- The Pickle Talk
- Posts
- An ODD pickleball partnership that just makes sense...(+ limited FREE samples)
An ODD pickleball partnership that just makes sense...(+ limited FREE samples)
PLUS: Pickleball Rule Book AI chatbot, first look + PPA & MLP parent company name announced
Welcome back, picklers.
Read time: ~5 min
If you’re a frequent Pickleball-Twitter-scroller, you might have seen this April Fool’s joke produced by the one and only The Dink Pickleball.
The rollercoaster of emotions I experienced after realizing it was fake was… uncalled for.
But seriously, if it were true, I’d be 110% invested. Wouldn’t you? 🙏🏼
Now, on to the newsletter.
How to read The Pickle Talk:
First, don’t click any links just yet. Read it all the way through, and then send it to a friend you think might benefit too.
Next, come back and dive into the links that caught your eye.
Last, go play some pickleball and stir up conversations with your newfound knowledge.
Enjoy :)
TODAY’S BANGERS:
Pickle Talk: 2 major pickleball partnerships we didn’t know we needed (+ free samples)
Bite-Size Pickle: PPA & MLP merger parent company announcement. MLP draft recap. Pickleball Twitter drama on FIRE. 🔥🔥
Golden Pickle: Pickleball Rule Book AI chatbot, FIRST LOOK 👀
Let’s get into some... PICKLE TALK 🎙️
An ODD pickleball partnership that just makes sense...(+ limited FREE samples)
Over the past couple of years since the major popularity boom of pickleball, it’s been heartwarming to see companies, big and small, partner with the sport we all love so much.
From Nike coming out with pickleball-specific shoes to major drink brands like Celcius sponsoring and hosting pickleball tournaments, it’s no secret that businesses are capitalizing on the trendy sport.
So today…I wanted to highlight 2 very cool pickleball collaborations that, I think, are quite interesting and worth looking into. One might cause a bit of a head tilt while one might make you think, “Wow, why didn’t this come out sooner?”
This week was a big week for pickleball and partnerships, so I wanted to share the big ones.
Here we go!
.
.
🥇First up, Nature Made.
Roughly a month ago, the very popular vitamin brand that sells in almost every major grocery store and vitamin shop announced via Businesswire that the company is now the “Official Vitamin of USA Pickleball.”.
It makes sense, right? Pickleball players have to stay healthy to play and Nature Made knew this was a perfect opportunity to market to a huge audience that is always on the move. Hence, take your vitamins.
Well, this past week, Nature Made released its first “pickleball gummies," clearly appealing to pickleball players specifically. Can you guess what flavor the gummies are?
If you guessed pickles, then you are absolutely correct. And here is proof to show you:
Swear to you not, I thought this was an April Fools joke, but nope…they are offering FREE 30-count gummy sample bottles right now on their website, while supplies last.
I just ordered mine. Here is the confirmation e-mail:
When I get it and try it, I’ll be sure to update you :)
.
.
🥈Alright, next up…. LULULEMON.
I’ve always been a big fan of Lululemon when it comes to the quality of their clothes (second-hand, all the way), but I have to say, the biggest turn-off for me has always been their prices.
I mean, 50 bucks for a pair of shorts?!
I can’t wrap my head around that. But leave it up to Lululemon to make my jaw drop again (and experience major FOMO).
Just a couple of days ago, I was checking out their site and what do you know…the athletics company officially released a pickleball-specific category tailored to those of us ball players who don’t mind paying an arm and a leg for a piece of clothing.
Putting my personal feelings aside for a moment, their releases do look SO comfy yet stylish.
That’s quite a bit for JUST a polo…but hey, if you can afford it, why not?
But I think I’ll be staying with my $20 Target and Amazon finds for the foreseeable future.
Check out the full lines for Men & Women if you’re interested :)
*BITE-SIZE* PICKLES
Last month, PPA & and MLP FINALLY finalized an agreement to merge the two pro pickleball associations.
In the past week, the 2 sides have come up with a name for the parent company:
United Pickleball Association (or UPA for short).
The creation of the parent company/holding company created $75 million of new investment hoping to create a solid capital foundation for the new business relationship.
***
The Major League Pickleball (MLP) draft season is underway, with Premier and Challenger leagues preparing for the next three years.
Notable player opt-outs, including the "Johnson Five," add intrigue, with nearly 20 players withdrawing, primarily due to conflicting schedules with Association of Pickleball Players (APP) events.
The Premier Draft introduces a dynamic bidding system, allowing teams to vie for top talent with a pool of 1 million points. Ben Johns leads the charge as the Seattle Pioneers secure the first pick, while intriguing selections like Anna Leigh Waters and Jack Sock shape team rosters.
From strategic maneuvers to standout picks, the MLP draft sets the stage for an exciting season ahead, with teams strategizing to build competitive lineups amidst player availability and draft dynamics.
***
3/ ➜ Happenings: Pickleball, Tennis, & Twitter argument
Pickleball pro Christian Alshon stirred up some controversy when he boldly stated that pickleball had made him a better athlete than tennis ever did.
This claim drew a sarcastic response from former tennis star James Blake, who implied that Alshon's success in tennis might not have been at a high level. Blake's quip triggered a debate among followers, with one user defending Alshon's tennis pedigree as a seventh-ranked recruit in his class.
Blake continued to jest, comparing Alshon's college wins to those of his 11-year-old daughter. Even tennis coach Rennae Stubbs chimed in, advising Alshon to reconsider his statement and urging him to delete the tweet.
GOLDEN PICKLES
🎫 Try it out: Pickleball Rule Book AI Chatbot
ICYMI…
No pickle left unturned 🥳
What did you think of today's email?
Your feedback helps me create better emails for you!
Thanks for reading!
Until next time, picklers.
Jonathan W.