Ben Johns and Collin Johns End Partnership: The Dink has confirmed that Ben Johns and Collin Johns will end their partnership in men’s doubles effective immediately. The duo, who began playing together in the 2021 season, won 33 titles in just a few years. However, after dominating the sport for a long stretch, the pair struggled with repeated losses during mid-2024, leading to the decision to part ways.
A Breakup After Success
Ben and Collin Johns’ partnership was a dominant force in the men’s doubles circuit. Since joining forces in 2021, they secured 33 titles, becoming one of the most successful teams in pickleball history.
But things changed in 2024 when the pair began facing unexpected defeats. After years of consistent success, they found themselves unable to recapture their former dominance, leading to the shock breakup.
Preliminary Approval List for PPA/MLP Season Leaked
Meanwhile, Alex Lantz from the Kitchen leaked a list of “preliminary approval” brands for the upcoming PPA/MLP season. The list includes most of the major brands in the pickleball industry, but it notably omits several key names.
Gearbox, Engage, Head, Gamma, and Vatic are not on the list for now, despite their strong presence in the sport. This list overlaps with the brands mentioned in a recent letter, led by Selkirk, which demanded changes to the sport’s rules and structure.
The Impact of the Breakup and Leaked List
The breakup of Ben and Collin Johns will have a significant impact on the men’s doubles field, as their partnership was one of the sport’s most successful. Fans and players alike will be watching to see how the change affects both players’ futures in pickleball.
The leaked list of approved brands also raises questions about the future of the sport’s relationship with certain companies. The omission of major brands like Gearbox, Engage, and Head suggests tensions within the sport and could signal future changes in how brands and events align.
Both events show that the pickleball world is evolving rapidly. As players make major decisions about their careers and brands navigate new relationships with major events, the landscape of professional pickleball may look very different in the coming years.
News in Brief: Ben Johns and Collin Johns End Partnership
Ben Johns and Collin Johns are ending their successful men’s doubles partnership after a series of mid-2024 losses. Meanwhile, a leaked list reveals key brands like Gearbox, Engage, Head, and Gamma are not approved for the upcoming PPA/MLP season, signaling potential changes and tensions in professional pickleball.
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