The Future of Pickleball

What does it really take for pickleball to go global — and make the Olympics? In Episode 87 of Future of Pickleball, host Paul Olson sits down with investigative pickleball journalist Erik Tice (‪@TheDinkPickleball‬) to break down the urgent need for a unified international governing body. 🚨 They discuss: The battle between the GPF, WPF, and IPFWhy the 2032 Brisbane Olympics might be pickleball’s shotWhat “global governance” actually meansVoting systems, IOC recognition, and the SportsAccord processHow to grow pickleball in low-resource countriesWhy this matters more than tour rivalries or league politics

In this episode of Future of Pickleball, we dive into a game-changing conversation about the fast-growing world of senior professional pickleball—and why it’s becoming the heartbeat of the sport’s expansion.

In Episode 85 of The Future of Pickleball, host Paul Olson sits down with NFL quarterback-turned-pickleball-champion-for-change Jake “The Snake” Plummer for a powerful and wide-ranging conversation. Jake opens up about:🏈 His journey from NFL stardom to discovering pickleball in his 40s🎾 Why pickleball is the perfect sport for retired athletes and aging bodies🧠 How paddle sports can help combat brain health issues like CTE and dementia🍄 His mission with functional mushrooms and the GetUmbo wellness brand👟 Why he’s pushing for youth clinics, free access, and inclusivity in pickleball🎒 How multi-sport youth development creates better athletes—and better humansJake is a passionate voice for health, movement, and finding joy in the game—whether you’re 18 or 80. Whether you’re a former athlete, a parent, or someone just getting into pickleball, this episode will motivate you to get on the court and keep moving.

Welcome to Episode 84 of the Future of Pickleball podcast! In this episode, Paul Olson welcomes Jen Ramamurthy, secretary general and Oceania continental director of the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF) and Justin Maloof, chief competition officer at USA Pickleball and USA representative for GPF. Jen and Justin discuss the origins of the GPF, the role of Australia and Oceania in its development, and the importance of creating a unified international governing body for the sport. They also explain the challenges and opportunities in growing pickleball globally, including the need for resources, governance structures, and empowering every country to grow pickleball in their respective area. Collaboration among countries and organizations is important to foster pickleball's growth to establish a strong foundation for the future.

Welcome to Episode 83 of the Future of Pickleball podcast! In this episode, Paul Olson welcomes Max Ade, the co-founder and CEO of Pickleheads, a technology platform designed to connect pickleball players and help organize games. They discuss the evolution of pickleball, the importance of technology in the sport, and how Pickleheads is addressing many challenges, including skill level matching, court utilization, and player ratings. Max shares his predictions on the future of pickleball, including global expansion, the need for inclusivity in ratings, and the role of coaching in player development.

Welcome to Episode 82 of The Future of Pickleball show! In this episode, Paul Olson talks all about the first meeting of the International Association of Pickleball Facilities (IAPF), which highlights the significance for pickleball facility operators. During this event, figures in the pickleball industry will discuss the benefits of the association, including best practices, insurance, and the growth of pickleball facilities globally. Paul also shares the involvement of brands like Selkirk in supporting these facilities, plus insights about the future of pickleball and its community.

Welcome to Episode 81 of The Future of Pickleball Show. In this episode, Paul Olson welcomes Carl Foster, founder and event director for Foster Events Group, to discuss the upcoming World Pickleball Convention & Conference. Carl also discusses his pickleball journey, the importance of networking and media coverage in growing the sport, and the future of pickleball, including global governance, how to work with different player personalities, and the potential for pickleball in the Olympics.

Welcome to Episode 80 of The Future of Pickleball podcast. In this episode, Paul Olson welcomes Will Richards, founder and CEO of Dill Dinkers Pickleball. Will and Paul talk about the growth and development of Dill Dinkers, pickleball franchise models, market changes, the importance of programming, and customer base growth. Will also shares the growth of Dill Dinkers in China, Canada, Australia, and Dubai. "Global expansion will happen, but only with the right partners."

Welcome to Episode 79 of the Future of Pickleball show. In this episode, Paul Olson welcomes Ron Ponder, pickleball referee, member of the USA Pickleball rules committee, and the chair of the Officiating Committee for the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF). Ron discusses his pickleball journey, how refereeing the sport has evolved over the years, rule changes, and the impact of paddle testing on gameplay. They discuss the responsibilities of pickleball referees, particularly regarding line calls, and the biases players may have. Most referees are dedicated to growing the sport of pickleball and want to do all they can to maintain fair play. Ron also shares the role of the Global Pickleball Federation in growing pickleball internationally, especially in Asia, and why there is a need for a unified governing body to help pickleball grow and eventually (hopefully) be added as an Olympic sport.

Welcome to Episode 78 of the Future of Pickleball Show! In this episode, Paul Olson welcomes Scott Winters, co-founder of the Pickleball Management Group. Paul and Scott discuss the atmosphere at the US Open, the rollout courts, and how important player experience in pickleball events can be. Scott also shares his experience in racquetball and how it has formed his approach to pickleball, including lessons he learned from the decline of racquetball. They also discuss the introduction of the new Pickle Deck product, event planning strategies, and the potential for international growth of pickleball.

Welcome to Episode 77 of the Future of Pickleball podcast! In this episode, Paul Olson welcomes a panel of pickleball coaches: Mark Rennesion with Pickleball Coaching International (PCI), Dan Santorum with racketpro (RPO), Sarah Ansbury with the Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR), and Robert Elliott with the International Foundation of Players Academy (IFPA). The panel discusses their backgrounds and how they got into coaching, the importance of pickleball coaching certification, and the global growth of pickleball. The panel members share different innovative approaches to pickleball education, why authenticity and credibility are the two most important things a coach can have, and their different experiences in growing pickleball around the world. They emphasize the need for collaboration among the different pickleball organizations to ensure pickleball's evolution. The vision for a globally governed sport is an important factor in achieving global recognition and growth of pickleball.

Welcome to Episode 76 of the Future of Pickleball show! In this episode, Paul Olson welcomes Mark Renneson, founder of Pickleball Coaching International (PCI) and a key figure in pickleball coaching and education. Marks shares his journey from tennis coaching to pickleball, the importance of video in coaching, innovative approaches to teaching beginners, and the complexities of player ratings. They also explore the partnerships that have helped expand pickleball coaching around the world and the future of Pickleball Coaching International under Selkirk's ownership.

Welcome to Episode 75 of the Future of Pickleball Show! In this episode, Paul Olson welcomes Dr. Rommie Maxey, co-owner of the Houston Hammers, a National Pickleball League (NPL) pro team. Dr. Maxey and Paul discuss the future of pickleball, including the effort to establish a global governing body to unify the sport internationally. He also shares his pickleball experience, including owning clubs, training players, and organizing international trips. They explore the growth of pickleball participation, the need for standardization in equipment, and the rising interest in collegiate pickleball.

Welcome to Episode 74 of the Future of Pickleball Show! In this episode, Paul Olson welcomes Will Terry, professional illustrator and educator. He shares his experiences in pickleball, self-publishing, and how he came up with the idea of children's books centered around pickleball. Will's book series, Pickleball Paul, is a new way for children to learn about the sport of pickleball and encourages them to get out on the courts themselves.

Welcome to Episode 73 of the Future of Pickleball show! In this episode, Paul Olson welcomes a panel of pickleball media leaders: The Dink Pickleball content writer Erik Tice, Forbes pickleball contributing writer Todd Boss, and The Pickleball Studio host Chris Olson. Together, they discuss the important role of media in maintaining integrity and transparency within the sport of pickleball, the impact of cheating, and the ethical responsibilities of both media and pickleball manufacturers. They also talk about different challenges in pickleball paddle testing and why it will be so important for a pickleball manufacturer trade association to standardize the pickleball industry.

Welcome to Episode 72 of The Future of Pickleball show. In this episode, Paul Olson welcomes Yui See Lau, Canada and China director of The Dink Minor League Pickleball and China director for DUPR, to talk about the growth of pickleball in China and Canada, exploring the cultural significance of the sport, the challenges faced in expanding its reach worldwide, and the role of organizations like the Chinese Tennis Association in promoting pickleball. He also shares the importance of a standard pickleball rating system, and how important it will be for collaboration between international entities to help pickleball be recognized as an Olympic-worthy spot.

Welcome to Episode 71 of The Future of Pickleball show. In this episode, Paul Olson welcomes David Johnson, a pioneer in pickleball. David founded Pickleball Central and is a tournament director, former board member of USA Pickleball, and has launched a number of other pickleball-related businesses. They discuss current trends in pickleball equipment, global expansion, and investment opportunities. David also shares his insights on current pickleball paddle standards, the challenges between different ratings programs, and how important it is to keep the spirit of the game of pickleball through it all. He also highlights the role of the International Association of Pickleball Facilities in supporting the growth of the sport around the world.

Welcome to Episode 70 of the Future of Pickleball Show. In this episode, Paul Olson welcomes Carl Schmitz, chief technology officer of USA Pickleball, to discuss the evolving landscape of pickleball paddle testing and standards in the sport of pickleball. Mr. Schmitz also shares his journey in pickleball, the importance of ASTM standards, the rapid technological advancements in pickleball equipment, and the important role of testing in maintaining the integrity of the sport. They also discuss the responsibility of pickleball paddle manufacturers, compliance, and integrity as well as safety concerns related to paddle speed and the establishment of a manufacturers association to unify standards and combat counterfeiting.

Welcome to Episode 69 of The Future of Pickleball podcast! In this episode, Paul Olson welcomes Byron Freso, director of international referee training & officiating at the Association of Pickleball Players (APP). Paul and Byron discuss Byron's sports background, when and why he transitioned to pickleball, and his role in refereeing and organizational sides of pickleball. Byron also shares his thoughts on the global expansion of pickleball, the future of pickleball in Asia, and why the global unification of pickleball will help grow the sport so it can be included in the Olympics.

Welcome to Episode 68 of The Future of Pickleball Show! In this episode, Paul Olson welcomes Dotti Berry and Jody Belsher, authors of "EmPOWER: Pickleball Stories that Inspire: A collection of stories of women of all ages, levels, beliefs and backgrounds who play pickleball," about the transformative power of pickleball for women. Pickleball's community aspect helps players of all kinds be empowered and inspire personal growth. They also share how youth pickleball is going to change the future of the sport, how pickleball can help with addiction recovery, and how playing pickleball can have a positive impact on a player's mental and physical health.