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.

Welcome to Episode 67 of The Future of Pickleball Show! In this episode, Paul Olson welcomes Peter and Christine Burrows, founders of Pickleball Corporate Team Building (PB-CB). They share their journey from tennis to pickleball, how they started their business, and how pickleball can create a great team building environment. They also discuss how pickleball is a great fit to improve corporate communication, how they have helped bring beginners into the sport of pickleball, and their plans for expansion of PBCB.

Welcome to Episode 66 of the Future of Pickleball Show! In this episode, Paul Olson welcomes Selkirk co-owner and director of research & development (R&D) Tom Barnes about the company's advancements in pickleball technology and product development. Tom discusses traditional testing methods and how the standard has changed to a more quantitative approach. Plus, the importance of balancing performance with accessibility in equipment design and the need for standards and governance in the industry. They also discuss the formation of the Pickleball Equipment Manufacturers Association — emphasizing the importance of dynamic testing and the need for manufacturers to have a united voice in the pickleball industry. Selkirk is pursuing the idea of "responsible growth" in pickleball to enhance community engagement and player experience.

Welcome to Episode 65 of The Future of Pickleball Show. In this episode, Paul Olson welcomes Frank Arico, co-founder of Pickleball England and one of the key figures developing pickleball across Europe. Frank made the transition from table tennis to pickleball before establishing Pickleball England, and he shares his journey and challenges in creating a unified European federation. Paul and Frank also discuss the importance of governance, funding, and the role of grassroots play in pickleball's growth. Plus, learn more about the upcoming European Team Championships and what it means for the sport across the continent.

Welcome to Episode 64 of the Future of Pickleball Show. In this episode, Paul Olson welcomes AJ Jain, the founder of Pickleball Minds, a community for pickleball business owners. They discuss the global expansion of pickleball, upcoming pickleball events, and the importance of collaboration within the pickleball community. AJ also shares the efforts Pickleball Minds is making to help pickleball become an Olympic sport.

Welcome to Episode 63 of the Future of Pickleball podcast! In this episode, Paul Olson talks with Dr. Kwabena Akufo, who has been working to grow pickleball in Africa. Dr. Akufo shares his journey: from discovering pickleball in the United States, to establishing the sport in Ghana during the COVID pandemic, and eventually forming the Confederation of African Pickleball. He talks about the successes and challenges of growing a sport across an entire continent, and how it was finally included as a demonstration sport in the African Games. Paul and Dr. Akufo talk about the grassroots approach to sports development, the importance of community engagement, and the vision for pickleball's future in Africa.

Welcome to Episode 62 of The Future of Pickleball show. In this episode, Paul Olson talks with Ashley Owens, co-founder of CourtReserve about her journey into pickleball, the evolution of CourtReserve, and the importance of technology in pickleball. Ashley also shares insights on future innovations in pickleball technology and the sport's growth and demographics.

Welcome to Episode 61 of the Future of Pickleball show! In this episode, Paul Olson talks about Patrick Sullivan, Jr., co-founder of Jigsaw Health, about the relation between health and pickleball. They discuss the impact of COVID-19 on pickleball, the creation of The Orchard as a dedicated pickleball venue, and the launch of the Arizona Pickleball League. Patrick also shares insights into the production of the documentary "Breaking Pickleball."

Welcome to Episode 60 of The Future of Pickleball show! In this episode, Paul Olson welcomes Amitabh Jain, founder and managing partner of Rally Sports Venture and Pickleball Minds, and Steve Kuhn, founder of Major League Pickleball and DUPR, to discuss the growth of pickleball in Asia, the launch of World Pickleball Ventures, and the potential for pickleball to unite communities globally. Plus, how investment and technology will be important worldwide for the growth of pickleball. Jain and Kuhn also share their insights on how pickleball can foster connections across cultures and demographics, making it a truly global phenomenon.

Welcome to Episode 59 of The Future of Pickleball show! In this episode, Paul Olson welcomes Karen Mitchell, co-founder of Pickleball England. Karen talks about the early days of pickleball in England and how it has evolved over the years, growing from a few thousand in the early days to more than 35,000 today. She also highlights the success of the English Open, which saw an impressive increase in participation, and the challenges of organizing such a large tournament. Pickleball England has a goal of gaining recognition from Sport England and potentially making pickleball a professional sport.

Welcome to Episode 57 of the Future of Pickleball show! In this episode, Paul Olson welcomes Ace Rodrigues, founder & CEO of Pickleball Kingdom. Ace shares his journey of discovering pickleball and turning it into a successful franchise business with more than 350 locations. Pickleball Kingdom is run by five value statements: that life is better with pickleball; competition is fun; playing pickleball is good for physical, social, and spiritual well-being; community is pickleball's greatest asset; and pickleball players should respect their teammates and everyone they come into contact with. Pickleball Kingdom focuses on both open play and reservations to accommodate different player preferences. The franchise is expanding internationally, with plans to enter the Middle East, Canada, and Australia.

Welcome to Episode 57 of The Future of Pickleball show! In this episode, Paul Olson welcomes Todd Boss, a writer for the Forbes Sports Money blog. Todd has a background as a database specialist and specializes in analyzing pickleball data, which has helped him understand the importance of technology in the sport of pickleball, including: match statistics, line challenges, and court management systems. Todd also talks about his racquetball background and how that prepared him for writing about pickleball, as well as the future of professional pickleball and the potential for global rankings and tournaments.

Welcome to Episode 56 of the Future of Pickleball podcast! In this episode, Paul Olson welcomes Pranav Kohli, CEO of Pickleball United. Kohli discusses the growth of pickleball in Asia, and especially India, and the growing popularity among many demographic groups, including tennis pros, juniors, and the 40+ age group. Kohli mentions the growth of pickleball in other Asian countries, such as China, Vietnam, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Pickleball United has been converting tennis courts into pickleball courts all across the world, which is helping Kohli achieve his mission of making pickleball the most-played racquet sport in the world (and potentially being accepted as an Olympic sport). Kohli also discusses the Pickleball World Ranking and the Pickleball World Tour, which aim to create a ranking system and organize major events with significant prize money.

Welcome to Episode 55 of The Future of Pickleball show! In this episode, Paul Olson chats with Chandler Carney, board member at the Global Pickleball Federation and founder of KONDOR Pickleball, an international pickleball sporting goods company. They discuss the growth of pickleball in South America, as well as the role of the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF) in governing the sport globally. Chandler explains the importance of governance and compliance with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), inclusivity and gender equality in pickleball, and the potential of pickleball being added to the Olympics.

Welcome to Episode 54 of The Future of Pickleball podcast! In this episode, Paul Olson welcomes Tito Machado, CEO of DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Ratings), a scale to measure pickleball skills and rankings. Machado talks about not having an age variant in DUPR, the evolution of the DUPR algorithm, and their growing partnerships with associations and pickleball governing bodies across the world. Olson and Machado also talk about growing pickleball internationally and how that will happen only through collaboration.

Welcome to Episode 53 of The Future of Pickleball Show! In this episode, Paul Olson welcomes Aman Grover with Fansplay to talk about the role of technology in enhancing the sport of pickleball. Fansplay is a pickleball fantasy game that allows players to play virtually and watch pickleball tournaments from anywhere in the world. Plus, will AI technology be the future of pickleball? And why the World Pickleball Rankings & Tour may be what helps get pickleball accepted as an Olympic sport.

Welcome to Episode 52 of The Future of Pickleball show. In this episode, Paul Olson talks about the new partnership between Selkirk and Swimply for pickleball courts. Swimply is a backyard pool rental app that now includes pickleball courts as well. Learn more about Swimply's marketplace that serves hosts who have backyard pickleball courts with guests who want to access them. The partnership between Swimply and Selkirk aims to provide a seamless experience for people new to pickleball, offering access to courts and equipment.

Welcome to Episode 51 of the Future of Pickleball podcast. In this episode, Paul Olson welcomes guest Noah Suemnick, founder of the National Collegiate Pickleball Association (NCPA). Noah talks about starting his first pickleball club and how that evolved into a national organization. He also discusses colleges who are adding pickleball as an official sport, now and in the future, and how they are dealing with challenges like funding and creating a welcoming and competitive environment for pickleball players!

Welcome to Episode 50 of The Future of Pickleball show! In this episode, Paul Olson welcomes Will Richards and Ben Litalien with the Dill Dinker Pickleball. Richards and Litalien discuss the history of the Dill Dinker and how important franchises will be to the growth of pickleball. Pickleball provides community and a sense of belonging, and the goal of the Dill Dinker is to grow pickleball, both in the United States and internationally.

Welcome to the newest episode of the Future of Pickleball show! In this episode, Paul Olson welcomes the National Pickleball League (NPL) CEO Paul Bamundo and Dr. Rommie Maxey, co-owner of the NPL league team the Houston Hammers. Learn more about the formation of the NPL, its expansion, team ownership, club development, business model, and the future visions for the league, as well as how the expansion draft changed the NPL.

Welcome to Episode 48 of the Future of Pickleball Show! In this episode, Paul Olson is joined by Lee Zellweger, president of InPickleball Media. They talk about the evolution of media in the pickleball space, the potential of growth of pickleball events on broadcast TV, and a Stephen Colbert pickleball special that brought in new fans to the sport. We also discuss community, social, and health aspects of playing pickleball and Lee gives his predictions on the future of pickleball.

Pickleball has the potential to become the largest participation sport in the world! Pickleball has seen significant growth in ALL age groups from the 65+ retiree group the sport was known for, all the way through the 19-25 year old young adult group, including college students. It is also genderless in its appeal. The sport offers a range of benefits, including health and wellness, social interaction, and gender neutrality. It is also a safe alternative to sports with a high risk of injuries. The growth of pickleball is not limited to the United States, as countries like Canada, Mexico, India, China, and areas in Europe and Africa are also experiencing a surge in interest and participation

Welcome to episode 46 of the Future of Pickleball Show! Join Paul Olson as we discover the remarkable journey of pickleball's growth in Belgium with Kassandra Bourgeois. From overcoming challenges to fostering the sport's expansion in Europe, Kassandra provides valuable insights into Belgium's pickleball landscape. Explore the origins of Belgium's interest in pickleball, its growing quality, and its prospects in the European Pickleball Championships. We also gain exclusive insights into the Belgium Open and the pivotal role of the European Federation in promoting the sport globall.

Welcome to Episode 45 of the Future of Pickleball podcast! In this episode, Paul Olson speaks with Dr. Grove Higgins and Joe Frasca, key figures that founded NeuroAthlete and NeuroPickleball, about the role of the neurological system in athletic performance and how training the brain can improve strength, speed, and endurance. The guests share their personal experiences with injuries and how they have used neurofeedback, PRP injections, and other techniques to recover and improve their game. They also discuss the importance of vision training and eye protection in pickleball.

Welcome to episode 44 of the Future of Pickleball Show where we delve into the trends and dynamics shaping the future of this beloved sport! In this episode, we're joined by host Paul Olson, a prominent figure in the sports industry, to discuss the exponential growth of pickleball. Explore the reasons behind pickleball's rapid rise in popularity, with insights drawn from Phoenix, AZ, serving as a prime example. Discover the role of international alliances in fostering pickleball's global expansion and why its versatility as a multi-purpose court sport is key to its success. Dive into discussions on innovation, design, and how pickleball is more than just a game—it's a lifestyle. Plus, learn how to deliver the perfect elevator pitch for pickleball's appeal.

Welcome to episode 43 of the Future of Pickleball Show, your guide to the dynamic evolution of pickleball! Join us for an insightful episode as host Paul Olson has special guest Rob Nunnery visit the show. Rob shares his remarkable journey from his introduction to pickleball to past life experiences. Explore fascinating topics such as the future of pickleball technology, the "pattern of play," and the inspiring story of Rob's battle with Crohn's Disease. Gain valuable insights into international pickleball, potential Olympic inclusion, and the global talent landscape.

Welcome to episode 42 of the Future of Pickleball Show! In this special episode, host Paul Olson talks with Roger BelAir, a true pickleball pioneer. From exploring pickleball's journey into jail and prison systems to examining the impact of Covid-19, this episode offers valuable insights into a world many people are too familiar with. Learn about Roger's background and the pivotal role Cook County Jail - Chicago, Illinois had in spreading pickleball.

Welcome to episode 41 of the Future of Pickleball Show! In this pickleball thriller, we uncover the transformative impact of conferences with Amitabh Jain, a business management executive with roots in business process services & outsourcing, eLearning, and the IT industry. Together, we will explore the diverse backgrounds and insights of professionals converging at the Pickleball Minds Conference Series in Princeton, NJ. Learn how this event bridges various fields together and how it foster's invaluable exchanges of expertise. Discover the global reach of the conference and gain valuable takeaways while embracing different perspectives on the sport. PLUS, get an exclusive glimpse into the African Games and the future of pickleball on a global scale.

Welcome to the Future of Pickleball Show, your gateway to the evolving landscape of pickleball! In episode 40, Paul Olson delves into a captivating discussion with President of APPL Inc., Greg Mather, as he unveils the inception of APPL (Arizona Pickleball Players League) and its nationwide expansion, shedding light on pickleball team dynamics. Learn how to start your own team-based pickleball league and explore APPL and the pivotal role it plays in shaping the trajectory of team pickleball. Tune in for an insightful exploration of the evolving pickleball landscape and the promising horizons that lie ahead!

Explore the history of pickleball at Texas A&M, tracing its evolution within the university. Marybeth Henthrone shares valuable insights on initiating a pickleball club program at a university, offering a roadmap for enthusiasts eager to bring pickleball to campus life. Jump into an intriguing conversation about the potential establishment of a national collegiate association for pickleball, assessing its possibilities and impact on the sport's growth.

Explore the evolution of pickleball with special guest Brad Penny. Discover Brad's baseball background and how he got involved with PBX Pickleball, discussing their influence in depth. Join us for an engaging comparison between MLB, NBA, and NFL pickleball teams. Gain a deep understanding of Brad's efforts to introduce pickleball among professional athletes, fueling the sport's remarkable growth.