Evan Floersch’s Pickleball Vision: Evan Floersch, CEO and co-owner of the Texas Ranchers, shared his journey into Major League Pickleball (MLP) and his vision for the sport’s future during a recent conversation. With celebrities like LeBron James and Lil Wayne joining the league, MLP is growing fast, and Floersch wants to make it more accessible to everyone.
From Soccer to Pickleball Ownership
Evan Floersch, a former college soccer player at Emory University, explained how his passion for sports and entrepreneurship led him to pickleball. After working in media and tech, Floersch saw an opportunity to grow sports in Austin. Though he first failed to get a Major League Pickleball expansion team, he later partnered with league investor Tim Klit. Together, they created the Texas Ranchers, aiming to bring pickleball to more Austinites.
Why Pickleball Appeals to Fans and Players
Floersch described pickleball as a sport for all ages that’s exciting to watch and easy to learn. “It’s super fast-paced, and it’s really engaging to watch. And the more you watch it, the more you understand how layered and strategic it is,” he said. He noted that many people become fans just from watching a few matches online.
Unique Team Format Adds to the Excitement
Major League Pickleball matches include men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and two mixed doubles games. If the score is tied, there’s a singles tiebreaker. “The regular season runs from April to August, and then the playoffs and championship — the MLP Pritchard Cup — take place,” Floersch explained. This format makes matches more exciting and team-focused.
Managing Injuries and Building a Strong Team
After facing injury problems in the past season, the Ranchers added alternate players to their roster. This helps the team stay strong during illnesses or injuries. “It was a learning moment. And the team is really focused on competing for a championship,” said Floersch.
Engaging the Community Through Pickleball
Floersch shared that the Ranchers want to grow the sport in Texas communities. They’re organizing local events and supporting minor league pickleball to develop new players. He also mentioned, “We’re trying to build courts in underserved communities and introduce more people to the game.”
Famous Owners Help Grow the Sport
MLP has attracted many celebrity owners like Mark Cuban, Lil Wayne, and LeBron James. Floersch said they bring more attention to the sport and help grow it. “The celebrities are very involved in the community initiatives and the brand side,” he said. Many MLP teams are owned by groups of investors who work together.
Ways to Earn Money in Pickleball
According to Floersch, MLP earns money through sponsorships, merchandise, and tickets. Local events allow amateurs and pros to compete side by side. “It really helps create a local revenue opportunity,” he said. Floersch also hinted that TV and media rights could become a big source of income in the future.
Big Plans Ahead for the Texas Ranchers
Floersch is excited for the season kickoff in Orlando and the new team uniforms. The Ranchers also plan to host a pickleball festival in Austin. It will mix professional matches with music, food, and fun events. Floersch wants it to be “a celebration of the game.”
Looking Forward
Floersch encouraged fans to follow the Texas Ranchers online and on social media. He believes community support is key to growing the sport. With rising stars, high-energy matches, and big-name owners, Major League Pickleball is shaping up to be a major force in pro sports.
News in Brief: Evan Floersch’s Pickleball Vision
Texas Ranchers co-owner Evan Floersch shared how his sports passion led him to Major League Pickleball. He discussed community engagement, team building, and plans for a pickleball festival in Austin. Celebrity owners and unique match formats are helping MLP grow fast, with big things ahead for the Ranchers.
ALSO READ: MLP Columbus 2025: Unmissable Pickleball Showdowns and Themed Nights Await!