Evan Floersch and the Texas Ranchers: As Major League Pickleball (MLP) expands, Evan Floersch, CEO of the Texas Ranchers, is leading the charge to turn professional pickleball into a mainstream sports powerhouse. With a strategic vision and a focus on branding, community, and star power, Floersch believes pickleball is on the verge of becoming America’s next major professional sport.
From Soccer to Startups to Sports Ownership
Floersch’s path to sports team ownership was anything but traditional. A former college soccer player at Emory University, he transitioned into entrepreneurship, launching multiple ventures centered around branding and impact.
His pickleball journey began in 2021 when MLP expanded to 16 teams. Unlike high-profile investors like LeBron James, Tom Brady, and Anheuser-Busch, Floersch wasn’t handed a franchise. Instead, he negotiated a deal to acquire the Texas Ranchers, a move that positioned him as a key figure in pickleball’s future.
Why Pickleball, and Why Now?
With over 40 to 50 million recreational players in the U.S. and the recent merger of MLP and the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) into the United Pickleball Association (UPA), the sport has gained significant momentum.
Floersch sees tremendous financial and cultural opportunity, noting that female pro pickleball players already earn more on average than WNBA players—a rare feat in professional sports.
However, recognition remains a challenge. Despite the sport’s rapid rise, only 3% of players can name Ben Johns, pickleball’s top-ranked player. Floersch’s solution? Build stars, tell compelling stories, and increase the sport’s visibility.
Building a New Kind of Sports Franchise
Unlike traditional sports ownership, where billionaires and family dynasties dominate, the Texas Ranchers are rewriting the playbook. Floersch has structured the team’s ownership into three key investor groups:
- Athletes and celebrities – Expanding the brand’s global appeal.
- Family offices – Leveraging professional sports experience.
- Industry leaders and marketers – Driving brand growth and fan engagement.
Big names like Lil Wayne and NFL star Bijan Robinson have invested, but not just as silent partners. Floersch prioritizes active involvement, ensuring investors contribute beyond just their name on a press release.
“What superpowers do they bring to the table?” he asks, emphasizing strategic activation through merchandising, pop culture integration, and community outreach.
The Rivalry With the Dallas Flash and What’s Next
Every great league needs rivalries, and for the Texas Ranchers, the biggest battle is with the Dallas Flash—the reigning MLP champions. Their head-to-head matchups are quickly becoming must-watch events.
For fans, pickleball has never been easier to follow. Matches are broadcast on Pickleball TV (available on Amazon Prime), ESPN, and Fox Sports.
The season culminates at the MLP Championship in Central Park’s CityPickle at Wollman Rink, where over 10,000 fans gather to witness the action. For those in Austin, an MLP tour stop in May will give local fans the chance to see the Texas Ranchers in action.
News in Brief: Evan Floersch and the Texas Ranchers
Evan Floersch and the Texas Ranchers are redefining professional pickleball, turning it into a mainstream sports franchise. With celebrity investors, innovative branding strategies, and rising rivalries, the team is set to be a driving force in Major League Pickleball’s growth. Fans can catch their matches on Pickleball TV, ESPN, and Fox Sports.
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