The Chicago Slice’s Incredible Journey: Chicago Slice, Chicago’s only professional pickleball team, has quickly become a prominent force in the sport. Founded just last year, the four-member co-ed team is gearing up for the 2025 season after earning a promotion to Major League Pickleball’s premier division. This achievement follows their recent victory in the league championship, highlighting their rapid rise in pickleball.
Team Victories: From Challengers to Champions
Teammates Jack Munro, Megan Fudge, Allison Harris, and Brendon Long have made a significant impact on the league. Chicago Slice’s promotion is part of Major League Pickleball’s unique structure, which employs a promotion and relegation system akin to professional soccer.
“We’ve had a bunch of injuries and trades. We added a coach and made so many shifts and adjustments throughout the season. But that was our goal since day one, being promoted to premier.” – (Munro)
Their determination and teamwork paid off, culminating in their championship win.
Emergence of Major League Pickleball
Launched three years ago, Major League Pickleball was designed to capitalize on the sport’s rising popularity. Since its inception, the league has expanded to include 22 co-ed teams across its premier and challenger levels, attracting notable investors like NBA star LeBron James.
Pickleball itself has a rich history, originating in Washington in the late 1960s, primarily as an amateur sport played casually among friends and family.
Owner’s Passion: How Ron Saslow Found Pickleball
The journey of Chicago Slice began with owner Ron Saslow, who discovered the sport during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We played out of sheer boredom. The more we played, we realized that if we love it so much, likely others do as well.” – (Ron Saslow)
Saslow, founder and managing partner of Thirty-5 Capital, initially started selling pickleball paddles after realizing the growing interest in the game. His passion led him to explore forming a professional team in Chicago.
Partnering with Cubs owner Tom Ricketts and other investors, Saslow established Chicago Slice in 2023, creating a diverse ownership group that includes tennis legends Chris Evert and Tracy Austin, along with supermodel Heidi Klum.
Players’ Backgrounds: Jack Munro’s Journey
Jack Munro’s path to professional pickleball began during his childhood in California. After suffering a baseball injury, Munro started playing pickleball with his father, which sparked his passion for the sport.
“I actually played baseball growing up, ever since I could swing a bat. When I was 10, I got injured, basically fractured my growth plates.” – (Munro)
“I started playing with him after he was finished playing with his friends. I would come up and hit with him in my sling while I was injured.” – (Munro)
He developed his skills, becoming ambidextrous with the paddle and winning tournaments. Drafted as a first-round pick for the 2024 season, Munro noted,
“The Slice took a big risk on me. I wasn’t as well known back then, and them drafting me first round felt good. It also added a lot of pressure.” – (Munro)
League Operations: The Chicago Slice Experience
Currently, Major League Pickleball operates year-round, with the season typically commencing in the spring. Since the Chicago Slice does not have a designated home court, matches are held at neutral sites. However, the team hosted a memorable event at Wrigley Field’s Gallagher Way before a Chicago Cubs game in September.
“They got to sample deep dish pizza and rated it on a DUPR scale before playing an exhibition match vs. the St. Louis Shock.” – (team spokesman, Mac Molli)
The Chicago Slice is also fostering a competitive rivalry with St. Louis, adding excitement to the league.
Growing Popularity: The Future of Pickleball in Chicago
Interest in pickleball has surged in Chicago since 2020. To accommodate this growing demand, the Chicago Park District has pledged to construct 50 new courts by 2025, including three facilities specifically designed for hosting tournaments.
A new indoor facility is set to open at Irving Park next year, featuring 19,000 square feet of space across two levels and seven premium pickleball courts.
The rise of Chicago Slice and the expansion of pickleball facilities show the sport’s increasing popularity and potential for future growth in the city, promising an exciting future for players and fans.
News in Brief: The Chicago Slice’s Incredible Journey
Chicago Slice, the city’s only professional pickleball team, has quickly risen to prominence, earning promotion to Major League Pickleball’s premier division after winning the league championship.
Founded by Ron Saslow in 2023, the team features players like Jack Munro and is backed by notable investors, including Cubs owner Tom Ricketts. With plans for 50 new courts by 2025, pickleball’s popularity in Chicago continues to soar.
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