Pickleball Headlines Of Last Week: Critiques and Launches

Pickleball Headlines Of Last Week: This week’s pickleball news is packed with drama and excitement. Collin Johns raises eyebrows with his sharp critique of Major League Pickleball’s draft and scoring systems, sparking debate about fairness in the league. On the competitive front, 23-year-old Dylan Frazier secures his spot at the top of men’s doubles, showcasing his remarkable rise in the sport. Meanwhile, MLP Kansas City heats up as teams vie for playoff spots. Expansion continues with Picklr’s new franchises across Colorado and Pickleball Kingdom’s new facility in Yakima, signaling rapid growth in the pickleball community. Stay tuned for all the latest updates!

1. Collin Johns Critiques Major League Pickleball

In a recent email blast, Collin Johns pulled no punches in his critique of Major League Pickleball (MLP). Johns contends that the league’s draft system undermines competitive integrity by pairing elite players with those of lower skill levels. His dissatisfaction extends to the scoring system, which he claims disproportionately favors less skilled players. Beyond this, Johns raises red flags about team dynamics, the overemphasis on singles matches, and what he perceives as unsportsman like conduct. Venue standards, equipment quality, and inconsistent paddle testing also make his list of grievances. While some stakeholders resonate with Johns’ concerns, others see his comments as an attempt to deflect personal shortcomings. The debate highlights ongoing tensions about fairness and professionalism in MLP.

2. Dylan Frazier Claims Top Spot in Men’s Doubles

Dylan Frazier, 23, has ascended to the pinnacle of pickleball’s men’s doubles scene. From his early start at age 13, Frazier’s recent triumph at the PPA Orange County Cup with partner JW Johnson has earned them the No. 1 ranking. Unlike many of his peers, Frazier lacks a tennis background, a fact that makes his success all the more impressive. Balancing his pickleball career with a Business Administration degree at the University of Missouri, Frazier remains focused on defending his title at the upcoming Selkirk Kansas City Open. “There’s a lot of pressure to maintain the top spot,” he admits, underscoring the high stakes of his sport.

3. MLP Kansas City: The Final Push

The MLP Kansas City event reaches its climax as teams make their final push for playoff spots. The stakes are high, with every point crucial for securing playoff positions and the coveted two byes. As the tournament wraps up its third and final day, the competition promises to be intense, with teams fighting for every advantage in the playoff race.

4. Expansion of Picklr and Colorado Pickleball

Colorado Pickleball ADA LLC is expanding its footprint with 15 new indoor pickleball franchises along the Front Range, stretching from Cheyenne, Wyo., to Castle Rock. The Picklr network, North America’s fastest-growing indoor pickleball chain, is not slowing down, with plans to open three new facilities by the end of 2024 and an additional four to six in 2025.

5. Pickleball Kingdom Opens in Yakima

Pickleball Kingdom, the largest indoor pickleball franchise in the U.S., is set to open a new facility in Yakima, Washington. Under the leadership of Shane Martin and Mei-Lynne Statler, the new location will boast state-of-the-art amenities, including climate-controlled courts and elite training programs. As the brand continues its national expansion, Pickleball Kingdom is actively seeking new franchisees to meet the growing demand in Washington. Interested parties should reach out to the company for more information on franchise opportunities.

News in Brief: Pickleball Headlines Of Last Week