Houston, we have a new MLP team. 🔨 The Houston Hammers are officially joining Major League Pickleball for the 2027 season, bringing the league to 21 teams. Led by a new ownership group headed by Hugh Zhang, the franchise will also bring an MLP event to Houston in 2027. The announcement comes as MLP reports major growth in 2026, with attendance up 69%, ticket revenue up 87%, and social interactions up 106% year-over-year. The league is growing, and Houston is next.

🚨NEW PICKLEPOD IS LIVE!🚨 Zane and Nico break down the biggest upsets in Hong Kong, Ben and Gabe’s struggles, what actually makes someone a pickleball pro, and what the ultimate pro pickleball combine should look like. 🎙️ Watch the full episode now: youtube.com/watch?v=leqWmwcC…

Think you can spot a 3.0 from a 5.0? @ZaneNavratil and @NicoTheLefty put their pickleball knowledge to the test by guessing players' DUPR ratings just from watching them play.

Hong Kong did NOT disappoint. The PPA Tour Asia delivered major upsets, dominant performances, and a few familiar faces taking home gold. Federico Staksrud and Hayden Patriquin pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the tournament, taking down No. 1 seeds Ben Johns and Gabe Tardio. Anna Leigh Waters left Hong Kong with TWO gold medals, including a revenge win alongside Ben Johns over Anna Bright and Hayden Patriquin. Meanwhile, Waters and Bright continued their dominance in women's doubles, Hunter Johnson secured his third straight singles title, and Andie Dikosavljevic went back-to-back in women's singles. Some favorites delivered. Others got taken down. And a few players made sure Hong Kong was a tournament to remember.

360. No-look. Behind-the-back. WINNER. 🤯🔥 An absolutely INSANE shot from Hayden during the Bright/Patriquin vs. Johnson/Johnson mixed doubles semifinal at the PPA Hong Kong Slam. 🎥: PPA Tour

75+ pickleball clubs. 19 states. 7 countries and territories. 👀 What separates the clubs players LOVE from the ones they never return to? After visiting more than 75 facilities, Kaitlyn Kerr discovered that the best clubs all get the same five things right. From court design and technology to the one thing that keeps players coming back, it turns out a great pickleball club is about a lot more than just the courts. thedinkpickleball.com/5-thin…

Are women in pro pickleball held to a different standard? From on-court celebrations to showing emotion, @ZaneNavratil and @NicoTheLefty debate whether female players face more criticism than male players.

Does pro pickleball NEED a villain? From fiery celebrations to on-court drama, @ZaneNavratil and @NicoTheLefty debate whether the sport needs more big personalities to keep things entertaining. Could a little controversy be exactly what pickleball needs to keep its momentum going and take the sport to the next level?

Is Elliott Schupp the best lefty in pickleball right now? @ZaneNavratil and @NicoTheLefty debate where Schupp ranks. Does he deserve the top spot, or is someone else taking that title? Latest on the episode of PicklePod.

AI line calls are stirring up controversy in pro pickleball From questionable calls to players challenging what seems obvious, the new technology is already raising eyebrows. Are AI line calls improving the game or creating more controversy? @ZaneNavratil and @NicoTheLefty break it all down on the latest episode of PicklePod.

Your $250 paddle has a dirty little secret. In today's newsletter: - 9 paddles with long-lasting grit - AI line-calling controversy - 15 court shoes worth buying - Why busy pickleball clubs lose money Get the latest in pickleball, straight to your inbox. 📩 Subscribe for FREE: newsletter.thedinkpickleball…