied by Bed Bath & Beyond with a pickleball club

A pickleball facility recently opened in a former Burlington store space at Shore Mall in New Jersey
A pickleball club took over an Old Navy space at a New Hampshire mall.

As pickleball continues to grow in popularity — expect to see more spaces pop up (including in malls).

Interview

Aaron went behind the scenes at this year’s US Open.

This was a unique episode:

See how live pickleball is created
Take a look at the equipment that is required
And a new 24/7 pickleball streaming platform

Looking for an Elite Pickleball? The Elite 40 is here…

PCKL’s Elite 40 pickleball is designed for competitive, high-quality play. It mixes firmness, durability, and brightness to help give players an experience, not just a game or hitting session. It’s USA Pickleball approved and pickleball fan confirmed. Try these…you won’t regret it.

Use PBCLINIC10 to save 10% off their site or grab a 4-pack on Amazon.