Northern Lights Pickleball Club Joins CNPL: The Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL) is excited to announce the addition of the Northern Lights Pickleball Club, the league’s newest franchise located in the York and Simcoe region north of Toronto. This new team aims to bring high-level competition and community engagement to Ontario.
Meet the Owners
The Northern Lights are led by Jason Whyte and Michael Chao, both of whom have strong backgrounds in sports and media.
Jason Whyte – Media Producer and Pickleball Enthusiast
Jason Whyte, a native of Collingwood, Ontario, has worked in media for over 20 years. He founded JYTMedia in 2013, which provides live video production services for sports, including the CNPL.
His experience in elevating the league’s broadcasts makes him a valuable asset as a franchise owner for the Northern Lights. Jason’s expertise aims to make pickleball more accessible and engaging for fans across Canada.
Michael Chao – Former Basketball Player and Sports Advocate
Michael Chao’s sports journey began with basketball, where he played for the York Avengers REP team and the collegiate Georgian Grizzlies. After a knee injury in 2015 led him to discover pickleball, Michael fully transitioned to the sport by 2018.
He has since become deeply involved in community development and competitive play. As a successful entrepreneur, Michael owns several sports-related businesses, including North City Hoops and APA Ontario Circuit, which hosts tournaments and clinics.
Impact on the Local Community
With the Northern Lights franchise, the Barrie region is poised to become a key hub for pickleball talent and competition. The franchise is dedicated to building a championship-caliber team while growing the local pickleball community. They aim to provide top-tier entertainment for fans and players.
Looking Ahead
As the CNPL continues to expand, the Northern Lights are preparing for an exciting future. Fans can look forward to player announcements, team branding, and community engagement initiatives. The franchise is set to make a significant impact in the sport of pickleball.
News in Brief: Northern Lights Pickleball Club Joins CNPL
The Canadian National Pickleball League has announced the Northern Lights Pickleball Club as its newest franchise in the York and Simcoe region. Co-owned by Jason Whyte and Michael Chao, the team aims to enhance local competition and community engagement while promoting the sport throughout Ontario.
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