Connor Pardoe Defends UPA’s Growth: The Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour CEO Connor Pardoe responded Friday morning to claims by Jill Braverman about the United Pickleball Association’s (UPA) financial health. Braverman’s allegations, shared on Twitter and her podcast, suggest the UPA faces a financial crisis ahead of 2025.
Allegations of Financial Struggles
Braverman stated the merger between the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball (MLP) in 2024 has left the UPA in a challenging position. She claimed the organization requires a $10 million emergency loan by January 15 to meet its obligations.
Braverman also suggested the UPA could face competition from Pickleball World Ranking (PWR) and the APP Tour, threatening its stability. Her comments align with a new episode of her podcast, My Pickleball Life, where she shared concerns about the merged entity’s future.
Ten months after the blockbuster “$75 Million” merger between Major League Pickleball (Lebron James, Tom Brady, Anheuser-Busch) and Tom Dundon’s (Carvana, Top Golf) backed PPA Tour, the new entity (the UPA) needs an emergency bridge loan of $10mm by January 15 to meet its…..
— Jillian Braverman (@jillybpb) January 2, 2025
PPA CEO Defends UPA’s Health
In a series of tweets, Pardoe dismissed Braverman’s claims as misinformation, offering a contrasting view of the organization’s financial position. “The health and trajectory of professional pickleball have never been better,” he wrote.
He shared key financial figures, including $50 million in revenue for 2024 and a projection of $65 million for 2025. Sponsorships accounted for $35 million, ticket sales reached $10 million, and event registrations added $9 million, according to Pardoe.
“These numbers don’t lie,” he said, emphasizing the sport’s growth and its path toward becoming a $1 billion industry. While acknowledging challenges with the PPA-MLP merger, Pardoe highlighted the organization’s progress and the dedication of its team and players.
Criticism of Misinformation
Pardoe also criticized Braverman’s statements for spreading “half-truths and sensationalism.” He urged for unity in supporting the sport instead of tearing it down.
“If your goal is truly to help pickleball, spreading misinformation isn’t the way to do it,” he added, reinforcing his commitment to the game’s growth and stability.
Significance for Professional Pickleball
The financial debate comes as the first major pickleball event of the year approaches in Palm Springs. With the UPA aiming to expand the sport, the ongoing discussion could shape its public perception.
Fans and players will watch closely to see if the organization can maintain its momentum amid these challenges. The outcome of this dispute may influence pickleball’s path toward becoming a global sport and industry leader.
News in Brief: Connor Pardoe Defends UPA’s Growth
Jill Braverman alleged financial struggles for the United Pickleball Association (UPA), claiming a $10 million emergency loan is needed. PPA CEO Connor Pardoe refuted this, citing $50 million in 2024 revenue and strong growth projections. He criticized misinformation, emphasizing unity to support pickleball’s rise as a global sport and industry.