Apollo $225M Pickleball Inc. Merger & Pro Tour Expansion
Key Questions
What is the Apollo-backed merger involving Pickleball Inc.?
Pickleball Inc. is merging the MLP and PPA Tours along with media and retail operations, supported by $225M in backing from Apollo. The deal establishes a Naples hub and confirms the 2026 MLP St. Pete flagship event for June 17-21.
How has the PPA 2026 Carvana Spring Tour performed?
The tour reports a 58% increase in ticket revenue, record CBS viewership, and 37% growth in followers. PPA is also expanding to Spain with a 7-tournament tour starting in September 2026.
What recent media deals and events involve the St. Louis Shock?
St. Louis Shock secured the first MLP team media deal with 'Shock & Awe' on PickleballTV and is hosting an MLP event at Chaifetz Arena on May 30. Group play is ongoing with multiple match replays available.
Who won the MLP Columbus final?
NJ 5s, featuring ALW, went undefeated and swept St. Louis 3-0 in the final. Ben Johns has been dominating recent events.
What trades occurred after the MLP Columbus event?
Post-Columbus trades included Samantha Parker to Mad Drops, Genie Bouchard to Carolina, and a swap between Judit Castillo and Alix Truong. Additional roster moves continue amid reported chaos.
What criticisms have been raised about the PPA tour?
The Nasty Nelson podcast suggested PPA lags behind APP and WPC in player experience. Podcasts like SHOCK UNDER PRESSURE and Dink provide further insider analysis.
What pro drama highlights are mentioned from recent MLP events?
Zane Navratil's 'Let's go Fives' clown town moment and 'Anna Leigh Island' strategy are noted. 'BEN IS BACK!' recaps cover Columbus and Dallas with Ben Johns and ALW.
When is the next confirmed MLP flagship event in Florida?
The 2026 MLP St. Pete flagship is scheduled for June 17-21 as the Florida Smash. Multiple group play matches from St. Louis are available for replay.
Pickleball Inc. merges MLP/PPA Tour, media, retail with $225M Apollo backing; Naples hub; confirmed 2026 MLP St. Pete flagship June 17-21 Florida Smash. PPA 2026 Carvana Spring Tour reports 58% ticket revenue jump, record CBS viewership and 37% follower growth. PPA expands to Spain with 7-tournament tour starting Sept 2026. St. Louis Shock secures first MLP team media deal (Shock & Awe on PickleballTV) and is hosting an MLP event at Chaifetz Arena (May 30) – group play ongoing with multiple match replays and Ben Johns dominating. MLP Columbus final: NJ 5s (with ALW) went undefeated, sweeping St. Louis 3-0. Palm Beach Royals media day features player stories. Recent criticism from Nasty Nelson podcast suggests PPA lags behind APP & WPC in player experience. MLP trade chaos after Columbus: Samantha Parker to Mad Drops, Genie Bouchard to Carolina, Judit Castillo/Alix Truong swap. SHOCK UNDER PRESSURE podcast and Dink podcast provide insider analysis. Zane Navratil's 'Let's go Fives' clown town moment and 'Anna Leigh Island' strategy highlight pro drama. Latest: 'BEN IS BACK! MLP Columbus & Dallas Recap' with Ben Johns and ALW, plus Las Vegas Night Owls vs Brooklyn match replay.